Rianne traveled from Estonia to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for her exchange year — and along the way she picked up a host sister turned built-in ride, a cross-country and show choir schedule that wore her out (in the best way), and an accidental new language she calls "Estonglish."

In this episode, Rianne opens up about weighing a gap year against finishing high school on time, the nerve-wracking first video call with her host family (turns out her host dad's deep voice was the real culprit, not the language barrier), and the small moments — like a surprise plushie during a sick day — that ended up meaning the most. She also shares the trip to California that connected her with exchange students from around the world, and why she'd sum up the entire experience in one word: life-changing.

Since recording this episode, Rianne launched her own podcast, Growing Through It! Give it a listen:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033SUgP6hesZWJJx8d9SHt
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast/growing-through-it/id6793668051
📸 IG: @‌growingdiaries.pod

Follow Rianne's exchange year on Instagram: @‌rianne_usas_

Ready to have your own life-changing exchange experience? Learn more at http://yfuusa.org.

#StudyAbroad #ExchangeStudent #HostFamily #YFU #Estonia #LifeExchanged

Chapters:

0:00 - Podcast Shout-Out: Rianne Launches "Growing Through It"
0:39 - Cold Open: Airport Chaos Teaser
1:05 - Introduction & Meet Rianne
1:29 - Choosing to Study Abroad & the Gap Year Decision
7:26 - Orientation & Finding Out About Her Host Family
13:16 - Meeting Her Host Family (and the "Estonglish" Story)
17:50 - Landing in Iowa & Airport Chaos (Full Story)
22:35 - Settling In: Host Sister, Sports & Making Friends
32:06 - Getting Sick & the Plushie Moment
34:03 - Family Traditions, Movie Nights & Dance Moms Debate
37:03 - Holidays & Sharing Estonian Culture
41:00 - Favorite American Foods & the International Potluck
45:39 - Saying Goodbye & How She's Changed
49:19 - Favorite Memory: The California Trip
51:09 - What's Next for Rianne
53:26 - Life-Changing: Her Experience in One Word

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Anisha traveled from India to North Carolina through the YES (Youth Exchange and Study) Program — a full-ride, merit-based scholarship earned after a year-long selection process that saw only 30 students chosen from her entire country.

In this episode, she opens up about the emotional moment she found out she'd been accepted, the family and teachers who rallied behind her, and how she went from being a self-described picky eater to a self-proclaimed "shrimp monster."

Anisha also shares how she embraced brand-new electives like piano, video design, and 3D printing/engineering, gave back to her host community through volunteering, and built an unbreakable bond with a host family she met just days before arriving. She closes with heartfelt advice for future exchange students: never doubt your worth.

#ExchangeStudent #StudyAbroad #YFU #YESProgram #LifeExchanged #IndiaToAmerica #HostFamily

Follow Anisha on Instagram: @‌thryyddvel.le

For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Meet Anisha
01:14 - Applying to the YES Program
06:20 - Getting Accepted & Family Support
12:15 - Orientation & Arrival Expectations
15:55 - Host Family Placement & Building the Bond
22:48 - School Life in the U.S.
26:13 - Electives, Clubs & Making Friends
35:42 - Challenges & Growing Through Them
43:00 - Christmas, Diwali & Halloween with Host Family
48:03 - How the Year Changed Her
51:22 - Community Service & Future Goals
54:58 - Favorite Food: Falling for Shrimp
56:48 - Closing

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

They're back! Lara (exchange student, 2024-2025) and Lexy (host mom & YFU staff member) return for our most-requested reunion episode — and yes, this is the pair behind our #1 most-listened-to episode on Spotify last year.

This time, Lara surprised her host family with an unannounced trip home, and the whole thing was caught on camera.

In this episode:
The emotional goodbye nobody was ready for
How they kept in touch across the ocean (spoiler: it's Snapchat and a standing Sunday call)
Tips for host parents building trust with natural families
Reverse culture shock
What happens when Detroit driving meets German road etiquette.

