YFU Competitors

We Develop Active Global Citizens. IMPORTANT: Each AFS member organization is an independent legal entity separate from AFS International and it is not a legal affiliate thereof. Each AFS member organization respects and abides by relevant national and local laws governing their operations.

A nonprofit, non-governmental organization, CIEE is the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization. Since 1947, CIEE has helped thousands of people gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most comprehensive, relevant, and valuable exchange programs available. CIEE operates 67 study centers in 45 countries that support more than 286 study abroad programs for 10,000-plus students from 340 U.S. colleges and universities annually. In 2015, CIEE launched its innovative Open Campus model – an affordable, flexible academic programming option that allows students to design their ideal international experience in multiple locations during one semester – at CIEE Global Institutes in Berlin, London, Paris, and Rome. As the largest sponsor for U.S. Department of State J-1 Visa programs, CIEE also helps nearly 35,000 international students participate in U.S.-based exchange programs each year. CIEE programs and services span study abroad, teach abroad, international faculty training, and various specialty and custom programs for secondary, post-secondary, and international students.

Founded in 1964, the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) is one of the oldest and most respected cultural exchange organizations in the world. With offices in 15 countries, we organize cultural exchange programs for more than 50,000 participants each year. Our programs include college study abroad, au pair placement, international internships, camp counselors and staff, high school study and travel and insurance services. Since 1964, more than one million students and teachers have participated in AIFS programs worldwide.