Each year Youth For Understanding makes it possible for thousands of international students to live in the United States for an academic year. The 2010 - 2011 school year can be your opportunity to teach an international student about American culture and affect how Americans are portrayed internationally. When you open your home to an international student, you are building a life-long bond with them as you accept them as part of your family. Best of all - you'll learn about another culture and language? without leaving home.


Hosting is an enjoyable learning experience for the entire family. Hosting will forever change how your families think about the world. They will create lifelong memories and relationships for you and your entire family. Experience the world without leaving home!


Students can be placed throughout Iowa. Limited school slots are available this year, so apply early! These students are of high school age from one of over 60 countries. The students bring their own spending money and medical insurance. Families need to be able to share a loving and supportive family life as well as provide for an additional family member, including a separate bed, study area and three meals each day. Families should also be prepared share their community with their student.

To learn more visit us at www.yfu-usa.org. Just pick out the student you would like to host, complete the on-line Host Family application or contact YFU directly at 866-493-8872.

Youth For Understanding USA (YFU USA) is seeking local host families to host high school exchange students for the next school year.

Youth For Understanding is one of the world's oldest, largest, and most respected international exchange programs. Since 1951, YFU offices around the world have exchanged approximately 240,000 students. YFU USA is a private, non-profit educational program dedicated to preparing young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world. YFU USA is certified by CSIET standards.

YFU USA will welcome new high school international exchange students this August. Our students come from different countries around the world. They speak English, have their own spending money, health insurance, will attend an American high school and will provide innumerable good memories and experiences to your family!  Open your doors to a new family member this summer and help him/her adapt to the U.S. lifestyle and culture. Hosting will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about other traditions and languages without leaving home.

Our host families are as diverse as our students. They are couples with or without children, empty nesters, single adults and also come from all cultural and economic backgrounds. Hosting an international exchange student can be an enriching experience for the entire family that will last a lifetime. By opening your home and heart to a student from overseas, your family will gain a new global perspective, many memories, and - quite possibly - a new family member!  You can host a student for ten months as a permanent host family, or for only six or twelve weeks as an arrival family.

Our trained YFU staff and volunteers are available to support you every step of the way. If you are interested in hosting a YFU student or would like more information, please call 1-866-493-8872 or apply on-line at www.yfu-usa.org.