Plus: cowboy boots shipped to Germany, 22 chickens, and the world's most important German phrase.

For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA

Chapters:

00:00 – Cold Open & Intro
01:34 – The Hardest Goodbye
04:10 – Staying Connected & Cowboy Boots
06:21 – Building Trust with Host & Natural Parents
09:12 – Reverse Culture Shock & Coming Home
11:13 – The Surprise Welcome Back Party
15:47 – How They've Both Grown
19:32 – 22 Chickens & the Homecoming Surprise
27:13 – Catching Up: Ranch, Hot Dogs & 12 Days Home
29:21 – Planning the Trip to Germany
32:07 – Detroit Driving & Culture Tips
40:09 – What's Next & #1 Episode Celebration

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

What does it take to pack up your life at 17 and move to a completely different country for a year?

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Lia, a German exchange student living with a host family in Ohio. Lia opens up about breaking out of a cycle of fear and self-doubt before finally taking the leap, the surprisingly long application process (paperwork, visas, English tests, and a conversation with her school about grades), and the moment she got her host family placement at 6 am while brushing her teeth.

She also reflects on how American school spirit and extracurriculars blew her mind, the cultural adjustments that challenged her, and why — even through the hard moments — she describes her year in one word: unique.

Whether you're a prospective exchange student, a curious parent, or just someone who loves a good "I did the scary thing, and it changed me" story, Lia's story might just be the push you didn't know you needed.

For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction & Meet Lia
0:32 - School Life in Germany vs. the US
4:01 - How Lia's Dad Inspired Her to Go on Exchange
6:31 - Overcoming Fear & Deciding to Take the Leap
8:41 - The Application Process: Paperwork, Tests & Talking to Your School
13:18 - Finding Out She Got a Host Family (at 6 am While Brushing Her Teeth)
15:42 - Getting to Know Your Host Family Before You Arrive
18:25 - The Journey to America (Delays, Missing a Flight & a 1 am Hamburger)
21:26 - Meeting Her Host Family at the Airport
23:05 - First Day of American High School & the School Bus
27:11 - How She Made Friends: Clubs, Sports & Putting Herself Out There
28:19 - Learning Spanish in English (While Speaking German)
31:17 - How Her English Has Improved Over the Year
37:46 - Dance Team, Skiing & Volleyball: Trying Everything
39:10 - American Traditions: Thanksgiving, Christmas & Prom
47:39 - German Bread, Sauerkraut & the Truth About German Stereotypes
51:55 - Kelsey's Trip to Germany
53:13 - Advice for Students Scared to Go on Exchange
54:19 - What Comes Next After the Exchange Year
56:14 - One Word to Describe Her Exchange Year: Unique
57:25 - Take the Step: Lia's Message to Her Past Self
58:42 - Outro

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

France's most famous gift to America arrived in 1886. Clara arrived in Minnesota in 2023. Both changed things forever. 🗽

What does it actually feel like to leave home for the first time — at 17, alone, for a whole school year?

Clara grew up in the south of France dreaming of California and Hawaii. YFU sent her to Minnesota. She ended up doing ice fishing, a New Year's cold plunge, prom on Lake Superior, and watching The Traitors with her host mom every week — and she wouldn't change a single thing.

Clara shares the full story of her exchange year with YFU USA: meeting her host family at the airport, surviving -20°C winters, matching Christmas pajamas, and why coming back to France felt harder than leaving it.

She also gets honest about the parts nobody talks about — the exhaustion of thinking in a second language all day, being homesick for the sound of French, and how a family in Minnesota became her American family for life.

Clara's one word for her exchange? Lucky. But this conversation sounds a lot more like courage.

