Youth For Understanding USA

Academic Year, Semester, and Trimester Programs

During your time in the Netherlands, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school. Part of your experience will be:

School: You will be enrolled in either HAVO (senior secondary education) or VWO (pre-university school) where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, and will be expected to study just as hard as you do here in the US. Students will most likely be placed in either 10th or 11th grade and choose subject tracks focused on culture, economics, health, or technology. All students will study Dutch, English, another modern language, math, science, social studies, art, and physical education, in additional to other optional electives like philosophy, Latin, or computer science. Most students will travel to school by bicycle, rain or shine, though there is also an extensive public transport system throughout the country. 

Orientations: All students applying for the trimester, 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 the Netherlands, students will attend a 4-day arrival orientation, which includes intensive language training to prepare students to be successful in Dutch schools. Year students will also participate in a mid-year orientation and all will have a re-entry orientation towards the end of their programs to reflect on their experiences.

Extracurriculars: Dutch schools usually don't offer extracurricular activities, but YFU students are definitely encouraged to get involved in sports, clubs, or teams offered by their host communities in order to pursue their passions and make new friends outside of school.

Optional Excursions: YFU Netherlands organizes a trip for all students to a major European city in the spring. The destination of this expedition varies from year to year, but previous trips have gone to cities like Prague and Paris and included activities like tours and museum visits. This four-day trip is offered to students at an additional cost of about €250 to €350.

Year and Spring Semester students may have the option to participate in the YFU Young Europeans' Seminar, a weeklong program of seminars, educational workshops, inspiring guest speakers, panel discussions, and other activities.  The Seminar takes place in Germany in late June and is attended by around 500 other YFU exchange program participants from across the continent. Space is limited and participation requires an additional application and fee.