Youth For Understanding USA

Caring and curious Jule, from Germany, is ready to begin her exchange experience in the United States. Her love for others and her sense of empathy are just a couple things that friends love about her. In school, she enjoys learning English and studying biology. She also participates in a club that goes to a facility for those with disabilities, spending time with them, helping with crafts and just talking about everything from their day to memories of their past. Her love of science and her passion for others have led her to want to pursue a career in neuroscience, where she would like to practice medicine as well as research Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases. While on exchange, Jule hopes that she will gain confidence in meeting new people, discover things that she has never experienced before and become more independent and open to new things. She would also like to try cross country or track, and possibly other sports. Will you welcome Jule into your family and help her experience all the new things an exchange year has to offer? CBYX Scholarship Recipient

With a flair for the creative, as well as an interest in baseball, meet Yunis, from Germany. Yunis is passionate about baseball and hopes to continue to play while in the US. He is also very excited to try lots of different sports. Honest, yet respectful of the opinions of others, Yunis will always give you his honest opinion. He is interested in politics and economics and feels that teens should discuss these topics together more often. He loves to writesometimes creating poetry and sometimes just putting his thoughts on paper. He is very involved in the school newspaper and is considering a career in journalism. Yunis has dabbled in photography and likes the way it dovetails into his interest in journalism. He occasionally writes screen plays and enjoys watching movies. Everyone, from teachers to peers, say Yunis is friendly and open minded. He serves on student council at his school and also at the district level. Yunis lives with his mother and older brother, but also spends quite a bit of time with his father. Will Yunis be the perfect fit for your family? CBYX Scholarship Student.

Hannah is a 16 year old girl from Germany with many interests and lots of energy. An excellent student, teachers describe her as dedicated to doing her best, responsible and supportive of others. Sarah is editor of the school paper and enjoys writing articles for publication. She is also a member of the group fostering understanding and breaking down stereotypes through personal exchanges. Hannah has been a member of a field hockey team for 12 years and coaches a group of young boys as well. She loves the friendships among the team members, as well as the physical workout and sense of competition. As a coach, she enjoys sharing her expertise and watching skills improve and commitment to the sport grow. Hannah plays the piano and enjoys listening to a variety of music genre from her record collection. Among her many hobbies are photography, reading, drawing and writing short stories - all of which she says provide her with creativity, relaxation and adventure. Since Sarah has a close relationship with her own family (Mom, Dad and older sister), she is looking forward to becoming a part of her host family and having a lot of adventures with them. CBYX Scholarship Student.

Meet Helene, a 15 year old who sees herself as a bright, positive and open person. She loves archery, rowing, cooking and baking, and would love to try fishing, wrestling and American football while in the US. Her friends say that she is funny and welcoming, and takes time to include everyone into the group. Her teacher says that she is motivated and sociable, and encourages others to do their best. And she has excellent English language proficiency! Are you ready to welcome this special young lady into your family? CBYX Scholarship Recipient

Describing himself as brave and open-minded, Hauke from Germany, cannot wait to experience a new culture! With a keen interest in politics, economics, and social issues, Hauke is a strong advocate for a fairer and more just world. He is also excited at the prospect of being a representative for Germany to his host family and community. To unwind and relax, Hauke enjoys reading, hiking, and playing table tennis; he is part of table tennis club at home. He is looking forward to the possibility of participating in new sports during his exchange year. In addition to all this, Hauke is active in his church community and regularly takes on leadership responsibilities--his open and friendly personality make it easy for others to relate to him. Hauke is thrilled his dream of an exchange year is one step closer to coming true! The next step is up to you! CBYX SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT.

Meet adventurous, open-minded, and extroverted Lara from Germany. Lara's teachers have indicated that Lara is an excellent student who interacts well with her peers and her teachers. Lara enjoys competitions like those in a debate club or math club. Lara has been a volunteer with Unicef programs for children, as a handball referee, and as a tutor for younger students. Lara hopes to continue swimming and karate while on exchange. Lara enjoys skiing and hopes to be able to try surfing while on exchange. Lara enjoys reading, listening to all kinds of music, baking, playing board games, going to the beach, and going to the movies with friends. She is grateful to her new host family for welcoming her into their home. She looks forward to spending time with you sharing cultures and family activities together. Lara likes dogs and cats and would enjoy getting to know the family pet dog or cat as well. Lara also helps around the house emptying the dishwasher, keeping her room clean, as well as other chores as needed. Would you like to welcome this well rounded, polite and joyful student into your home for a year of exchange? CBYX Scholarship Recipient

Who do you know that is musical, sporty, tech-savvy, and family-oriented? Introducing Simon from Germany! Simon is all these, and so much more! Full of enthusiasm and curiosity, Simon is very much looking forward to meeting you and being part of your family. Simon describes himself as very active, with a wide range of hobbies and interests. Simon's biggest passion is sports--he plays soccer, tennis, and loves to ski. He is also an accomplished musician who plays piano in his school's jazz band. Away from those activities, Simon is also drawn to anything technology-related. Simon can't wait to immerse himself in the American culture and experience it for himself. He is eager to share his own culture with you and broaden his own understandings, as well. Simon promises to make the most of his opportunity to come to the US; Care to take him up on that promise? CBYX Scholarship Recipient

Say hello to 14 year old Monica from Spain! An social and sporty girl, Monica loves to play basketball and spend time with her family and friends. Family is an important part of Monica's life, and she treasures all the times she gets to spend with those closest to her. As a way to relax, Monica likes to listen to music and to paint. She is excited to experience all that life in America has to offer: from new cultures, to new foods, to academic pursuits. Monica is ready to meet you and have the time of her life; are you ready to meet her?

