You'll be surprised how much you'll enjoy the brother/son or sister/daughter you have yet
to meet.
Youth Exchange
The youth exchange between our sister cities is the longest-running event of its kind in America. Since 1978 (COVID years excepted), teens from one city visit the other for a few weeks each summer. Living with a local family like you've always belonged. Figuring out how different their culture is (and how much it is similar). And the next year, the prior year's host plays the guest, and that friendship circle is completed.
Each year, approximately 15-20 teenagers (16 to 19 years of age) from one city visit the other for three weeks in the summer. The following year, the roles are reversed. Students from Friedrichshafen travel to Peoria in odd-numbered years and students from Peoria travel to Friedrichshafen in even-numbered years.
The guests participate in the daily life of their host families and join in local events in the community. Group events bring everyone together and create long-lasting friendships among all participants.
This program is a chance to host a student from a foreign country, not as a tourist, but as a member of a family and community. The exchanges are personal, and the experiences create life-enriching relationships.
The ability to speak or understand the German language is not required as German teens are proficient in English.
Sometimes, parents are amazed at the transformation in their kids. Sometimes, the youth are surprised themselves.
If you are interested in participating in the youth exchange either as a traveler or host family please complete the application below and submit payment via PayPal or check. A $250 deposit is required for all travelers which will be put towards air ticket expenses. There are no fees required for hosting families. Checks must be made out to Friends of Friedrichshafen and mailed to the address below.
Friends of Friedrichshafen
120 W. Holland Street
Washington, IL 61571
Friends of Friedrichshafen uses PayPal to securely process your payment. A PayPal account is not required and both debit and credit cards are accepted. You will not be charged a fee for this transaction.
Digital Youth Exchange Application
Paper Youth Exchange Application
Although not preferred paper Youth Exchange Program applications can also be completed and either emailed to fofpeoria@gmail.com or mailed to the address below. If emailing a scanned copy of the application please also include a photo and use the subject “Youth Exchange Program Application”.
Friends of Friedrichshafen
120 W. Holland Street
Washington, IL 61571
Youth Exchange Online Payment
