Youth For Understanding USA

Academic Year and Semester Programs

As a YFU student to Canada, you'll live with a Canadian host family and attend a local high school. Students will be placed in English-speaking host families and schools unless they are applying to a French immersion program. Part of your experience will be: 

School: Exchange students are typically placed in schools in grades 10 or 11 and usually study French, English, Science and Mathematics along with electives in Athletics, Arts, Business and Languages. The school year is comprised of two semesters of 4 classes each. As an exchange student, you'll have some flexibility to choose the courses that you are interested in or need to take in order to graduate from your US high school. 

Orientations: All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. Upon arrival in Canada, students will attend an orientation along with other YFU exchange students from around the world that have chosen to make Canada their home. Year students will have a mid-year orientation, and all students will have a re-entry orientation before they go home to reflect on their experiences. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurricular Activities: YFU students are encouraged to get involved in their local communities by joining local clubs, playing on sports teams, or even volunteering! You'll be able to participate in any extracurricular activities offered at your school, but (like in the US), these activities vary based on the school.

Special Program Offers: Students will have the opportunity to participate in a 4 day Wilderness Camping Adventure at a dog sled park. This tourism trip will cost approx. $650 CAD, which includes all winter camping activities, meals, and lodging. Trip details are subject to change. For more information about the activities, visit www.chocpaw.com where you can meet the dogs and get to know your camping buddies!