Urs Beeli

Youth For Understanding (YFU)

Youth For Understanding (YFU) is an international youth exchange organisation. Find out more on YFU Schweiz.

My involvment with YFU started with my exchange year in Adelaide, Australia in 1988 where I stayed with a host family and went to a local school. After coming back I became involved with YFU as a volunteer in various positions.

2001-2006
Chair of Board
Normal duties of a Board Member. Representing YFU Switzerland towards our international partners, participation on European and International Conferences. Preparation of Board Meetings together with the National Director, setting of the Agenda. Coordination with the National Office.
2000-2006
Board Member
The Board defines the strategy of YFU Switzerland and oversees the National Director. Member of the Finance Committee and the Nomination Committees for the succession of the National Director.
1997-2005
Trainer
As a member of the Trainer Team I was involved in creating training materials, training modules, preparing trainings on national, regional and international level and also being a trainer at such trainings events. Our training involves practical matters such as Basic YFU Skills and advanced topics such as Intercultural Learning and other educational topics.
1997-2000
Coach
As a coach I was a contact person for young Regional Directors and District Coordinators in my District to be consulted where they lacked the experience in a certain situation and wanted the support of an experienced, former RD or DC.
1995-1997
District Coordinator
As Regional Director (RD) I was responsible for the region of Central Switzerland where I took care of such things as organising campaigns, selection interviews, preparing and selecting host families, placing year and summer students with families, counselling students and families, attending preparation events for families and students, keeping an active and motivated staff base in the region and many more things.
1991-1995
Regional Director
As Regional Director (RD) I was responsible for the region of Central Switzerland where I took care of such things as organising campaigns, selection interviews, preparing and selecting host families, placing year and summer students with families, counselling students and families, attending preparation events for families and students, keeping an active and motivated staff base in the region and many more things.
1989-1991
School Representative
As a school rep I participated in campaign meetings at schools and at evening orientations, I attended and lead selection interviews, attended orientation events for outgoing students, was contact person for incoming exchange students, helped to visit families prior to the arrival of their students.
1988
Exchange student
Being an exchange student in Adelaide, Australia