Youth For Understanding USA

Kotone is a 15 year old girl from Japan who says the one word to describe her is "positive". She is generally upbeat and enjoys engaging with people. Kotone loves reading and has volunteered for the school library committee in elementary, junior high and now in high school. An excellent student, teachers describe her as having a desire to improve academically. She always tackles new challenges with enthusiasm, She hopes to pursue a career in teaching. Kotone belongs to the school home economics club which made over 1000 cookies for the school festival. She says her Mother has taught her some favorite Japanese recipes which she hopes to prepare for her host family. She is excited about meeting her host family and looking forward to being an integral part - sharing home activities and attending church with them.

Meet Kuanysh, or Kuka, a 16 year old boy from Kazakhstan. Kuka is a bright, sociable, friendly boy who is looking forward to studying in the USA! At home, Kuka loves to play basketball, chess, read and play the dombra, the national instrument of Kazakhstan. He would like to continue his hobbies but would also love to learn the game of billiards while on exchange. He is also very interested in learning the English language, our culture while sharing some of his with his new family! Kuka would like to say thank and can't wait to be a part of your family, making wonderful memories that will last a lifetime! FLEX Scholarship Student!

Leo is a 16 year old boy from Germany who says he is interested in alot of different things and likes to talk and learn about them. A sporty guy, he says he likes the competition in sport activities. He plays soccer, practices judo and plays tennis - but looks forward to trying American sports such as football and basketball. Leo says he likes being active with friends, but also enjoys time alone - reading. He plays the double bass in the school orchestra. An excellent student, teachers describe him as a very interactive individual - one who listens well and respects others' opinions. He is a responsible and polite young man in all circumstances. Leo and his parents try to eat breakfast and dinner together and often play board gams and chess together. He looks forward to meeting his host family and beginning his exchange experience.

Clotilde from France is easy-going, always smiling, and eager to embark on adventures! A very active person, she plays handball, loves animals (especially cats and dogs,) and hanging out with friends. One American activity she is looking forward to is Homecoming, including shopping for an outfit, since she loves fashion and dressing up! Clotilde listens to all kinds of music, even while she cooks, and loves to sing. With her family she plays board games, watches movies or goes for walks, and they all like to travel. With her friends she likes to go shopping, go out to eat, or have sleepovers. Clotilde says she cant wait to meet you!

Fernanda dreams of becoming a physician, more specifically a neurologist, and would like to attend an American or European university to achieve her dream. Strong academic interests in sciences and math have started in on her way. Fernanda comes from a YFU family. With a YFU alumni older sister and an uncle working with YFU Chile, she well understands the benefits and challenges of the exchange experience. Describing her natural family as calm, entertaining, and supportive, Fernanda enjoys family time playing board games, watching movies, working out at the gym, and traveling when time permits. Friends is one of her favorite TV series, and Fernanda loves spending time with her own friends going to the mall, watching comedy movies, or walking to the beach and watching sunsets. At home in the kitchen, she especially loves preparing sweets and will bring a collection of favorite recipes to delight her host familys taste buds. Described by classmates as sweet, kind, and calm, Fernandas ideal host family would include another teenager or two.

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!

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.

Clever Beatrice or "Bibi" from Italy cannot wait to meet her host family! Physics, kickboxing, and competitive swim are among this sixteen year old's passions, as well as comic books, playing video games with her younger brother, cooking with her grandma, and watching soccer matches with her family. She enjoys Marvel movies, hiking, exploring, listening to music with friends (especially Lady Gaga and Katy Perry) and shopping with her mom. Bibi is excited to learn all about the US from a local's point of view, and learn English well enough that people think she is a native speaker. Bibi would love to live in a home with pets (although not cats). Will your family be the lucky one to invite active, scientifically-minded Beatrice into your family?

