Youth for Understanding, one of the world’s oldest foreign exchange programs, brings life-long friendship and cultural experience into the homes of thousands across the country.

Youth for Understanding is one of the largest, oldest, and most-respected high school foreign exchange student programs in the United States. Over 2000 high school students live with host families across the United States every year. Local YFU volunteers and staff pair host families with students based on different hobbies and interest.

Host families have many different faces, and are all part of the American experience. Whether or not you have children, you can be a host family. If you and your family are willing to open yourselves to new experiences, share your lives with a fascinating teenager from a foreign land, and provide guidance, love and support to a young person who is beginning their journey into adulthood, then you too will be a great host family.

For more information about Youth for Understanding (YFU) and host family opportunities, please contact Caitlin Culver, New England, at (617) 868-3660 or cculver@yfu.org. Or visit www.yfu-usa.org where families and volunteers can learn more about YFU USA opportunities and complete an online application.