Youth For Understanding USA

Meet Kotone, a spirited girl from Japan known for her infectious positivity. Enthusiastic about engaging with others, she's a dedicated member of her school's library committee and home economics club, where she helped bake 1000 cookies for a festival. Kotone's zest for learning extends beyond academics; she dreams of a future in teaching. Inspired by her mother's Japanese recipes, she's eager to share these culinary delights with her host family abroad. Kotone is thrilled to immerse herself in new experiences, from home activities to attending church, making her an integral part of her host family's life. Will you welcome Kotone into your family?

Ruba, from Libya, is a girl with a remarkable background, having lived in China for about 3 years when she was younger. She is an artist who loves to write and draw and hopes to have a career in interior design. She attends an international school now. Her teacher states Ruba is an exceptional student, who shows great maturity and motivation. Ruba even creates study guides for her difficult courses and her writing is wonderful. Ruba has a close loving family, and as one of six, she has a share of chores to help at home. She loves having conversations with family and friends. Ruba is hoping to join a writing group at her American school or in the community. Ruba is looking forward to joining her host family and growing lifelong relationships. YES SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT

Active Andrejs from Latvia loves physical activities. His favorite sport is volleyball and he is hoping to continue playing on a team while on exchange. He also enjoys basketball and soccer as hobbies, in addition to exercising and long walks. Andrejs explains that staying active helps him feel calm and focused, and he would love to find a career that is connected to sports. Family life is important to Andrejs, and he appreciates frequent board game nights and time spent playing games with his little sister. Andrejs also loves a good long walk, whether it be along or with friends. Teachers report that he is a friendly and respectful student that is "kind, outgoing, and open to communication". Positive Andrejs says "currently my life is amazing and I am grateful for it, but I want new experiences!" Will you open your world to Andrejs?

Lucie is a bubbly 16-year-old from Germany with a heart of gold! She's a happy and outgoing person who adores helping others, spending time with her loved ones, and connecting with animals. With two cats of her own, Lucie's also a passionate horse enthusiast. Her friends describe her as incredibly friendly and helpful, someone you just can't help but like. Lucie hopes her exchange year will help her discover more about herself and gain new perspectives on life while making lasting friendships. In her free time, she enjoys baking with her dad, reading (especially in English), and exploring her creative side through painting and photography. Lucie's not one for adrenaline-pumping activities but is open to trying new hobbies. She cherishes family time, whether it's sharing meals, caring for their animals, or enjoying weekend activities together. With her outgoing nature and mentorship skills recognized by her teachers, Lucie is sure to bring joy and positivity to her exchange experience in the USA.

Anna is a friendly, open minded, and socially engaged girl from Germany. Not only is she a helpful and relaxed student with outstanding grades; Anna is very creative, especially in fabric arts, sewing, crocheting, and knitting. She loves spending time with friends, listening to music, taking photos, and seeing movies. Anna has a wonderful relationship with her family. Together they enjoy camping, swimming, concerts, theatre and visiting museums. Anna loves to learn about other cultures and has dreamed about traveling to America for many years. She is looking forward to having a warm memorable experience with her host family and community. Anna will be a wonderful daughter for your family.

Meet Leonard, a dedicated 16-year-old from Germany who thrives on fun! He's the motivated and funny friend who's always up for a good time. Leonard's eager to immerse himself in a new culture during his exchange year in the USA, hoping to master English and boost his sports skills, particularly in tennis and golf. He's open to trying new activities like football and cross-country running, alongside hitting the gym. Leonard's interests range from baking and gaming to outdoor adventures and movie nights. While he enjoys the occasional fast food treat, he's mindful of his health and enjoys cooking food. With his family, Leonard bonds over tennis with his dad and morning tea with his mom, embodying a communicative and caring lifestyle. Leonard is ready for an exciting exchange adventure!

Seung-Hwan from Korea is an outgoing active boy who loves being with people. His teacher states he is a positive energy in all he does. Seung-Hwan is a great student and often helps classmates with math and science studies. He is often a volunteer and serves in leadership roles. Seung-Hwan is very interested in improving his English as he hopes to have a career in international business. He lives in a dorm during the school week but has a close relationship with his family. His father always gives great advice. His mother is a wonderful cook and has taught Seung-Hwan (and his brother) some wonderful skills he wants to share with his host family. He enjoys sports, especially basketball, as well as church activities. His brother is on exchange this year and Seung-Hwan cant wait to have his time, creating a happy experience with his host family and exploring his new community. Seung-Hwan will be a wonderful addition to your family.

