Over 50 years ago, YFU was created based on the idea that international student exchanges could contribute to greater tolerance and a better unterstanding between different cultures in a considerable way. An exchange allows the participants to develop their personality as well as their interests and to gain skills, which may become very important in their future.

In 1951, YFU was founded in Ann Arbor (Michigan, USA) and has specialized in long-term international exchange programs. Today, YFU is one of the largest, non-profit youth exchange organisations worldwide.

Our network consists of more than 50 independent, national YFU committees, which have to comply to the strict guidelines of our International Basic Standards. In some countries (i.e. Germany, Japan, USA), YFU even has a direct mandate of the government to organize exchanges for a certain number of teenagers according to international contracts.

In 1993, a YFU national organization (YFU CS), which operated  both in Slovakia and the Czech Republic was created. YFU Czechoslovakia ceased to function in 2001 and no longer exists today. Some hundered Czech teenagers went on exchange during those years. In 2005, YFU Switzerland took up the lead in setting up a new YFU organization in the Czech Republic, supported by the entire YFU community around the world.

YFU Czech Repbulic (YFU CZ) was officially founded in early 2006 and is a registered civic association. Its members work on a voluntary basis and have all spent a year abroad.

Our office staff in Prague and the volunteers throughout the country will support you before and during your exchange year. We will be there for you also when things don't go smoothly!