13th Year Abroad Program

Experience the World... after high school.

What are you doing next year? Not quite ready for college? Thinking about deferment? Do you want an educational experience to prepare you for your future?

How about learning Danish in Denmark, Latin American studies in Chile, practicing Yoga in India, or choose from one of 12 traditional high school YFU programs.

"I went on exchange between High School and University. An in between year, to discover sides of yourself that you've been ignoring and to learn to accept a new culture and respect its 'other' ways of doing things, provides an excellent foundation for further exploration within the academic framework. And there's no better way to get to know another culture than living with a host family."
- Flannery Denny

Go Global With YFU's 13th Year Abroad Program

Recent high school graduates are invited to spend a 13th Year Abroad with YFU USA. Bridge the gap to your future, discover the real you, and experience the world. Whether you've just graduated, deferred college admissions, or are deciding what's next, you can gain from an increased understanding of another culture, benefit from the unique strengths of academic institutions abroad, and become part of a global family.

Study abroad is a unique experience that is both challenging and extremely rewarding. Unlike most college and university options, a key component of YFU programs is the homestay experience. Living with a family in another culture opens your world and your life.

It takes a special kind of person to consider living and studying abroad as a Youth For Understanding USA student – one who is both eager to travel and willing to take an active role in his or her own education.

Spend your "gap year" and Go Global! with YFU's 13th Year Abroad program. Many colleges and universities encourage applications from YFU alumni.

Are you ready to take an active role in your education? Check out our special 13th Year Abroad programs as well as one of our 12 traditional high school YFU programs available as a 13th Year Abroad.

Chile - University
An exciting new opportunity for students 18 and over, the 13th Year Abroad year and semester programs in Chile combine a YFU homestay experience with attendance at the Universidad Bolivariana in Santiago. The program includes orientations, intensive Spanish courses, and field trips. The interdisciplinary character of this program ensures that you will gain insights into the most important aspects of Latin American culture, society, politics, and economic development.

Denmark - College Credit Academic Program
YFU, in collaboration with Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, Maine, are pleased to offer an accredited ten-week Community College Study Abroad Program in Ronshoved, Denmark. Participants will attend Ronshoved Hojskole, a traditional "folk school" learning institution that is unique to Denmark's system of higher education. The students will earn 12 credit hours of transferable college or university credit through Southern Maine Community College. In addition to the credited courses of Danish Language, Culture and Society, and Denmark and the EU-National Questions in Europe and Denmark: A Cultural Immersion Experience, students will also participate in the folk school's other activities and classes such as physical education, outdoor life, nature experiences, mythology, and music. Participants will live in the Ronshoved Hojskole student housing complex and will also spend time with YFU selected mentor families in the community. Eligible participants will be recent high school graduates or college or university students between the ages of 18 and 22.

Latvia - Arts, Ballet, or Music
Art, ballet, and music schools have their distinctive place in the Latvian system of education. They are known for their high professionalism and classical schooling. In these schools intense, special instruction is combined with required liberal arts. There are strict demands on students, whether or not a professional career is planned, requiring the highest effort that the student is capable of giving.

Venezuela Year
13th Year Abroad students in Venezuela have the opportunity to participate in optional programs in Theater, Dance, or Social Work. Details coming soon!

Traditional YFU academic programs are the best way to absorb a new culture and learn a language. You will benefit from a global setting, gaining knowledge through the unique strengths of academic institutions abroad. You may choose to participate in established programs such as music, art, science, technology, or international relations. Rewarding YFU 13th Year Abroad programs are available in:

Contact your Admissions Counselor toll-free at 1-800-TEENAGE (1-800-833-6243) for more information on the 13th Year Abroad programs.

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Thursday, October 30, 2008 1:30 PM