On May 2, YFU Czech Republic celebrated a major milestone: 20 years since the story of our organization began in the Czech Republic. Two decades filled with stories, courage, friendship, discovery and experiences that have often changed lives in ways no one could have imagined at the beginning.

Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside our organisation? Who makes sure everything runs smoothly? That students can go abroad, have a good experience, host families keep growing, and volunteer coordination works like clockwork? I had the chance to look behind the scenes of YFU, specifically during the General Assembly, also known as the Board meeting. This is where decisions are made and voted on that affect the organisation’s day-to-day functioning, as well as a review of the past year and what could be improved in the future. This year’s Spring Volunteer Seminar and General Assembly took place during the third weekend of March in Kolín.

The YFU office meeting with the board created space for an open discussion about the organization’s current development, priorities, and future direction. The afternoon in the office was complemented by an informal evening dinner, highlighting the friendly atmosphere of the whole day.

The past few weeks have been marked by international encounters at our office. We had the honor of welcoming guests from different parts of the world – specifically from Canada and Mexico. These visits once again reminded us how broad and interconnected the YFU family is, and how inspiring it can be to share stories about exchange programs, volunteering, and collaboration across continents.

Last week, the International Staff Workshop took place in the beautiful setting of Palace Borowa near Wrocław, Poland, bringing together nearly 60 participants from twenty countries. This annual workshop serves as a space where YFU staff and representatives from around the world meet to share experiences, ideas, and explore new ways to move our organization forward together. 

Representing YFU Czech Republic this year were Tereza (outbound), Katka (inbound), and Veronika (marketing). 

Do you want to improve your language skills, explore new cultures, and have an unforgettable adventure? Exchange programs abroad are the perfect way to combine learning with travel and making friends around the world. With YFU, you can go on both short-term and long-term exchange programs that open doors to new cultures.

An exchange program is an educational opportunity where a student spends a certain period abroad, living with a host family and attending a local school. It offers a unique chance to experience life in another culture, learn a foreign language, make new friends, and broaden horizons. Exchange programs are not just about traveling—they are about personal growth, friendship, family, independence, and unforgettable experiences.

Autumn 2024: A Season of Travel, Networking, and International Cooperation for YFU CZ

The autumn of 2024 was a dynamic period for our organization, filled with travel and important international meetings. As the National Director (ND) of YFU Czech Republic, I had the opportunity to represent our office at two key events – the National Directors’ Meeting of YFU organizations in Vienna and the FLAG Partner Summit in Edinburgh. Each of these events brought unique value, but both were connected by a common goal: to strengthen cooperation, share experiences, and gain inspiration for further development.

In October, the International Staff Workshop took place in the Danish town of Tommerup, near Odense. The event brought together nearly 70 participants from 24 partner countries where our organization operates. The Czech Republic was represented by Veru for marketing, Terka for outbound programs, and Vierka for inbound programs.