In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross chats with Liz Zirk—a YFU alum, longtime volunteer, and soon-to-be host parent—whose exchange year in Germany in the late ’90s was anything but ordinary. From French pronunciation contests as a kid to boldly declaring her study abroad plans over dinner, Liz’s story is full of charm, courage, and cultural surprises.

Liz shares quirky and heartfelt memories from her time in northern Germany, including bonding with her metalhead host brothers, discovering the magic of German bread, and learning to navigate life in a new language—one word at a time. She reflects on how exchange shaped her academic path, sparked a lifelong love of languages, and led her to become a passionate YFU volunteer.

Now preparing to host a student herself, Liz talks about the full-circle nature of her journey—from wide-eyed teen to confident host mom—and why food, community, and a little bit of bravery go a long way in cultural exchange.

Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, exchange student, Germany, study abroad, cultural exchange, international education, Liz Zirk, Life Exchanged podcast, host family, volunteering

Follow Liz on Instagram: @elizabethzirk

Check out Liz's podcasts: lizzirk.com

For more info on YFU USA: ⁠yfuusa.org

Chapters:

00:00 – Bravery in Retrospect: Liz’s Leap into Exchange

01:00 – Discovering YFU Through French Class

03:40 – Convincing Her Parents & Choosing a Country

08:00 – Getting Accepted & Preparing for Germany

11:10 – Arriving in Germany with No German Language

13:45 – Meeting Her Host Family & First Impressions

18:15 – Cultural Surprises & Letting Go of Assumptions

24:00 – Learning to Be a Sister & Family Dynamics

28:15 – Favorite Memories, Food, and German Bread

36:00 – School Differences Between Germany and the U.S.

40:00 – Challenges, Growth, and Emotional Resilience

44:00 – Studying Abroad Again & Staying Involved with YFU

49:00 – Volunteering, Orientation Work, and Giving Back

57:00 – Becoming a Host Mom: Full Circle Moment

01:05:00 – Why Join YFU: Belonging, Impact, and Connection

01:08:00 – Where to Find Liz & Closing Reflections

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels