Youth For Understanding Australia (YFU) is another great organisation (www.yfu.com.au) offering overseas exchange options for secondary students. YFU offers programs that run from 2 months to 12 months. Students are given their country of choice and programs are offered in over 40 countries.
Students need to be aged from 15 to 18 years before they can access YFU exchange programs. There are some great scholarships offered to help with associated costs and information sessions are held in many locations around Australia and New Zealand.
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
Although there is a language requirement for a few countries, most countries have no language knowledge requirement. When they live with a host family and attend school each day, students really are immersed in the language and culture. Most return with a good grasp of the new language. When they return home, many students decide to continue studying this language in their school if it is offered or take it up again at university.
Where can I get more information?
It’s worth spending time on the YFU Blog and website. They really highlight the incredible benefits of exchange programs for young people. In addition to gaining enormous life experience and confidence, students often come back home more determined than ever to study hard at school and go on to tertiary study so that they can make the most of life – and do more travelling!
What is the cost?
Costs vary depending on the country of choice and the length of the exchange. Check the blog and the website for more information.
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