For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro
0:44 – Meet Clara: A French Student in Minnesota
1:48 – Why Study Abroad in High School?
2:50 – Clara's Parents: Her Biggest Champions
4:52 – Finding YFU & The Application Process
6:35 – Dream Placement: California… or Minnesota?
9:50 – Meeting Her Host Family for the First Time
12:25 – American High School vs. French School Culture
15:23 – Sports, Clubs & Prom on Lake Superior
21:03 – How to Make Friends as an Exchange Student
22:24 – Cultural Differences: France vs. the USA
26:23 – The Honest Truth About Homesickness
29:39 – Surviving a Minnesota Winter
31:33 – Host Family Traditions & Midwest Food
37:09 – Building a Bond That Lasted Beyond the Year
41:46 – How Exchange Changed Her Life
42:41 – Should Every High Schooler Study Abroad?
45:09 – One Word: Lucky 🍀
46:44 – Outro

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Tags: high school exchange program • YFU USA • study abroad in the USA • exchange student Minnesota • French exchange student • host family experience • cultural differences France USA • study abroad high school • Youth For Understanding • personal growth abroad • exchange student advice • American high school culture

What does it really feel like to land in Japan at 16, not knowing if your Japanese is good enough, and stay for six weeks?

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Mallory, a Michigan high school student who spent the summer of 2025 studying abroad in Japan through YFU (Youth For Understanding). Mallory waited two years to be old enough to apply, cried in a froyo shop when she got her scholarship, and didn't pack her suitcase until the day before she left — because part of her still didn't believe it was real.

She brings her actual journals to the recording and reads entries live: sitting in a Japanese history class with no idea what anyone is saying, watching planes take off from the school field during PE, and passing a little notebook around asking classmates, neighbors, and strangers on the street to leave her a message.

Mallory also opens up about joining drama club in a language she didn't fully speak, how a quiet bridge in Tokyo at sunset became her favorite memory, and the surprising way one summer abroad changed how she approaches acting, friendship, and life.

If you're a student dreaming about studying abroad, a parent on the fence, or just someone who loves a story about a person becoming more themselves — this one's for you.

Topics & keywords: high school study abroad Japan, YFU exchange program, Japanese host family experience, student cultural exchange, summer abroad as a teenager, learning Japanese immersion, exchange student scholarship, personal growth travel stories

Follow Mallory on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/malloryloves19/?__d=dist

Check out Mallory’s short film: Mr. Eclectic - https://youtu.be/FDR86q_pW9w?si=sX_78BSmEp_cHJOw

Follow Mr. Eclectic on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/eclectic.movie/?__d=dist

For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/

Chapters:

0:00 - Tokyo at Sunset

0:55 - Intro & Meet Mallory

1:42 - What Sparked the Dream

3:39 - Falling in Love with Japanese Culture

5:46 - Learning Japanese & The Language Journey

7:52 - Applying to YFU & The Host Family Letter

10:51 - Scholarship & The Froyo Moment

12:05 - Packing Up & What to Bring

13:52 - Meeting the Host Family Before Departure

17:00 - Landing in Japan

19:19 - First Night with the Host Family

21:07 - Life as a Japanese Student

22:16 - Reading the Journals: Day One

26:16 - Reading the Journals: July 4th Entry

30:08 - The Advice Book

31:14 - How Exchange Changed Mallory

32:31 - Overcoming the Language Barrier

33:24 - Drama Club in Japan

40:17 - Biggest Challenges: Getting Lost for 5 Hours

41:32 - Japanese Food & The Strawberry Sandwich Obsession

43:41 - Connecting with Neighbors & the Community

44:49 - Ad Break: YFU Host Family

45:14 - Staying in Touch with the Host Family

46:35 - Messages from the Advice Book

49:32 - Traveling Japan: Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo & More

51:00 - Why Short-Term Programs Still Change Everything

53:10 - The Biggest Personal Impact

55:26 - Advice for Students on the Fence

56:28 - Advice for Parents

58:19 - Presenting Back Home & Coming Full Circle

59:49 - What's Next for Mallory

1:01:15 - Favorite Memory: The Tokyo Bridge

1:02:08 - Ending

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

What does it take to leave Lithuania at 16, earn a fully-funded U.S. State Department scholarship, and spend a year discovering who you really are?

