Youth For Understanding (YFU) offers youth exchange programs in which students ages 15-19 from around the world live with a volunteer host family, immerse themselves in the local culture and form friendships that bring countries together. As these young people discover new worlds and become part of a community in another country, they not only learn about another culture and language, they also gain perspective on the world and develop a stronger sense of self.

YFU USA volunteers are typically the primary YFU contact within the community. Volunteers develop a supportive, mentoring relationship with high school exchange students in their area and check in on the student and host family monthly. They help the students adjust to American culture, their host family and school life, and support students in working through potential conflicts with parents or host siblings. We also need Lead Developers in the Ketchikan area to contact organizations and individuals via email or phone in order to develop leads that would result in host families for our international students. If you are interested in joining Youth for Understanding, please contact Pam Blizzard at (907) 694-0394 or email [email protected]. You can also view our website for more information at www.yfu-usa.org.