Foundation For International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS)

FIUTS advances international understanding through cross-cultural experiences, student leadership, and community connections. Founded in 1948, FIUTS has been inspiring curiosity, friendship, and global understanding for generations. 

FIUTS programs challenge students and members of our Puget Sound community to build bonds of respect and friendship that extend beyond borders, politics, and stereotypes and inspire a new generation of committed, creative leaders. FIUTS serves a global community from our home at the University of Washington - international students, American students, visiting youth, and others, connecting them with organizations and individuals here in the Puget Sound region. These connections go on to create bridges of friendship between individuals, families, and communities around the world. 

FIUTS programs include:

• Student Programs focus on engaging university students from throughout the region in cross-cultural programs and creating opportunities for cultural dialogue and exchange. Primarily geared towards international students and others who are curious about the world around them, FIUTS programs support new international students as they transition to our community, engage international and local students in shared experiences, and support skill development for leaders in a cross-cultural context. 
• Education Programs, including K-12 Education Outreach, Washington Community Visits, and Short-Term Visiting Programs. These programs connect university students with local youth and communities to share stories of cultural transition and adjustment and create space for sharing experiences. They also provide an opportunity for local students to connect to the idea of higher education, and for international students to compare and contrast educational systems around the world. Visiting programs welcome small groups of overseas visitors to Seattle for intensive short-term programs custom built around an educational theme. 
• Community Programs create connections between students and community members. Local families serve as volunteer hosts in our Short-Term Homestay Program, welcoming visitors into their homes for dinner or for 2-15 days. The World to Work program is a series of events focused on career exploration. 

The strength of the FIUTS global network is a reminder of the bonds our programs inspire between individuals from distinct backgrounds and corners of the world and the power of international understanding in our community.