Meet Sam, a dynamic, sporty future pilot! Every Wednesday after school he attends a special course to earn his aeronautics certificate. Because important to his chosen career, foreign language, especially English, is his chief academic interest, and Sam is determined to become as fluent as possible during his exchange year. The desire to understand his environment leads to his secondary academic interest in sciences. Coming from an active family, Sam will eagerly take on the challenge of learning any new sport. He plays on a rugby team, swims, and enjoys cycling, mountain biking, surfing, skiing, climbing, and canyoning. For Sam, sports provide a feeling of freedom and constant challenge as well as a chance to develop physical and mental skills. With friends, hes likely to be found bowling, playing laser tag or finding his way out of an escape room. As Sam puts it, he enjoys team bonding, time with family and friends, laughter, sensation, and discovery. Sam wants to thank his future host family and knows they will share unforgettable moments.

Emma is a 17 year old girl from Italy who describes herself as cheerful and resourceful. She is an active girl who skis in the winter, plays volleyball and does athletics on teams and loves going to the beach and swimming. She is passionate about music and says she spends 1/3 of her day listening to a variety of music styles. She loves Spanish music and is working on learning Spanish so that she can understand the lyrics. A very good student, her favorite subjects in school are math and English. Teachers describe Emma as an exceptional student working either in a group or individually. She does not get discouraged when things are difficult, but strives harder to improve her skills. Emma says she has an excellent relationship with her parents and older sister. They enjoy trekking and skiing together as well as just being at home cooking or playing board games. She also likes quiet time when she can read. Emma is very excited about spending a year as an exchange student in the US and thanks her Host Family for choosing her and making her dream come true!

Marcos, from Spain, is boy who enjoys sports activities and the subject of Biology in school. He also has an interest in languages and has studied French and Chinese in addition to English. Marcos had a wonderful 3-week school experience in England and now looks forward to a full year exchange in America. He has a good relationship with his friends and family. His family often does cultural activities, such as visiting museums, and they love to travel. Marcos enjoys the outdoors, often going swimming or skiing, and plays soccer. He hopes he will be able to play on his schools soccer team. Marcos is looking forward to meeting his host family and having a great year together.

Timo is a fun, outgoing, and independent young man originally from Finland. He loves to play sports, whether it's in Finland or watching his favorite American team. He has been part of a soccer team for years and has gained valuable experience in teamwork, socialization, and pushing himself out of his comfort zone. His team-oriented nature and ability to adapt to different situations will make his transition to the American culture easier. He is looking forward to meeting new people, making new friends, and adapting to the American lifestyle. Timo's favorite subjects in school include English, Math, and Sports. He also enjoys Social Studies and hopes to take these courses at the American high school. According to his friends, Timo is smart and eager to learn new things. Teacher's describe him as motivated to excel in his studies and is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. Timo is looking forward to starting his new life and would like to thank you for inviting him into your family.

Thoughtful and introspective, Yanrui, or Amanda (English name) says, Life is a wilderness, not a track. Exchange is a process of self-discovery and growth, where I hope to gain confidence and broaden my vision. Easy-going, curious, and optimistic, Amanda is quick to adapt to new circumstances and strives to understand the perspective of others. Outside of school, where she is a top student, Amanda fills her time with activities. She rides horses, plays tennis and badminton, swims, skates, and is a cheerleader. With friends, she likes to listen to music, watch movies and sports, shop and be outdoors. At home, Amanda describes homelife as warm and harmonious, and she states, Home is the harbor of my happiness. She and her parents enjoy picnics, playing board games and family movie nights, with popcorn and good conversation. Amanda chose the US for exchange because she sees the US as a diversified country where people are enthusiastic and confident with happy smiles on their faces. She cant wait to meet her host family, make new friends, and embark on a year of self-discovery and adventure!

Introducing Nuno, a 15-year-old from Germany, winner of the CBYX scholarship. Known for his positivity and respect, Nuno is a caring listener with an infectious smile. A dedicated drummer in his school band, he's eager to try American football during his exchange in the US. Nuno is a passionate foodie who loves cooking and enjoys family dinners. With aspirations in graphic design, his friendly nature and love for music make him a delightful addition to any family.

Take to the tennis court with Ella! One of her favorite activities is weekly tennis with two old friends from elementary school. If you dont play tennis but would like to try, Ella would be happy to teach you. If youre more at home in the kitchen than on the court, she will gladly assist, enjoy learning to cook American food, and introduce you to her favorite German meals. A happy and social girl, Ella enjoys daily dinners and regular Sunday walks with her parents and sister, always ending up at a local coffee shop to chat. Like many teens, she also loves watching movies with friends. With diverse interests extending to drawing, painting, crafting, and computer games, and a desire to learn all she can about American home and school life, Ella will fit in just about anywhere. Shes always willing to help out around the house, eager to befriend your family pets, and ready to teach you a few words of German. Ella wants to thank her future host family for making her dream come true.

Maira from Chile is described as a natural leader, ambitious, kind, and sociable. If someone tells her it can't be done, she rises to the challenge and says "Watch me!" Active and busy, sports are part of her physical life, but also her social life because all her friends join her in volleyball and working out in the gym. Empathetic and sensitive, Maira enjoys the serious conversations and laughter she shares with friends and family. They consider her outgoing and always ready to lend a hand. Maira's musical tastes center on rap, R & B, hiphop and more. She enjoys reading and debate and has true enthusiasm for learning. Psychology and the working of the human brain especially fascinates her.

Curious, intelligent and polite, meet Eduardo, from Spain. He is confident in what he likes and has a diverse range of interests. Eduardo describes himself as calm, curious and kind. He likes to explore new places, but also finds a balance with time at home to relax with family. A good student, Eduardo says he enjoys robotics, visual arts, and math. Outside of academics, he fills part of his time with sports, playing soccer, basketball, and tennis with friends. But he is just as happy settling in with a good book to read, or watching a TV series or a good movie. With friends, he likes to practice sports, hang out outdoors, listen to music, or grab a bite to eat at a cafe. Eduardo thanks his parents for making this exchange year possible and he cant wait for an amazing experience of visiting another country and learning about its culture and people. While he will miss his younger brother and sister, he is excited to meet new friends, make lasting connections, and learn about American culture while trying new things not available to him at home. Calm and honest, Eduardo cant wait to begin this new adventure!

Andrea from Italy is a sporty guy who puts a high priority on new active experiences. Boating and fishing, skiing and tennis are favorite activities, but he's also open-minded for new ones. He enjoys music of all types, but especially rock, rap and trap (prior experience with guitar and piano. He will enjoy watching sports events with you. Andrea attends a high school which specializes in scientific topics, and he really enjoys math and P.E. classes. Noted for his sense of humor, Andrea puts effort into making friends quickly, and he intends to make friends in the USA who will "stay in his life." Friendly and cheerful, Andrea will brighten life in your home!

Ambitious and open, relaxed and easy-going: what a good combination of skills for this German exchange student named Tristan. A role model and group leader, Tristan even performs that role in his natural family as older brother to three younger sibs that he enjoys playing with. Tristan likes going to the gym with friends and playing recreational soccer and other sports. Friends enjoy his relaxed approach to life, and teachers are fond of his disciplined approach. Tristan is a CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG SCHOLARSHIP WINNER with an interest in politics.

I understand the importance of communication, cooperation, and compromise in building strong relationships and am fully dedicated to contributing positively to our shared experience, says Julia, from Germany. Well rounded and mature, Julia claims a passion for languages and economics, a curiosity about other cultures, and a gift for languages. After visiting New York last year, Julia set a goal of studying at Columbia University in the future and wants to spend this year learning about American culture and customs, making many new friends and establishing a lasting relationship with her host family. She is member of two drama clubsone German and one English; plays saxophone in a Music Club at school; and hopes to put her gymnastic skills to use in trying cheerleading while on exchange. She loves to cook, draw, hang out with friends, read, volunteer and watch movies. While she will miss her parents and younger brother greatly, she knows they fully support her experience and plan to host a student themselves while she is gone. If you enjoy cultural conversations and are looking for an optimistic, open-minded and positive student to host, Julia is your girl!

Optimistic, outgoing, and reliable, meet Nina, from Germany. Nina has a passion for geography and learning about other cultures and has been fascinated with the US and its culture since she was very young. A family vacation to New York last year cemented her desire to spend an exchange year in the US, enjoying the diversity and vibrancy of American culture. Nina splits her time between parents, living with her mother during the week and spending most weekends with her father. A good student, teachers report that Nina has the ability to motivate those around her and to laugh at small mistakes. Ninas spare time includes time at the gym working out, volunteering with the local Fire Department, or getting lost in a good book. She enjoys being around animals, cooking, spending time with friendsoften outdoors, listening to music, or shopping. With her mom, she watches movies and plays board games. Nina claims to be well-organized and tidy. She is excited to meet her host family and dive into American culture and high school life!