Stay connected as global citizen through YFU

By Han Sang-hee

In a world where being “connected” is so important and everyone is striving to become a global citizen, it’s easy to overlook the true meaning of such endeavors.

Using social network services (SNS) such as Twitter and Facebook may make one look connected with the world, but take a closer look. Connections in cyber world, no matter how strong they are, often end up as a mirage of the real world.

Nothing can quite compare to the physical contact and personal relationship earned by actually staying at one’s home.

Appealing as this seems, such an adventure takes time, money and effort, but through the Youth For Understanding (YFU), such an experience can be much easier than expected.

YFU is a non-profit educational organization that offers opportunities for young people around the world to spend a summer, semester or year with a host family in another country.

The organization offers home stays and training programs, where volunteers regularly check on host families and provide support when needed, further guaranteeing the safety of both families and students.

First started in 1951, YFU has programs in 64 countries and has grown to become one of the world’s oldest, largest and most respected exchange organizations.

“ It’s hard to find a way to really experience personal contact with the world. But the YFU can bring just that,” said Michael Finnell, president and CEO of YFU-USA, during an interview with The Korea Times last week.

Finnel and three other representatives were in Korea to better understand the country and promote more student exchanges.

The YFU’s initial goal was to help the younger generation understand other countries and their culture, particularly sending students from post-war Germany to the United States, but now works as a bridge for students and families who wish to experience the true meaning of becoming a “global citizen.”

The program facilitates some 4,500 student exchanges every year, which means YFU organizations around the world have exchanged almost 250,000 students for the past 60 years.

In the case of Korea, YFU here sends some 150 students overseas every year, while it invites some 30 foreign students to local homes.

One of the biggest reasons Korean parents and students encourage such a program is language.

While some worry about safety issues, the YFU promises the utmost importance is put on to the issue.

“We have a very strong safety net. It’s not just sending children to sink and swim on their own,” said Barb Kilkka, a senior field director.

In terms of language, the staff all agreed that the program is a great way to enhance such skills, but after finishing the program, there is so much more.

“Students become globally aware. It’s nice to see historical buildings and such, but you remember the people, a personal connection that lasts for a lifetime. It’s a transformational experience,” Finnel said.

When a student comes to Korea through the program, for example, that student gets to spend time as a Korean student: from sitting through classes to school uniforms.

“Theses teenagers are aged from 15 to 17. When you are at that age, you become very self conscious and you want to belong to the environment. Through the program, they get to learn a level of self confidence,” he added.

It would be easier to think that this would help students learn more about the country they are visiting, but this is not always true, according to Kristie Rotz, a field director of the southeastern district of the U.S. branch.

“What happens is that they get to look back on where they come from. People start to ask about their country and from this, they get to learn and understand better about their country,” Rotz said.

“They become more reflective on their own country and culture.”

Rotz has been a host family for 13 years and explained that it is always “amazing to see how global perspectives can blossom.”

“There are so many dimensions to this and it creates an international chain reaction. The people are real,” she said.

Kilkka, who has “children” from four continents added that this could be one of the biggest gifts parents could give to their child.

“People consider this is something that happens during summer or winter, but it is actually a lifetime relationship,” she said. “It changes them forever.”

For more information on YFU Korea, visit www.yfukorea.org.