Study Abroad Programs Classroom Excursion Catalog | Page 37

A TIMELESS MISSION

YFU advances intercultural understanding , mutual respect and social responsibility through educational exchanges for youth , families and communities .
Youth For Understanding ’ s ( YFU ) history began humbly in the United States in 1951 in an effort to heal the wounds of World War II . By teaching a group of young Germans how families lived together in the United States , the hope was that they would be motivated to help rebuild their homeland according to what they had experienced on exchange . Dr . Rachel Andresen who founded YFU and served as our longtime Executive Director brought this vision to life . In 1955 , YFU expanded its programs to allow American students to study abroad .
In 1948 , Dr . Andresen was in attendance when the city lights of Amsterdam were turned on for the first time after the war . That moment of sudden illumination of the entire city was so impressive , she vowed to do everything she could with her life " so that the lights would never go out again ” and was inspired to form Youth For Understanding . In 1973 , her commitment to international youth exchange was recognized when she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize .
In today ’ s world , the principles of youth exchange hold as much relevance as ever . At YFU , we believe that it is within local communities that we will make a global impact and a more peaceful world . At its core , YFU is a catalyst for positive global change . Students of all ages experience tremendous personal growth and at the same time , the impressions made by the students themselves , as well as the broadened perspectives of host families , ripple through schools and across entire communities .
Today , YFU is one of the world ’ s oldest , largest and most respected international exchange programs . Since its inception , YFU offices around the world have exchanged more than 260,000 students , who have in turn , made lasting impressions on millions around the globe .
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