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Dominyka McMeel, a FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) scholar from Lithuania who spent her exchange year in Northern California with YFU USA. Dominyka opens up about earning one of the most competitive international exchange scholarships available to students from Eastern Europe, navigating culture shock, joining cheerleading, winning a film competition, and finding the community that made her feel like she truly belonged — on New Year's Eve, surrounded by her host family and new friends.

This is the first FLEX Program episode on Life Exchanged, and Dominyka's story is one of resilience, courage, and saying yes to everything.

Whether you're a student considering a year abroad, a parent on the fence, or a host family thinking about opening your home — this episode is for you.

Topics covered:

• What the FLEX Program is and how to apply as an Eastern European student
• The FLEX application, essay, and interview process
• YFU USA host family experience and placement
• Culture shock: Lithuanian vs. American high school life
• How studying abroad builds confidence, resilience, and adaptability
• Cheerleading, filmmaking, and finding community as an exchange student
• American holidays, traditions, and cultural differences
• Advice for students and families considering international exchange programs

Follow Dominyka on TikTok: @dominyka.abroad
Learn more about YFU USA: yfuusa.org
Learn more about the FLEX Program: exchanges.state.gov

Chapters:

00:00 - She Burst Into Tears the Moment She Landed

00:44 - Meet Dominyka — Exchange Student from Lithuania

01:55 - The FLEX Program & How Hard It Is to Get In

03:44 - The Application & Interview Process

05:12 - Building Confidence & Convincing Her Parents

08:15 - The Call That Changed Everything

09:19 - Getting Placed & Meeting Her Host Family

13:11 - Expectations vs. Reality of the US

14:35 - Arriving in America — The Emotional Moment

16:09 - First Week: Jet Lag, School & Making Friends

20:50 - Lithuania vs. US School Systems

23:38 - Cheerleading, Filmmaking & Finding Her Passions

28:12 - Homecoming, Holidays & American Traditions

30:45 - Sharing Lithuanian Culture with Her Host Family

34:14 - The Hard Parts of Exchange & Overcoming Them

39:17 - How Exchange Changed Her Perspective on Home

42:56 - What's Still to Come — Prom, Sports & LA

45:33 - Life After Exchange & Keeping in Touch

49:01 - Her Advice: Say Yes to Everything

51:08 - The Moment She Knew She Belonged

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Joy Cade, Virtual Orientations Chairperson at YFU and former exchange student to Japan.

Joy shares her remarkable journey studying abroad in Shikoku, Japan, diving into the challenges and beauty of the Japanese language, culture, school life, and personal growth. From learning kanji and navigating cultural shock to experiencing Shinto philosophy and joining a Japanese dance club, Joy offers deep insight into what makes studying abroad transformative.

She discusses:

• How Japanese culture reshaped her understanding of responsibility and trust

• Life-changing lessons from Shintoism and energy awareness

• The importance of slowing down, connecting with others, and embracing cultural differences

• Her toughest moments abroad—and the breakthroughs they led to

• Advice for future exchange students and their families

• How exchange continues to shape her life as a parent, volunteer, and global citizen

Whether you’re preparing for your own exchange, supporting a student, or simply love cross‑cultural stories, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and Joy—literally.

If you're interested in study abroad programs, Japanese culture, teen exchange stories, language learning, or YFU, this episode is full of deep insights, heartfelt stories, and lots of Joy.

Want to become a volunteer or learn more about YFU?
Visit: https://yfuusa.org

Contact Joy: [email protected] [email protected]

For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/

Chapters:

0:00 - Confidence Shattered: The Orientation That Changed Everything

0:38 - Introducing Joy Cade

1:16 - Growing Up Curious: How Japan First Called to Joy

3:12 - Is Japanese Really That Hard to Learn?

