Looking to send your exchange student to the YES?

This page explains what the YES is and why we believe it is an educational proposal that enriches the exchange of experiences and knowledge.

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What is the YES?

The Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES) is the annual 5-day long seminar hosted by Youth For Understanding, gathering more than 100 volunteers and 400 students who get the chance to learn about active citizenship and topics of global interest, but also to talk about their exchange experience with the volunteers and the other students.

The YES provides a unique opportunity to empower participants to expand upon the learnings gained through the YFU exchange programmes or other intercultural experiences by creating a bridge between the exchange year and the return home.  

The YES gives participants the space to choose their own learning adventures through different tracks. These tracks raise awareness about issues impacting the global community in today´s world and equip them with the competencies required to deal with these challenges. Through the YES event, participants connect with the global YFU community, reunite with old friends from all over the World and form new ones, thus becoming proactive and globally oriented agents of change. 

The international team of volunteers creates a unique spirit and a truly unforgettable experience for everyone at the YES.

What is its value?

The YES brings tremendous value to its students of many reasons. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Coming back home after an exchange year can be challenging, and at YES, we're here to support your child every step of the way.

    We have a team of volunteers specifically recruited to hold daily reflection meeting sessions, where we help them navigate the transition, offering tools for reflection on the incredible experiences they've had during the year and encouraging recognition of their personal growth. At the same time, we offer participants time and a comfortable space to talk about the limbo state between leaving their host country and returning home.

    Your child's journey doesn't end with their return – it's a stepping stone to a brighter future and we want students to be able to begin that process.

  • The program wants to help participants gain self-understanding and clarity about their life goals. It aims to equip them with essential competencies for achieving these goals. The participants will attend daily talks at the venue’s plenary, and will be able to choose a track to put into practice what was learned in the plenary session.

    Additionally, the program encourages participants to further explore and enhance their knowledge in areas they are passionate about, introducing a variety of topics to spark their interest. The exploration of new, modern, and relevant topics is facilitated to keep the learning experience engaging. Empowerment is a key outcome, inspiring participants to feel capable of making positive changes in their environment. Real-life examples are shared to inspire participants about making a positive impact.

    This year we have a very wide theme that includes understanding Polarization in today’s world, celebrating diversity in a Globalized world, the role of young leaders in fighting Polarisation, navigating the digital landscape with media literacy and fostering dialogue and empathy.

  • It's also an opportunity to connect with other students who truly understand their journey, share experiences, and establish friendships to keep the link alive after their exchange. We want to diversify interactions – transcending friend groups, borders, and languages. There are numerous engaging and fun activities, they can also relax at the venue's lake, and have free time for enjoyment. Since the activities are informal, they can also provide an opportunity to discuss subjects that they haven't yet talked about, and that will be crucial to their experience back home. We also bring a supportive environment for being heard and validated. Volunteers and organizers are available for discussions, helping participants feel understood and supported.

    It's more than a seminar; it's an opportunity to bond, engage, and create lasting memories and friendships!

How to sign up?

Students can sign up directly on the YES website below. The YFU Global Office will ensure both sending and receiving organisations can organise the logistics of the student attending. Once that is confirmed, the student will receive a link to pay the participation fee. After the fee is paid, travel will be booked and the event place is secured. 

The last day to sign up is March 1st.