Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)





Who can participate and what are the prizes for chosen winners?

Any YFU program participants (current or former YFU students, volunteers and host family members) are eligible to participate in the contest (one video per contestant only). The prizes will be travel voucher gift certificates:

1st Place: USD 1500

2nd Place: USD 1000

3rd Place: USD    500


In addition, recognition awards will be given to winners in special categories.

What video formats are accepted?

All types of formats will be accepted for the contest. It is advisable that video clips not be longer than 3 minutes - but the quality of the recording should be as good as possible. Please note that "videos" can also consist of static photos and music instead of recorded video material.

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How do I upload a video?

Click on the "How To Upload Your Video " tab at the top of this page.  There you will find all the necessary technical details.

The International Secretariat will convert the videos into flash movies that can be viewed on this website under the tab "Videos". Once a participant has uploaded a video, it is considered final and may not be modified or edited.

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How many videos can I submit?

Just one video submission per participant please.

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What language must the video be in?

Participants are free to choose whichever language they prefer to use in their videos. Using English is not a requirement.  However, participants using other languages than English are asked to use English subtitles in their video. Contestants may use an online translation tool such as translate.google.com or www.worldlingo.com etc., to create the English text. Most video editing software includes a titling tool, but free titling software is also available on the Internet.

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Can I use music on my video?

Use of music or songs is not forbidden, and will not disqualify a contest entry. However, it is encouraged that participants search for open source music, as an alternative to copyrighted music by popular artists. Contestants should check out websites such as: http://www.opensourcemusic.com.

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What permissions do I need in order to participate?

Contestants must collect and submit a release form for any individuals whose images, names or materials are used in the video entry.  In addition, individuals appearing in video entries who are under the age of 18 must provide a parental consent form from their parents or legal guardians.

By entering the contest and uploading a video, the participant affirms that he or she has obtained the necessary rights, consents and permissions to use all material in the video as well as any material depicted in the video, including consent from all individuals whose image or likeness appears in the video.

Entries must adhere to the norms of civil discourse and should not contain material that might be considered abusive, inflammatory or disrespectful to other any groups or individuals.

Entries that do not comply with these requirements or that otherwise contain prohibited, inappropriate, or irrelevant content as determined by the YFU International Secretariat, at its sole discretion, will be disqualified, removed from the contest site and not considered for a prize.

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What are the deadlines and when will I know if I have won?

February 1 - July 1, 2010: Entries may be uploaded to the contest site (Click How to upload your video tab).

July 1- September 15, 2010: International Committee of Peers will screen the videos.

November 1, 2010: Winners notified and announced.

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What happens to my video after I upload it?

Contestants retain ownership of their entries. However, by submitting an entry, contestants grant the YFU International Secretariat a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, display, and perform the entries in any media formats and through any media channels in connection with the contest and in connection with the business of YFU International Exchange Programs. Entries are subject to editing, as they may be used by the YFU International Community for promotional purposes.

The YFU International Secretariat does not endorse any video entry or any opinion, recommendation, or advice expressed therein.  The International Secretariat expressly disclaims any and all liability in connection with all entries.

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I have more questions.  Who can I ask?

Contact your National YFU Office or local Area Representative first.  If you still need help, contact the contest organizers at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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