Outgoing and self-confident, meet Ruby, from Germany. Ruby claims that Curiosity drives me to explore the world around me and expand my knowledge. This mature young lady is an excellent student with aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon one day. In fact, she did a summer internship in a Berlin hospital and that helped to confirm her dream. Adventurous and spontaneous, Ruby is a great friend and is also very close to her mother and younger sister. She often does homework together with her sister, or plays basketball, or watches TV with her. Well rounded Ruby LOVES to read! She claims, I can immerse myself in another world and let my imagination run wild! Her hobbies are many, including cooking, listening to music, hanging out with friends, painting, volunteering and watching movies or sports. Ruby would love to try more sports while in the US, while making lots of new friends and developing a close relationship with her host family. Her goals while on exchange are to grow beyond myself; leave my comfort zone more often, and gain more self-confidence. CBYX Scholarship Recipient

Meet Ruksha, a 15 year old student from Bangladesh. Ruksha lived in Kuwait for 5 years, and has traveled to Saudi Arabia. She loves photography, and enjoys writing poetry. She adores animals, and has several pets. Ruksha would love to learn to skateboard and play volleyball while on exchange in the US. An excellent student, Ruksha would like to start her own business in the future. She can't wait to create memories with her American host family! YES SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT.

Have you ever met someone who gets straight As in school, does MMA, tutors young children, swims competitively, loves computer games, plays guitar, is a self taught coder, won a highly selective exchange program scholarship, and shares an equal love of both math and philosophy? If not, today is your lucky day, because Kelvin from Germany is looking for a host family to spend the year with. Kelvin hopes to participate in a variety of sports while on exchange such as American football, swimming, or wrestling or find volunteer opportunities with local charitable organizations. He is the middle child in a tight knit family of 5 who is excited about the opportunity to be a member of your family which he hopes to develop a connection with that lasts even after his exchange year is over. He is undecided with exact future plans but is planning to attend University and either pursue a STEM related career or join an NGO helping people around the world. If you have space in your family for a kind, curious, & responsible young person get ready for an exceptional year filed with fun and adventure. CBYX Scholarship Student

Introducing Ghazal, from the West Bank! This outgoing 14-year old girl loves to meet new people and try new things! While she can't wait to meet you and be a part of your family, she also dreams of sharing her own culture and customs with you. Ghazal is a dedicated basketball player, and can't wait to join the basketball team at her host school; she is also looking forward to perhaps joining a theater production. With dreams of becoming a doctor, Ghazal is most passionate about helping others and improving the lives of those around her. Most of all, Ghazal dreams of sharing the amazing exchange experience with her host family. Will you be the one to welcome Ghazal into your family and set off on the adventure of a lifetime? YES SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT.

Meet Rama! Rama is an open-minded, adventurous, and kind 14 year old girl from Jordan. Her family consists of her mother, father, and three younger siblings. As the oldest child she is accustomed to helping her parents keep the household running smoothly by cleaning, cooking, and helping her siblings with school work. Rama is a gifted student, loves to make bracelets for friends and family, participates in a robotics club at her school, enjoys spending time with her grandparents, as well spending time with her friends. Rama believes that friendship is like standing in wet cement - the longer you stay the harder it is to leave, and you can never go without leaving your footprints behind. Rama is still working out a specific future plan but is planning to attend university and pursue a career in medicine or engineering in order to make a positive impact on society. She is excited to improve her English, have the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture, and make new friends. However, the thing that Rama is most excited about is getting to know you and making unforgettable memories together while on exchange. YES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Mature beyond her years, a volunteer tutor and mentor for underprivileged children in her country, a devoted big sister, a member of the student council, Renata has a great sense of humor, and bakes great cookies! She loves to be organized, spending time each week making everything in her room ship-shape so that she can relax, listen to cheerful music and curl up with a teen romance novel. She loves to bake with her mother, care for her younger siblings, and hang out with her friends. She loves going out at night, looking to the stars, and dreams to see the Northern Lights one day and play in the snow. In her American school, Renata looks forward to joining a forensics or debate team, and taking a public speaking class. She learned that she enjoyed public speaking in middle school when she was asked to give a speech in English, and ended up winning the top medal in a competition. Renata participates in National Olympiad, is the captain of the Color Guard in marching band, and is an active member of the school dance team. Renata would love to join her new school's Color Guard, and hopes to join the cheerleading squad--as long as she can continue to wear her hajib. Renata's position as coordinator of the UNICEF Anti-bullying club, has helped her and other club members to promote understanding, educational opportunities, and respect towards Muslim women; Renata hopes to be a great example of her faith and her culture in her new American home and community. YES SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT

