# Youth For Understanding USA High School Study Abroad

Nonprofit exchange sending US high schoolers to 35+ countries for a summer, semester or full year living with a host family and attending local school, with 200 merit-based scholarships awarded annually.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Youth For Understanding USA |
| Category | other |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Multiple, International |
| Apply | https://yfuusa.org/study/ |

## About this program

# Youth For Understanding USA High School Study Abroad

Youth For Understanding is a long-running nonprofit exchange organization that places US high school students abroad with vetted host families and enrolls them in local schools. Programs run in more than 35 destinations across Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and Oceania, including Argentina, Australia, Germany, Japan, Spain and Thailand. Students choose a summer, semester or full academic year abroad, and immersion is the point: participants live as a member of a local family and study in the local school system rather than in an English-language bubble.

## What You'll Do

- Live with a screened volunteer host family in your destination country
- Attend a local high school and take classes in the local language
- Complete pre-departure and in-country orientations run by YFU staff and volunteers
- Take part in country-specific language instruction and cultural activities
- Stay connected to local and global YFU support networks throughout the exchange

## Who Should Apply

"Usually, high school students need to be between 15 and 18 while on program," with some countries considering overage applicants case by case. Admission is rolling. Tuition varies by program and country and covers travel, orientations, host family placement, meals and YFU support; passports, visas and spending money are separate.

## Outcomes

Returnees come home with functional ability in a second language, a host family abroad, and a documented year of cross-cultural experience. YFU awards 200 merit-based scholarships each year, and states that "your family's ability to pay program tuition will not affect your chances of winning a scholarship."

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for Youth For Understanding USA High School Study Abroad?

Youth For Understanding USA High School Study Abroad is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Youth For Understanding USA High School Study Abroad online or in person?

Youth For Understanding USA High School Study Abroad is an in-person program based in Multiple, International.

### How do I apply to Youth For Understanding USA High School Study Abroad?

Apply directly through Youth For Understanding USA's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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