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Belonging Through Dance: Learning Austria One Step at a Time — Marina's Story
In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross chats with Marina, a YFU exchange student from California who spent a transformative year studying abroad in Austria. Marina shares how her passion for languages and dance led her to choose Austria, and how she navigated learning German, joining a unique dance studio, and adapting to Austrian school life.
From Krampus parades and nail polish advent calendars to hiking on Sundays and taking Serbo-Croatian electives, Marina’s story is full of cultural surprises and personal growth. She also talks about attending the YES Seminar in Berlin, traveling across Europe, and how her exchange year helped her become more confident, independent, and globally aware.
Whether you're curious about youth exchange programs, international education, or the YFU experience, this episode is a fun and inspiring look at the power of saying “yes” to new adventures.
Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, exchange student, Austria, study abroad, dance program, German language, YES Seminar, Krampus, Advent Calendar, Marina, Life Exchanged podcast
Check out Marina's blog: travelwmarina.substack.com
For more info on YFU USA: yfuusa.org
Chapters:
00:00 – Austrian Advent Calendars & Birthday Traditions
00:24 – Meet Marina: Exchange to Austria & Dance Program
01:45 – Language Skills & Cultural Background
03:34 – Choosing Austria Over Germany & Switzerland
04:23 – Family Support & Exchange Preparation
05:35 – Dance Classes & Studio Experience
07:14 – Learning German & Language Barriers
10:12 – Host Family Experience & Arrival in Austria
14:29 – School Life & Cultural Differences
17:27 – Making Friends & Social Life
19:14 – Extracurriculars: Ice Skating, Serbo-Croatian, Rock Climbing
29:35 – Exploring Austria & Neighboring Countries
32:12 – Funny Cultural Misunderstandings
36:38 – Growth, Confidence & Reflections
40:29 – Packing Tips & Must-See Places
43:09 – Travel Highlights & Favorite Destinations
44:16 – Becoming a Global Citizen
45:06 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next
Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross
Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak
Director: Megan Michels
View all episodes
By YFU USAIn this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross chats with Marina, a YFU exchange student from California who spent a transformative year studying abroad in Austria. Marina shares how her passion for languages and dance led her to choose Austria, and how she navigated learning German, joining a unique dance studio, and adapting to Austrian school life.
From Krampus parades and nail polish advent calendars to hiking on Sundays and taking Serbo-Croatian electives, Marina’s story is full of cultural surprises and personal growth. She also talks about attending the YES Seminar in Berlin, traveling across Europe, and how her exchange year helped her become more confident, independent, and globally aware.
Whether you're curious about youth exchange programs, international education, or the YFU experience, this episode is a fun and inspiring look at the power of saying “yes” to new adventures.
Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, exchange student, Austria, study abroad, dance program, German language, YES Seminar, Krampus, Advent Calendar, Marina, Life Exchanged podcast
Check out Marina's blog: travelwmarina.substack.com
For more info on YFU USA: yfuusa.org
Chapters:
00:00 – Austrian Advent Calendars & Birthday Traditions
00:24 – Meet Marina: Exchange to Austria & Dance Program
01:45 – Language Skills & Cultural Background
03:34 – Choosing Austria Over Germany & Switzerland
04:23 – Family Support & Exchange Preparation
05:35 – Dance Classes & Studio Experience
07:14 – Learning German & Language Barriers
10:12 – Host Family Experience & Arrival in Austria
14:29 – School Life & Cultural Differences
17:27 – Making Friends & Social Life
19:14 – Extracurriculars: Ice Skating, Serbo-Croatian, Rock Climbing
29:35 – Exploring Austria & Neighboring Countries
32:12 – Funny Cultural Misunderstandings
36:38 – Growth, Confidence & Reflections
40:29 – Packing Tips & Must-See Places
43:09 – Travel Highlights & Favorite Destinations
44:16 – Becoming a Global Citizen
45:06 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next
Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross
Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak
Director: Megan Michels