Meet Anisha, a vibrant 16-year-old from India with aspirations of becoming a CEO one day. Her exceptional communication skills and passion for advocating on behalf of others will undoubtedly help her achieve this goal. In her free time, Anisha loves reading, writing, painting, and both taking and editing photographs. She also cherishes moments spent with friends and family, especially gardening with her grandparents. Anisha thrives on challenges, making her an ideal candidate for an exchange year. During her exchange, Anisha aims to enhance her communication skills, gain a deeper understanding of the world, and immerse herself in the local community. She hopes her time in the United States will sharpen her critical thinking and broaden her perspective. Will you open your home to Anisha and give her the opportunity to expand her horizons? YES Scholarship Recipient.

Meet Teona, a small town 16 year old girl with a supersized heart of gold from North Macedonia. Teona can often be found on a volleyball court with her teammates, in a local coffee shop with her friends, or curled up with a good book. Some of her favorite core childhood memories are horseback riding and watching movies with her family. Teona loves animals with her favorites being cats, bunnies, and horses. She can be a bit shy when meeting new people but that normally doesnt last long. She hopes to have the opportunity to attend a football game, participate in high school clubs or sports, and experience Halloween Trick-or-treating. She is not a stranger to hard work at school or helping her parents with weekend house cleaning duties. After high school she is planning to attend University and study Criminology. She is excited about spending a year in the US and for the chance to be part of your family. YES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Lina, a 15-year-old student from Kosovo, is ready to experience all things USA! This young lady has a way with words, being an avid reader of all genres. She loves how books take her to places she has never been before. Lina also loves the outdoors, especially skiing in the mountains with her family. She says that skiing brings her a sense of calm while also experiencing a rush of adrenaline. She also loves swimming, having picnics and taking walks in nearby national parks with her family. Friends mean everything to her, no matter where they are hanging out. I love what she stated in her host family letter, "the place means nothing when the people mean everything". After school, Lina would like to study medicine and either become a medical doctor or a dentist. She says, "not all heroes wear capes, most of them wear white coats". The thought of helping people when they are in need has intrigued her since she was a child. Her parents have taught her that working hard and being a righteous person will get her exactly where she wants to be. This has helped her accomplish everything that she has set her mind to. While on exchange, Lina hopes to learn about other people and cultures all while sharing her culture with those around her. She loves a challenge and participating in this exchange year will help her step out of her comfort zone and try new things. Will you be the family to help Lina rise to this challenge? YES SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Are you looking for an intelligent and artistic young lady to welcome into your family? Meet Lara from Egypt, a future surgeon with a passion for painting and drawing. Inspired by her fifth-grade art teacher, Lara loves working with various mediums like oil paint, watercolor, pencil, and charcoal. Creating art helps her relax and center herself. Lara's academic interests are diverse, including art, biology, design, languages, literature, and writing. She excels in her studies and has big plans for a career in medicine. In her free time, Lara enjoys curling up with a fantasy book and often draws or paints scenes from her favorite stories. She also loves cooking and baking, spending time with family and friends, playing games, and exploring the outdoors. Visiting museums and watching movies are some of her favorite activities. Lara is sporty too, with a keen interest in basketball and cheerleading. Although she has visited Saudi Arabia, she hasn't traveled extensively outside of Egypt and is thrilled about the opportunity to attend an American high school. She looks forward to taking art classes, studying biology, and possibly trying out for cheerleading or learning to play an instrument. Lara is well-read, articulate, and has excellent English skills. Will you open your home to Lara and help her embark on this exciting journey? YES Scholarship Student.

Jan, a 16 year old student from Germany, is fun and sporty young man who has high aspirations of becoming a Judge one day. He is an excellent student and loves studying History and all things political. He plays soccer and is active in his Scouting organization. He describes himself as open-minded, friendly and enthusiastic. He believes his biggest strength, however, is empathy. He loves being able to understand how people are feeling and help find a solution to help make them feel better. In his free time, Jan enjoys gaming, listening to music, outdoor activities (especially water sports), and volunteering with his scouting organization. While in the United States on exchange, Jan hopes to learn more about the different cultures in America and the way of life for an American high school student. He can't wait to experience things like Thanksgiving and the Superbowl. He also hopes to improve his English skills and make many new friends. Could Jan be the perfect addition to your family? Open your heart and home to this amazing young man and give him the chance of a lifetime. CBYX Scholarship Recipient

Seonbeen is a 16 year old girl from Korea who's dream is to become a diplomat. As a peer counselor, she is developing skills in communication and mediation that will help her reach this goal. An excellent student who is motivated to learn and do her best, teachers describe her as responsible and cooperative - a good role model for her peers. Seonbeen is an athletic girl who swims, plays basketball and volleyball, speed skates, and does Tae Kwondo. She enjoys sports because she feels energized and because of the sense of team work. She says her family is also active and plays a variety of sports together. Seonbeen is looking forward to her exchange experience - to becoming a part of her host family and to sharing Korean culture with them.