The Youth for Understanding in Korea, nonprofit student-exchange organization, celebrated its 23rd anniversary on Tuesday with representatives from partnering countries and its member schools across the country.

Founded in 1951, YFU is an international organization of 65 countries offering exchange programs for young students to learn the cultures and languages of different countries.

Since its establishment in 1989, YFU Korea has played an integral role in building mutual understanding between Korea and other countries through its “reputable exchange programs,” said Shin Chung-ha, the president of YFU Korea.

Over the past two decades, it has been sending some 2,200 students, mostly to the United States and Japan, while accepting some 250 foreign students from around the world.

Students aged 15 to 22 can apply for short-term or one-year exchange programs through the YFU Korea (www.yfukorea.org). Currently, 96 Korean high-school and university students are abroad on various exchange programs in four countries including Denmark and the Netherlands, according to the organization.

Emy Celi, the president of YFU Philippines, said she is thankful to be partnering with YFU Korea, noting that the partnership helped strengthen relations between the two countries.

“We have touched countless lives, especially the youth, their host families, schools and the communities in our mission to understand cultures, promote friendship among peoples,” said Celi, who was in Seoul Tuesday to attend the anniversary event.

Kang Soon-ja, the head of Ewha Girls’ High School in Seoul, noted Tuesday that the international student exchange program also helps enhance competiveness in the school.

“We now have two foreign students, from Finland and Thailand. They made a tremendous impact in showing our appreciation of global education,” she added.

With more than two decades of history, YFU Korea’s mission is not just to help students participating in language and cultural exchanges, but to help them prepare for living in global community, Shin added.

“Exchange students will become future leaders to build bridges among the countries around the world,” he said.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)