In this episode of Life Exchange: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross chats with Julika Enslin, a YFU alum from Germany who spent a transformative year studying abroad in Michigan. Julika shares how her curiosity about cultures and love for English led her to the U.S., and how her exchange experience shaped her personal growth, academic path, and global career.

From field hockey and poetry slams to navigating cultural stereotypes and making lifelong connections, Julika reflects on the challenges and joys of adapting to American life. She also shares her journey after exchange—including studying in Egypt, earning a master’s degree at Georgetown, and teaching at West Point.

Whether you're curious about cultural exchange, international education, or how one year abroad can shape a lifetime, Julika’s story is a powerful reminder of the doors that open when you say “yes” to new experiences.

Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, exchange student, Germany, Michigan, study abroad, cultural exchange, international education, Julika Enslin, Life Exchange podcast, Georgetown, West Point, Egypt

Connect with Julika on LinkedIn: Julika Enslin

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

Chapters:

00:00 – Learning She’s Going to Michigan

00:22 – Guest Introduction

01:07 – Why She Chose to Study Abroad & YFU

03:14 – First Travel Alone & Arriving in the U.S.

05:49 – Getting Her Host Family & Settling In

09:51 – First Days at School & Sports

15:27 – Cultural Differences & Adjusting

23:14 – Memorable Activities: Museums, Drama, Poetry

26:23 – Challenges, Growth & Host Family Support

45:49 – Life After Exchange & Global Adventures

56:11 – Advice for Future Students & Final Reflections

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross speaks with Tyler McCamley, a YFU France alumnus whose exchange journey began with a newspaper article and a bookmark—and led to a life transformed. Tyler shares his story of leaving Philadelphia for France as a high school student, navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and personal growth. He opens up about the challenges of host family dynamics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his exchange year, and how those experiences shaped his worldview.

Now a global citizen studying in Amsterdam and volunteering with YFU, Tyler reflects on the power of cultural exchange, the importance of gratitude, and how one year abroad can change everything—not just for the student, but for their entire family.

Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, exchange student, France, study abroad, cultural exchange, host family, CBYX, international education, student travel, Tyler McCamley, Kelsey Ross, Life Exchanged podcast

Follow Tyler on Instagram: @‌tyler.mccamley

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

Chapters:

00:00 – Deciding to Study Abroad

00:29 – Meet Tyler & His Background

01:37 – Why France & Early Motivation

03:57 – Family Support & Visa Challenges

09:02 – YFU Support & Host Family Assignment

11:26 – Early Host Family Experiences

14:19 – Expectations vs. Reality in France

18:46 – Host Family Conflict & Changing Families

23:00 – Advice for Future Exchange Students

32:35 – Adjusting in Second Host Family

33:07 – School Life in France

42:44 – COVID Cuts the Exchange Short

49:12 – Why Tyler Volunteers with YFU

56:27 – Returning to France & Rebuilding Connection

58:59 – Tyler’s Parents Move to France

01:23:16 – What’s Next for Tyler

01:30:20 – Finding Tyler Online & Closing

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels

In this heartfelt episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Megan Herndon—YFU alumna, host mother, and volunteer—to explore the transformative power of cultural exchange. Megan shares her experience as a CBYX scholarship recipient in post-Berlin Wall Germany, the challenges of language immersion, and the deep connections formed with host families. Now a seasoned host mom, Megan reflects on the joys and lessons of welcoming students from around the world, offering practical advice and touching stories that highlight the lifelong impact of exchange programs.

Keywords: YFU, CBYX, exchange student, host family, cultural exchange, Germany, language learning, international education, youth exchange, Megan Herndon, Kelsey Ross

Connect with Megan on Social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.m.herndon & https://www.facebook.com/herndon.jt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan1996mills & https://www.instagram.com/jt_herndon

For more info on YFU USA: ⁠yfuusa.org

Chapters:

00:00 – Funny Cultural Misunderstandings

00:25 – Meet Simone & Her Global Background

03:33 – Discovering Study Abroad Through YouTube

04:10 – Choosing YFU & Preparing for Japan

08:02 – Getting Accepted & Scholarship Joy

09:19 – Convincing Her Parents & Host Family Placement

13:21 – Building a Relationship Before Arrival

14:31 – Packing, Gifts & First Impressions of Japan

19:50 – Orientation, Embassy Visit & School Life

23:00 – Meeting Her Host Family in Person

25:23 – Attending Japanese High School & First Day Surprises

30:03 – Making Friends & Cultural Differences

33:35 – School Traditions: Cleaning, Clubs & Christian Practices

35:49 – Joining the Basketball Team

37:29 – Challenges & Staying Positive

40:14 – Exploring Hiroshima & Favorite Foods

46:28 – Summer Vacation & Reflections on Program Length

49:55 – Emotional Goodbye & Final Thoughts

52:16 – Advice for Future Exchange Students

54:25 – How Exchange Shaped Her Future Plans

57:05 – What’s Next for Simone

59:02 – Where to Follow Simone’s Journey

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross chats with Simone Majekodunmi, a 16-year-old YFU exchange student from Texas who spent six unforgettable weeks studying abroad in Japan. Simone shares how her love for Japanese culture began, how she prepared for her exchange—including learning Japanese and researching Hiroshima—and what it was like adjusting to life with a host family.

