Youth for Understanding (YFU) has long been known for creating life-changing international experiences for young students. The 1976-1977 US YFU exchange program to Switzerland was no exception, and nearly five decades later, its impact remains vividly clear. From September 24-28, 2024, nine alumni from that very program gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, to commemorate the friendships and transformative experiences that shaped their youth.
This reunion was no small feat. It took nearly a year of dedicated outreach and coordination to locate all 14 individuals who had participated in the year-long Swiss adventure. The process of reconnecting began with Zoom calls, where stories were exchanged, memories unearthed, and the Nashville reunion was enthusiastically planned. Although only nine were able to attend in person, the bonds that had formed nearly 50 years ago were as strong as ever.
Meeting again, the group felt a sense of familiarity and ease, as if no time had passed since that unforgettable year abroad. Now in their mid-60s, the alumni reflected on the shared challenges of immersing themselves in a foreign culture, living with Swiss families, and navigating a new language and customs. It was a time of growth, learning, and adventure—an experience that fundamentally shaped who they are today.
During their year in Switzerland, the Swiss YFU program thoughtfully organized several gatherings for the whole group plus some from the Swiss YFU team, including two trips, a memorable weeklong ski trip and an excursion to Venice. These experiences deepened the connections not only with their Swiss host families and local friends but also among each other. The reunion was filled with nostalgia, as they recounted the once-in-a-lifetime adventures that had left such a lasting impression.
Many of the attendees expressed how the year in Switzerland altered the course of their lives, instilling resilience, curiosity, and a broader worldview. The independence and confidence gained during that year abroad were invaluable assets as they transitioned into college, careers, and adulthood. Looking back after nearly five decades, they recognized just how pivotal that time had been, not only in shaping their personal lives but also in preparing them for the global challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
As they reminisced, several alumni shared poignant reflections:
– “I would be a different person if I hadn’t gone,” remarked Dave, summing up a sentiment shared by many.
– “Meeting and living with people from different languages and cultures expanded my thoughts and values, making me more accepting of differences. It made transitioning to college life easy,” Sandy O. recalled.
– “The awareness I gained helped me tremendously in being effective in the career I chose.” (Martha)
– Karen stated “I made a lot of international friends in the US and abroad after the exchange year, because of my language skills and experience, some lifelong.”
– Jay reflected on how the experience helped him become more independent: “I became more independent, which made my transition home challenging at first, but it also prepared me for future college and career challenges.”
– Jolie noted the professional impact: “It boomeranged my professional career because my first job was in global marketing. My company sent me to Germany for half a year.”
– Sandy D. expressed the deep sense of shared humanity she discovered: “It made me aware of how much we have in common with each other regardless of our backgrounds. I took to heart the importance of focusing on the common values that we share rather than our differences. I learned to look for that common ground thereafter in my life.”
– Cathy shared “that year taught me independence and self-reliance. Going to college the next year was a breeze and then I began my career with Marriott Hotels in Sales/Marketing traveling and relocating with the company.
– Linda was moved by the unity of her YFU family and modeled the kindness and patience when raising her own sons. “The unconditional love I received was an endearing generational gift that continues to benefit countless lives beyond my own.”
The 47-year reunion in Nashville was more than just a gathering of old friends—it was a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of cultural exchange. The YFU program had not only broadened the perspectives of these young students but also provided them with lifelong friendships and a deep understanding of the world’s interconnectedness. As the group said their goodbyes, they left with full hearts, knowing that the bonds formed decades ago in Switzerland would continue to bring them together, no matter how much time passed. Through this reunion, they reaffirmed the lasting significance of their shared experiences, reflecting on the ways in which that transformative year had shaped who they had become.