Azra, from Turkey, is a girl who strives to sow seeds of goodness in everything she does. Azra loves studying science and languages and creating art. She has big dreams and plans to become a pilot. Azra loves being involved in social action activities as she wants to contribute positive changes to the people in the community. With friends, she enjoys the usual teen activities, getting together, shopping and volunteering. Azra has a close relationship with her family. They have meals together, take walks, play games, and watch movies. Trying new recipes with her dad is one of her favorite things to do. She is used to preparing her own meals in her household. Azra cant wait to meet her host family. She hopes they share with her any cultural festivals and visit historical sites and museums/art galleries in the community. If she could visit a national park or participate in a NASA program open to the public, she would be thrilled. Azra wants to experience how Americas diverse cultures live together, and to expand her world view. She looks forward to sharing her Turkish culture with her family and community. Azra will be a wonderful addition to your family. YES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Gül, hailing from Turkey, describes music as "the soul's food," a sentiment she lives by. From the timeless elegance of classical melodies to the bold energy of rap, music is woven into every aspect of her life. At home, Gül shares her space with her parents, a younger brother, and a mischievous cat named Cheetos. Beyond the classroom, she finds joy in helping her brother with homework and bonding over online games. Social and outgoing, Gül indulges in sketching clothes, cafe outings with friends, movie nights, and volleyball matches. Eager to immerse herself in American life, she eagerly anticipates exploring new sports and clubs while on exchange, fostering her passion for collaboration and problem-solving. Dreaming of studying business, Gül's journey is marked by curiosity, ambition, and a vibrant appreciation for cultural exchange.

16-year-old Jonte, from Germany, has a passion and desire to help people and hopes to expand that passion globally. Described by his friends as funny, honest and always having a listening ear, Jonte hopes to go into Politics or Journalism, using his occupation to better the world. Jonte also loves sports, participating in soccer and field hockey as well as surfing and skating. He also has a gift for public speaking and has won awards for his talents in debate. His favorite public speaking event was a speech he gave at the German Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection. He uses his talents to help make changes to German laws and to stand up for the rights of all living beings. His ultimate goal in life is to make the world a better place. While on exchange, Jonte hopes to make many new friends, unforgettable memories and try all sorts of new activities and foods. Will you help make Jonte's exchange year the best ever and invite him to become part of your family?

Family oriented , kind and reliable, meet Lison, from France. Saying she is fascinated by the differences in regions of the US, as well as the fact it stretches across multiple time zones, Lison is excited to come to the US for a year and to experience a new way of life, difference in education, and to try lots of new activities through her school like sports and music. Lison lives with her parents two younger sisters and two cats in a small town. She is optimistic, adventurous and loves to laugh! Lison may appear a bit shy at first, but will open up as she settles in. She loves listening to musicand says she does so most of the day. Lison also enjoys sports. She plays baseball/softball and hopes to continue that while in the US while trying out new things, too. She enjoys playing board games with friends and family; likes to bake; hang out with friends; take pictures and watch movies. Dont be surprised to find her curled up with a good book, either! With a goal of traveling the world, she hopes her exchange year will mark the beginning of her travels!

Sporty, energetic and curious, meet Noah, from Germany. Noah lives in a multi-generational household with his grandparents, his mother and younger sister. Family is very important to Noah. At home, they share at least one meal per day together and keep Sundays as a family day, visiting relatives, or heading out for an adventure on a hike or bike ride. Personally, his life revolves around sports. He played soccer for many years, until discovering basketball a couple years ago. When not on the court with friends, he can be found working out in the gym or skateboarding. He loves all types of water sports, from surfing to snorkeling, or scuba diving to paddle boarding. With a natural curiosity about technology, Noah sees a possible career in the IT fieldat least for now. He hopes his exchange experience will help him to grow personally, get out of his comfort zone, and gain a deeper understanding of the world and another culture. He is intrigued by the diverse culture and welcoming environment in the US. Is there a spot in your family for this adventurous and active teen?

