Foreign Exchange Program
2024 IFYE Representative Program
IFYE is a rural-based, cultural immersion program, not a vacation. As an IFYE Representative you will gain a broad perspective of life in your host country by being an active member of your host family and moving to a new family every three to four weeks.
Do I qualify to be an IFYE Representative?
Refer to our IFYE National Standards to determine if the IFYE Program is right for you. Our key qualifications are:
- You must be an U.S. citizen.
- A young adult in good health (requires a physician’s approval).
- Be between 19 to 30 years of age on the day of your departure.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED.
How much does it cost?
A non-refundable administrative fee of $250 is due at the time you submit your application package. This fee is applied to your program participation fee if you are selected and further participate.
Program participation fees are only a small part of the total cost of our premier exchange program. The program fee is $5,500 for the two-month program; $5,000 for the three-month program and $6,600 for the six-month program. This fee includes airfare, orientation, debriefing, IFYE apparel, and a life changing experience.
The IFYE Association of the USA, Inc. and other donors underwrite approximately 85% of the total costs.
Scholarships may be available. Please check with your State Coordinator or National Program Director, Melissa Haberstroh, at mhaberstroh@ifyeusa.org for availability.
How do I become a 2024 IFYE Representative
The national application deadline is December 31st* for the following program year; however, your State Coordinator may have an earlier deadline. Application forms become available around October 1st on this website. A resume, head shot, and references are also required. The application process is very extensive and includes one or more interviews. View Application
*Qualified applicants may be considered beyond the application deadline if openings are still available. Please contact National Program Director, Melissa Haberstroh at 210-816-1114 or mhaberstroh@ifyeusa.org for availability.
Where can I go?
We partner with more than fifteen countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Visit IFYE Destinations to learn more about this year’s host countries.
Representatives in a two- or three-month program will live in one host country. Six-month program participants may experience two host countries (one in the summer and one in the fall).
When you apply, you'll list the countries you are most interested in. Final placement will be determined with input from you, the IFYE National Program Director and the Host Country Coordinator. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in a specific country.
2024 IFYE Program Dates:
| June 10-15 | IFYE Orientation in Washington, D.C. (all programs). |
| June 16 | Begin summer two-month, summer three-month and six-month. |
| August 11 | End of two-month summer program. |
| August 11-14 | Debriefing for two-month summer program. |
| September 8 | End of three-month summer program. |
| September 8-11 | Debriefing for three-month summer program. |
| September 18 | Begin fall three-month program. |
| December 11 | Ending of fall three-month and six-month programs. |
| December 11-14 | Debriefing for fall three-month program and six-month programs. |
| *Dates are subject to change. |
For more information:
Contact Melissa Haberstroh, IFYE National Program Director, via email at mhaberstroh@ifyeusa.org or visit the State Coordinator section of this website to determine your State Coordinator and get the appropriate contact information.
