Blog

YES Program Scholarship: A Full-Ride Study Abroad Journey from India – Anisha’s Story

3 days ago

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…

Our #1 Episode Just Got a Sequel – Lara & Lexy Return

2 weeks ago

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…

What Is Culture Shock?

3 weeks ago

Anxious teen exchange student experiencing culture shock sitting on luggage alone outdoors while adjusting to life abroad

Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation, anxiety, and confusion that can happen when someone is separated from familiar surroundings and immersed in an unfamiliar culture. Put simply, it is…

Best Countries to Study Abroad in High School

4 weeks ago

Choosing the best countries to study abroad is one of the most exciting decisions you can make as a high school student. It is not just about academics. It is…

What It’s Really Like to Be a German Exchange Student in America – Lia’s Story

1 month ago

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,…

She Wanted California. She Got Minnesota. Here’s What Happened – Clara’s Story

1 month ago

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…

She Moved to Japan Alone at 16, Here’s What Actually Happened – Mallory’s Story

2 months ago

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…

Finding Belonging Abroad: FLEX Exchange Journey from Lithuania to the U.S. – Dominyka’s Story

2 months ago

At 16, Dominyka left her home in Lithuania to spend a year in the United States as a FLEX exchange student—a decision that changed her life. After earning a spot…

Hosting Japanese Exchange Students

3 months ago

apanese Exchange Student smiling while studying abroad in America

Hosting a Japanese exchange student is a meaningful way for families to experience cultural exchange while supporting a young person discovering life in the United States. When families open…

Finding Joy in Japan: A Study Abroad Journey That Transforms Perspectives – Joy’s Story