From trying melon bread and taiyaki to navigating Japanese school life and bonding with classmates in an all-girls school, Simone’s story is full of cultural insights, funny moments, and personal growth. She also reflects on how her time in Japan sparked her interest in international relations and offers thoughtful advice for future exchange students.

Whether you're curious about short-term study abroad programs, Japanese culture, or the YFU experience, this episode is a fun and inspiring listen.

Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, exchange student, Japan, study abroad, short-term program, Japanese culture, Hiroshima, international relations, Simone Majekodunmi, Life Exchanged podcast

Check out Simone's YouTube:

youtube.com/@piercingtheveils or simonexoxos

Listen to Simone's Study Abroad Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6uoYbkcL6tbPm3183xgYbq?si=72b2d5256f5742e8

Follow Simone on Instagram: @simonemajek_

For more info on YFU USA: ⁠yfuusa.org

Chapters:

00:00 – Funny Cultural Misunderstandings

00:25 – Meet Simone & Her Global Background

03:33 – Discovering Study Abroad Through YouTube

04:10 – Choosing YFU & Preparing for Japan

08:02 – Getting Accepted & Scholarship Joy

09:19 – Convincing Her Parents & Host Family Placement

14:31 – Packing, Gifts & First Impressions of Japan

19:50 – Orientation, Embassy Visit & School Life

30:03 – Making Friends & Cultural Differences

37:29 – Challenges & Staying Positive

40:14 – Exploring Japan & Favorite Foods

46:28 – Summer Vacation & Reflections on Program Length

49:55 – Emotional Goodbye & Final Thoughts

52:16 – Advice for Future Exchange Students

54:25 – How Exchange Shaped Her Future Plans

59:02 – Where to Follow Simone’s Journey

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels

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

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross chats with Keith Hehr, a host parent from Iowa who has welcomed international exchange students through YFU for six out of the last ten years. What started with a baseball ad turned into a life-changing experience for Keith’s family, filled with laughter, learning, and global connection.

Keith shares how hosting students from Poland, Spain, and Germany has enriched their lives—from helping a student overcome a fear of microwaves to mailing Reese’s Puffs and ranch dressing across the globe. He reflects on the joy of watching his daughters grow up with “brothers from around the world,” the emotional goodbyes, and the unforgettable trips to visit their students’ families overseas.

Whether you’re curious about hosting, love cultural exchange stories, or just want to hear about a family who’s built a global network of love and laughter, this episode is full of warmth, humor, and inspiration.

Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, host family, exchange student, cultural exchange, international education, Poland, Spain, Germany, Keith Hehr, Life Exchanged podcast

Connect with Keith on Facebook: facebook.com/keith.hehr.5

For more info on YFU USA: ⁠yfuusa.org

Chapters:

0:00 – Christmas Memories & Introduction

0:32 – Meet Keith & Hosting Journey Begins

2:20 – First Student from Poland

6:15 – Hosting Mario & Leon

8:50 – Family Dynamics & Sports

10:04 – Staying Connected with Natural Families

13:06 – Language & Cultural Learning

15:18 – Holiday Traditions from Poland, Spain & Germany

18:57 – Sharing American Traditions

22:19 – School Events & Travel Memories

24:18 – Preparing to Host

27:38 – Everyday Differences & Funny Discoveries

30:25 – Cooking & Favorite Foods

32:16 – Graduation Party & Polish Cuisine

33:48 – Challenges & Adjustments

36:17 – School Life & Extracurriculars

38:02 – Leon’s Art Talent & Scholarship

40:51 – Building Strong Bonds

44:12 – Passing on Hosting Inspiration

47:01 – Reflections & Advice to New Hosts

50:54 – Impact on Daughters

55:03 – Would You Let Your Kids Go on Exchange?

58:15 – Final Thoughts & Gratitude

1:00:16 – Promoting Awareness & Social Media

1:05:43 – Why Choose YFU?

1:08:41 – Closing Reflections

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross chats with Christian, a YFU alum from Germany who spent a transformative year studying abroad in Argentina. Inspired by his sister’s exchange experience, Christian shares how he chose Argentina over Canada, the culture shocks he faced, and how his host families helped him feel at home—complete with a welcome cake and a German flag at the airport.

Christian opens up about switching host families mid-year, discovering the joys of late-night dinners and bitter mate tea, and the surreal moment when his parents’ friends realized they had lived with his second host mom decades earlier. Now working with YFU Germany, Christian reflects on how exchange shaped his worldview, taught him about himself, and continues to influence his life and career.

Whether you’re curious about studying abroad, hosting, or just love stories that connect continents, this episode is a warm, funny, and inspiring reminder of the power of cultural exchange.

Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, exchange student, Argentina, Germany, study abroad, cultural exchange, international education, Christian, Life Exchanged podcast

For more info on YFU USA: ⁠yfuusa.org

Chapters:

00:00 – A Coincidental Connection in Argentina

01:06 – Meet Christian: From Germany to Global Exchange

02:12 – Choosing Argentina Over the U.S.

03:47 – Getting Accepted & Preparing for Departure

06:20 – First Host Family & Cultural Adjustments

10:44 – Why Exchange in High School Matters

13:05 – Arriving in Argentina & First Impressions

16:06 – Challenges with Freedom & Family Dynamics

22:13 – Switching Host Families & Starting Fresh

25:21 – A Surprising Family Connection

27:27 – Cultural Highlights: Mate, Music, and More

30:25 – Breaking Preconceptions & Embracing Change

31:07 – Hosting in Return: Becoming a Host Brother

34:48 – Latvian Culture & Lasting Connections

36:49 – Cultural Habits That Stuck

38:44 – From Exchange Student to YFU Staff

46:06 – Why Get Involved with YFU

47:56 – Christian’s Current Projects & Future Vision

52:10 – A Memorable Letter from Thailand

54:38 – Final Reflections & Farewell

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels

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

In this heartfelt episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Carrie and Justin Stiltner, a couple from Clyde, Ohio, who share their journey of hosting exchange students through YFU. What began as a leap of faith during the COVID-19 pandemic turned into a life-changing experience filled with laughter, learning, and love.

Carrie and Justin reflect on their first student from Argentina, bonding over baking and art during lockdown, and how each student brought their culture into their home—from Norwegian national cakes to Thai noodles and Spanish tortillas. They share the emotional goodbyes, the joy of reunions, and their unforgettable trip to Argentina, where they were embraced by their exchange daughter’s family.

Now preparing to host the younger sister of one of their former students, the Stiltners talk about how hosting has made them more adaptable, fearless, and open-hearted. This episode is a beautiful reminder of the power of cultural exchange and the joy of building a global family.

Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, host family, exchange student, cultural exchange, international education, Argentina, Norway, Spain, Thailand, Carrie and Justin Stiltner, Life Exchanged podcast

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

Chapters:

00:00 – Why They Chose to Host: A Path to Parenthood

02:00 – Starting with a Semester Student During COVID

05:30 – Picking the Right Student & First Impressions

08:50 – Hosting During a Pandemic: Challenges & Resilience

12:00 – Preparing the Home & Personal Touches

14:45 – Sharing Culture Through Food & Traditions

20:00 – Hosting Girls: Why It Became Their Pattern

26:00 – What They Look for in Student Profiles

29:55 – Challenges of Hosting & Setting Boundaries

34:07 – Coping with Goodbyes & Staying Connected

38:45 – Favorite American Foods Among Students

41:00 – Visiting Argentina & Feeling the Love

45:00 – Language Barriers & Emotional Connections

47:01 – Students Calling Them “Mom and Dad”

51:01 – Advice for First-Time Host Families

54:40 – How Hosting Changed Them as a Couple

57:21 – Favorite Memories & Milestones

58:58 – What’s Next: Hosting a Sibling

01:04:18 – Hosting in One Word: “Rewarding”

01:05:10 – Final Reflections & Farewell

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross speaks with Greta, a 17-year-old CBYX scholarship recipient from Germany, about her unforgettable exchange year in the United States. From overcoming her fear of backyard chickens to navigating multiple host family transitions, Greta shares the highs and lows of her journey with honesty, humor, and resilience.

Greta opens up about cultural differences, adapting to new schools, and the emotional challenges she faced—alongside unforgettable adventures to Las Vegas, Hawaii, and beyond. She reflects on how YFU and her local coordinators supported her through tough times, and how the experience helped her grow personally and shape her future.

Whether you're a student considering exchange, a host family, or just curious about the CBYX program, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the real-life impact of cultural exchange.

Keywords: CBYX, YFU, exchange student, host family, cultural exchange, Germany to USA, international education, study abroad, resilience, teen travel, Greta, Life Exchanged podcast

Follow Greta on Instagram: @greta.goes.ppp

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

Chapters:

00:00 – Chicken Fear

00:29 – Meet Greta

01:33 – Exchange Inspiration

02:11 – Applying to CBYX

06:19 – Acceptance Moment

09:05 – First Host Family

10:12 – Private School Life

13:53 – Arrival in the U.S.

17:14 – Making Friends

18:07 – Leaving First Family

22:14 – New Host Family

23:32 – Vegas & Hawaii Trip

28:20 – Bonding Over Sports

32:10 – New School Experience

36:08 – Leaving Second Family

40:02 – Final Host Family

43:04 – Final School & Prom

49:05 – Staying Resilient

57:19 – What’s Next

01:01:24 – Would You Do It Again?

01:02:33 – Closing

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels