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 Lohe, 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 6am 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.