Youth For Understanding USA
Study Abroad Header Image
Your scholarship may just be a few clicks away.

  • Select a Scholarship

  • Region/Country

    Program Length

  • Location of Student

    Scholarship Amount

Show me my options >

YFU offers over 200 full and partial merit-based scholarships and needs-based financial aid to students every year.

To be considered for scholarship awards, students must meet the eligibility requirements listed on the individual Scholarship Information pages below and demonstrate characteristics like flexibility, tolerance and open-mindedness. In addition to the standard application and fee (if required), students also need to submit essay responses, a host family introduction letter and teacher recommendations by the scholarship deadline. Students can apply for multiple scholarships and pay only one fee.

Through the generosity of numerous corporations, governments, foundations and individuals, YFU awards more than $2.3 million in partial or full study abroad scholarships annually. Students are encouraged to consider all of their scholarship options and apply to as many as they qualify for by the December 1 scholarship application deadline!

St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea

YFU Scholarship Information Sheet

At a Glance

Application Deadline

Program Length


December 1

- Summer

Eligible Countries

Please refer to individual country pages for program duration and departure times.
* Previous language study may be required.

Scholarship Amount

  • $5,000

Eligibility

  • Up to two partial scholarships of $5,000 for high school students who are dependents of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea employees, volunteers, medical staff, and Board members. Parents must be employed with St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea in Chelsea, Michigan, at the time students are notified of award. Non-US citizens may apply. The scholarship is a partial award. Please see below for the student portion of the tuition, and note that each country has a different tuition amount. Previous recipients are not eligible. Volunteers who meet eligibility requirements may apply.

Age Requirements

  • Applicants must meet the age requirements listed on specific country pages.

Complete Application Includes:

  • Complete Online Application
  • 1 Teacher Recommendation
  • Host Family Letter
  • 3 Short Answer Essay Questions
  • Application Fee (non-refundable)
  • Health Certificate
  • Parent-student agreement
  • School Certificate
  • 5 Candid photos
  • 1 Passport size photo

 

Application Fee

  • $75 (non-refundable) Please make check payable to YFU.

Scholarship Covers:

  • Round-trip international travel
  • Round-trip domestic travel
  • Placement with a carefully selected host family
  • Regional orientation for scholarship recipients and parents
  • Preparatory materials
  • Support services in host country

Scholarship Recipients are Responsible for:

  • Passport
  • Visa fees (if necessary)
  • Any excess luggage tariffs
  • Required overseas medical insurance (many insurance policies will cover students while traveling abroad)
  • Personal spending money
  • Upon returning home, scholarship winners are expected to complete at least one presentation in their school or community to share their experiences, teach others about the culture in their host country, and encourage other students to participate in foreign exchange.
  • Tuition balance not covered by scholarship, due two weeks after award notification
  • Within one month of returning home, the student must provide a report and photos detailing their exchange experience to their scholarship sponsor.

 

 

 

NOTE:

  • All applicants will be notified of their status in April.

Student Contribution Amounts:

This scholarship is worth $5,000. The student is required to pay the remaining amount. Please see country pages for specific program tuition costs.  

PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF THIS PAGE AND YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

 

If applying for multiple scholarships, please indicate each scholarship's name and code on your application. All scholarship recipients are required to travel on the YFU group travel dates, and to complete the entire program. For more information regarding YFU and the scholarship selection process call 1.800.TEENAGE or refer to the Scholarships Overview section of this web site.

 

Note: Scholarship programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

APPLY NOW!