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What Japan Taught Me About Identity and Language — Simone’s Story
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
View all episodes
By YFU USAIn 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