Open-minded and curious, Jannes, from Germany, loves to explore new areas and meet new people. Committed to family and friends, Jannes is the one who maintains harmony in relationships. An only child, Jannes lives with his mother during the week and with his father on weekends. Home life is relaxed and he describes his mother as a good friend. They share cooking chores in the evenings and afterwards talk and watch tv together. With his dad, he might be found working on a mechanical project and spending time with grandparents. Well liked by teachers and peers, Jannes is an excellent student who willingly helps others by tutoring them or including them in group activities, and also serves as a class rep. During free time, you might find Jannes working out at the gym, or swimming and cycling with friends when weather allows. He likes to watch soccer and ice hockey matches, listen to music, and play computer games and cards with friends. While in the US, Jannes is excited to try typical American sports like football and baseball, in addition to building long-term relationships with new friends and host family.

Sporty and a bit of a bookworm, meet Paul, age 17 from France! Paul writes that he has played basketball for14 years and hopes to continue in the US. He also hopes to try out new sports while on exchange such as football or baseball. Other hobbies include muscle building, watching sports, tinkering with wood, gardening, manual /outdoor activities, computer games, cooking, crafting, spending time with friends, traveling and watching movies. With his family, Paul enjoys walking in the forest and going to see exhibitions in museums. Paul describes himself as a friendly guy who likes meeting new people and can adapt easily in new situations. Paul is looking forward to trying out all kinds of new foods and traditional dishes. Hearing that Americans are friendly, Paul is excited to get a feel for everyday life in the US.

Meet outgoing, cheerful, and curious Alessandro from Italy! Alessandro's friends describe him as helpful, diplomatic, serious and determined when needed and fun-loving during leisure his leisure time. While Alessandro is an only child, he wrote in his letter that it would be fun to have a younger host brother with whom to share hobbies. With his family, Alessandro enjoys traveling and eating out occasionally. At school, Alessandro hopes to study literature, history, and science. He would like to continue to play volleyball here in the U.S. and also to try playing American baseball. Alessandro loves listening to many types of music and also watching many sports on television. He hopes to make many American friends. Alessandro is looking forward to meeting his American family and hopes to develop a lasting relationship with his host family. Would you be the family who could help Alessandro to achieve his American dreams?

Funny and helpful Nicola from Italy is ready to score a goal by becoming a part of your host family. Nicola has had a lifelong passion for playing soccer and hopes to continue while on exchange. In fact, he would love to be able to participate in almost any sport in the local community or school. He attends a sports high school and enjoys being active and staying healthy. When not active in sports, Nicola likes to relax by listening to music or playing computer games with friends. He does have respect for the outdoors and would enjoy any outdoor activity or perhaps a local hiking trail. One of Nicolass favorite things do is participate in outdoor activities with his friends, classmates, and family. On a more serious note, he finds history, business and economics interesting. Nicola hopes to one day study business and combine this with his love of sports to make an impact in the sports industry. Let Nicola become your households newest teammate.

Meet Maritza, a creative and responsible 15 year old girl from Chile. She loves to bake, and likes to take walks to see new places. She hopes to try cheerleading while on exchange in the US. Her friends say that she is caring, supportive and fun. Her teacher says that she is a very good student, always tries her best and has good leadership skills. And she has excellent English language proficiency. Maritza is looking forward to becoming part of an American family. Will that be yours?

Meet friendly easy-going Yosep from Korea. In school, Yosep especially enjoys studying Biology, Chemistry, and Economics. Yosep enjoys listening to Pop music, reading, drawing, painting, playing computer games, photography, watching movies and outdoor activities. Yosep especially enjoys hiking and mountain climbing. Yosep has been described as patient and considerate. Yosep enjoys playing soccer, badminton, and practicing jiu-jitsu. Yosep is looking forward to learning more about the American culture and sharing his Korean culture with his host family. If you enjoy hiking and mountain climbing, Yosep might just be the perfect exchange student for your family.