7:01 - Tips for Learning Japanese Before You Go & Joy's Favorite Artist

9:21 - The Japan America Friendship Scholarship Explained

10:54 - 70 Students, One Flight to Japan

14:14 - Arriving in Japan & Meeting Her Host Family

17:03 - School on the Grounds of a Castle

18:32 - Culture Starts Right Next to You

21:26 - Differences in Japanese Schools & Student Responsibility

25:00 - Cleaning Up the Whole Town

26:31 - Vending Machines, No Trash Cans & Japan's Recycling Culture

29:44 - Making Friends, Dance Club & the Flash Mob

33:39 - Trust, Accountability & Shintoism

38:24 - The Hardest Part: Isolation, the Origami Incident & Lessons Learned

45:09 - "I Am International": The Greatest Job on Earth

46:17 - Staying Connected & Planning a Return Trip to Japan

48:02 - Raising Bilingual Kids

50:32 - Getting Involved With YFU as a Volunteer

57:47 - What Makes Exchange So Impactful

1:00:32 - Advice for Students & Nervous Parents

1:04:02 - What It Takes to Be a Good Local Coordinator

1:05:59 - Must-Try Foods in Japan

1:07:50 - How to Reach Joy & Outro

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

It's been one whole year of stories, exchanges, and lives changed — and we're celebrating with YOU. In this special one-year anniversary episode, host Kelsey Ross reflects on an incredible first year of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, answers your listener-submitted questions, and gets surprise updates from some of your favorite past guests. Plus, a special teaser for something we've been promising all year. Thank you for an amazing first year — here's to many more.

Thank you to every guest, every listener, and everyone who has shared, commented, and tuned in. You made this possible.

Follow so you never miss an episode.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Contact Gaby on Instagram: gaby2006_deutschland

 For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome & One Year Reflection

3:13 - Q&A: What Surprised You Most About Student Stories?

6:27 - Q&A: Most Memorable Episode

8:55 - Q&A: Favorite Episode of the Year

10:17 - Q&A: Topics for Year Two

13:25 - Q&A: What Did You Learn in Year One?

15:34 - Guest Updates Introduction

16:22 - Gabby's Update

22:44 - Kelsey Reacts to Gabby

23:34 - Carola's Update

24:39 - Kelsey Reacts to Carola

25:33 - Marina's Update

26:46 - Kelsey Reacts to Marina

28:10 - Liz's Update

29:12 - Kelsey Reacts to Liz

30:38 - Simone's Update

31:37 - Kelsey Reacts to Simone

32:08 - Podcast Stats & Milestones

33:55 - German Bread Teaser

34:44 - More Spotify Stats

35:41 - #1 Study Abroad Podcast & Beat Ohio State

37:26 - Thank You & Closing

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Alexandra Tague, a CBYX alum who spent 2009–2010 living and studying in Germany through Youth For Understanding (YFU).

Alex shares her journey from the moment she discovered the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program to the whirlwind months of preparing to leave the U.S. at sixteen. She opens up about emotional readiness, navigating German schools, adjusting to host family life, and the reality of culture shock beyond the “honeymoon phase.”

Listeners will hear stories from language camp in Hamburg, building independence on German trains, the magic of Christmas markets, and how she handled tough moments of homesickness. Alex offers heartfelt, practical advice for future exchange students and insights for host families hoping to build meaningful relationships.

Now a mom of three and a longtime YFU volunteer, Alex reflects on how her exchange shaped her worldview, fueled lifelong personal growth, and continues to impact her life today.

Perfect for: future exchange students, parents, host families, CBYX applicants, and anyone curious about study abroad life behind the scenes.

For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/

Follow Alex on Instagram: @‌alexandrarayee

Chapters:

0:00 – Meet Alex & Her CBYX Exchange to Germany

4:48 – Emotional Readiness & Parental Concerns

8:52 – Getting Accepted & Pre‑Departure Orientation

12:37 – CBYX in D.C. & Preparing to Leave the U.S.

16:58 – Arriving in Germany & Language Camp Life

24:02 – Meeting Her Host Family & Building Belonging

34:47 – German School, Independence & Self‑Discovery

39:22 – When the Honeymoon Phase Ends

44:30 – Christmas Markets, Travel & Favorite Memories

50:41 – How Exchange Changed Alex’s Life & Advice for Students

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak