Who we are
YFU's Global Governance
The YFU network is made up of 45+ independent organizations around the world. Each organization is a member of Youth For Understanding International Educational Services (YFU IES), with European members also belonging to European Educational Exchanges – Youth For Understanding (EEE-YFU).
All YFU Member Organizations commit to a shared mission and operate under common bylaws and a set of binding Organizational and Programmatic Standards that ensure quality, consistency, and accountability across the network.
YFU’s highest decision-making body is the General Assembly, which regularly elects an 11-member International Board. Composed of dedicated volunteers from YFU’s three global regions, the Board is responsible for the governance of the YFU network. It sets strategic direction, ensures accountability, and represents the interests of the global membership.
The International Board oversees and mandates the YFU Global Office to implement the global strategy, uphold YFU’s standards, and provide coordination and support services to Member Organizations worldwide.
Our Global Strategy 2023-2027
YFU invites generations of youth, families, and communities to make the world their home by participating in transformational educational exchange programs. For more than seven decades, we’ve been building a more peaceful world by advancing intercultural understanding, lifelong learning, global competencies, mutual respect, and social responsibility. Our network spans six continents and more than 45 countries.
We believe in the power of what we do, and our Global Strategy is designed to take that impact even further. Here's how:
Living Exchange: Improve and Grow our Core Program
At the heart of YFU lies long-term intercultural exchange; an experience that encourages young people to reflect on who they are and who they want to become by immersing them in a new culture. We aim to empower as many people as possible - of all origins, ages, and backgrounds - to develop the skills and mindset needed to engage as active citizens for a better world.
Continual improvement of our programs is key. Higher quality means better outcomes for our students, our host families, and the broader global community.
We also work on expanding YFU’s presence by developing programs in regions where we are not yet active but where our mission calls us to be.
Living Education: Demonstrate and Expand the impact of YFU in society
Learning is at the core of every YFU experience: learning for life, to have an impact in society. Our students and host families get equipped with up-to-date, relevant tools to help them make sense of today’s complex world and act as agents of positive change, both during and after the exchange.
Through global public affairs efforts we influence policies aligned with our mission and position YFU as a trusted partner and expert in intercultural education.
To increase access and inclusivity, we work to create more opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, building partnerships with people and organizations who share our vision of a more peaceful world and want to support us in empowering new generations to become agents of change.
Living Community: It's all about our people
YFU is defined by its people. Our global community is the backbone of our organization - engaged, motivated, and united by shared values and a drive to create positive change.
We invest in the engagement and training of our volunteers and staff, ensuring they are not only competent but also passionate and well-supported in their roles.
We keep our people connected and motivated, across all countries and levels of the organization, to advance YFU’s mission.
Strengthening local volunteer networks remains a priority, supported by the depth and experience of our global community.
Our community drives YFU forward year after year—it's the beating heart of who we are. We’re proud to call ourselves a family.
Living Organization: Sustainable, efficient, professional
Remaining a leader in the field requires constant development. YFU must operate with a mission-driven heart and a business-oriented mindset, balancing passion with professionalism.
We are committed to continuous improvement across all areas, keeping quality and compliance at the forefront.
Investments in tools and systems enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our programs and collaboration.
YFU’s development is guided by sustainability and care. This includes launching a global environmental sustainability framework and a universal welfare policy for staff and volunteers.
For three quarters of a century, YFU has been creating life-changing experiences that make the world more understanding and peaceful. Intercultural youth exchange is how we foster positive change. The Global Strategy 2023–2027 reaffirms YFU’s role as a change agent, service provider, and global community builder, shaping a future that meets the challenges of today’s societies and the individuals within them.