Youth For Understanding USA

Academic Year and Semester Programs

As a student in Mexico, you'll have the option of choosing courses from several areas of interest such as computer science, commerce, tourism, health, natural sciences, or administration. The ability to choose an academic track is dependent on the age of the student.

School: School normally begins at about 8:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. with a break during the day. Some schools also offer extracurricular activities such as sports, chess, language, and cooking clubs. After school, students typically spend a couple hours studying and doing homework. 

Bilingual School: Students that sign up for this program will be placed in Bilingual Schools that offer half their classes in English. Availablity in these Schools is limited and students are encouraged to apply early and to contact info@yfu.org to learn more. 

Orientations: All students applying for a 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. Upon arrival in Mexico, students will attend a three-day arrival orientation, which will be a time to learn more about Mexican culture, open channels for new information and lasting relationships, and to begin your educational experience. There will also be mid-year (year-long students only) and re-entry orientations to ensure that each student is able to make the most out of their exchange experience. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurriculars: Some schools also offer extracurricular activities such as sports, chess, language, and cooking clubs. YFU gatherings of students and host families are also offered locally at no cost.

Special Program Offers: YFU Mexico offers students the opportunity to participate in two optional cultural excursions: one in February and one in May or June. The February trip begins in Mexico City and then travels around central Mexico, allowing students to appreciate the country's natural beauty! Activities in the past have included a visit to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Oyamel, hiking volcanoes in Michoacan, and river rafting in San Luis Potosi. The cost of this cultural excursion in the past has been $100-$150, but the price is subject to change.

In May, students can choose to travel to the Yucatan Peninsula, where they can enjoy some of the region's archaeological treasures and scenic wonders! Activities in the past have included visits to the Pink Flamingo Sanctuary and trips to the beach along the Caribbean Coast of Mexico. The cost of this cultural excursion in the past has been $700, but the price is subject to change.