Youth For Understanding USA

SHORT-TERM PROGRAM, MUST BE PLACED IN ANN ARBOR: Meet Charlotte, who will be volunteering as a chaperone for the USA for You program in Ann Arbor! Charlotte describes herself as an open-minded, loyal, and tolerant person who loves to laugh. She was previously an exchange student through YFU in Uruguay, and now studies International Management while working for an exporting company. She is also an active volunteer with YFU Germany, and is excited to travel to the USA as a chaperone for the USA for You program. When she has free time, Charlotte loves spending time with her friends, cooking, playing board games, and visiting flea markets. Charlotte is thankful that you are willing to welcome her into your family, and looks forward to meeting you soon!

Turning 15 this July, meet Xabier from Spain! Xabier describes himself as a kind, cheerful, and extroverted young man. His hobbies include reading, discovering new music, and meeting new people. He also loves spending time with his family and friends, doing activities such as hanging out at the mall, trying new restaurants, going to the movies, or traveling. Xabier hopes that his exchange year will help him to grow as a person, and that he will become stronger from this experience. He looks forward to making new friends and becoming involved in school activities as well. Xabier thanks you for hosting, and hopes that this will be an enriching year that will end in a life-long friendship! Arriving in August of 2019. DIRECT PLACEMENT TO CALIFORNIA

Meet Marwa, a 15-year-old girl from Germany! Marwa is bilingual, speaking both German and Dari, a Persian dialect. She has also studied Spanish and English. Her favorite class at school is theater, and she loves to dance. She also enjoys playing soccer, and is eager to try volleyball or basketball during her exchange year. Marwa views herself as a nice, ambitious, confident, and thankful girl. Her friends see her as sincere, friendly, charismatic, helpful, and pleasant. Marwa's teachers give her rave reviews, and say that she is reliable, supportive, helpful, and open-minded. An ambitious girl, Marwa plans to have a career in medicine as a doctor. While in the USA, Marwa hopes to be challenged by new experiences so that she can become more courageous and independent. Marwa can't wait to meet you and become a part of your family! Arriving in August of 2019

Whether it's playing or simply watching, 16-year-old Clara from Germany is passionate about basketball! Describing it as her favorite hobby, Clara not only plays on two different teams, but she also is an assistant coach for an under 10 team, and enjoys sharing her love of this sport with the younger kids. With much of her time taken up by basketball, Clara doesn't have much time for other activities, but does enjoy listening to all kinds of music, and spending time with her friends outdoors or baking something delicious. An aspiring elementary school teacher, Clara is an excellent student whose favorite class is English. Clara loves to be able to spend time with her parents and two sisters. During the week, they usually only have time to share dinner, but on the weekend they like to play games, watch basketball, or cook a meal together. Clara would love to have the same opportunity with her host family, spending some family time together! Excited to learn about American daily life, the school system, and typical holidays, Clara is also looking forward to trying many new things, whether it is a new sport or a creative activity! Arriving in August of 2019

Ketura is an ambitious and curious 16-year-old student from Germany! Creative Ketura plays the violin and dances ballet, activities that she hopes to continue in the USA. She also loves crafting, showcasing her talents through sewing, painting, paper crafts, and hand-lettering. An excellent student, Ketura loves attending school, where she enjoys learning new languages and taking music lessons. She also finds time to deliver newspapers, help refugee children with their homework twice per week, and looks forward to weekly youth group sessions with her church friends. Ketura was born in Kenya, which enabled her to get to know a different culture from a young age. She now looks forward to discovering the American culture and practicing her English skills so that she can communicate with people from different backgrounds all over the world. Ketura thanks you for hosting an exchange student, and looks forward to seeing what adventures await her in the USA! Arriving in August of 2019

Meet active and musical Hilda, a 15-year-old student from Germany! Hilda writes that she is ambitious, loves to cook, and is definitely a team player. She recognizes her main hobbies as playing the guitar, participating in gymnastics, and reading. Hilda has loved books ever since she was able to read. Other hobbies for Hilda include going to the theater and cinema (with a special love for live concerts), swimming and surfing in the sea, painting, traveling, writing, and playing the ukulele. As well as being a member of her school's choir, Hilda also enjoys listening to music. Some of her favorite musicians include Ed Sheeran, Twenty-one Pilots, and the Beatles. She considers herself environmental, and is continually learning about our planet. Friends and family are also important to Hilda. With her friends, Hilda enjoys taking silly pictures, shopping, visiting their favorite restaurants and cafes, going to the movies, and having sleepovers. With her family, whom she describes as spontaneous and fun-loving, Hilda shares the love of baking and traveling. Hilda writes that she is looking forward to trying new sports on exchange such as volleyball, basketball, field hockey, and maybe even surfing. Will you welcome Hilda into your family? Arriving in August of 2019

Lena, 15 from Germany, is a sweet, active, fun girl who loves playing volleyball! She also Latin ballroom dances, and likes her Chemistry, French, and PE classes at school. Lena plays any sport she can! She loves the team spirit involved in most sports, and hopes to discover it in the USA as well. Lena enjoys shopping to see the new fashions, and even goes to fashion museums. She also reads Greek mythology and romance novels for fun, and likes baking experiments! With her family, she goes to her little brother's soccer matches, visits the beach, eats at restaurants, and visits grandparents on the weekends. When she enters a room, her dad says "Oh, the sun is shining!" Lena is a vegetarian, but can eat around any meat you might serve. She can't wait to experience American holidays, like Christmas and Easter. Her future looks bright - she wants to travel, and be a teacher or an astronaut. Help Lena reach for the stars! Arriving in August of 2019

Jacqueline is a fun, caring, and determined 15-year-old student from Germany! She loves her weekly self-defense class, and just joined a cheerleading squad. Her teacher says that Jacqueline excels at any creative endeavor. With her sister and parents, she often has large get-togethers with extended family from far away. She likes shopping with friends, watching movies, or being with them outdoors. Jacqueline speaks fluent Vietnamese as well as her native German, and has studied several other languages as well. Reading and drawing are other favorite hobbies for Jacquline, and explains "what I like about reading is that are no limits to your imagination. And bringing my fantasies to life by drawing my imagination makes it even greater." While in the USA, she is eager to discover if American high schools are like the movies, and she can't wait to experience the American school spirit! Arriving in August of 2019

Say hello to Anika, a 15-year-old student from Germany! Anika loves animals, especially her pet dog named Jack, who is a big German Shepherd and Husky mix. In addition to playing with her dog, Anika's hobbies include cooking and baking for her family, watching movies, and spending time with friends. Anika's friends describe her as funny, organized, a good listener, and someone who is always up for a challenge. Anika is close with her family as well, which includes her parents and big brother. Together, they look forward to annual summer camping trips where they swim, grill out, and turn off their cell phones to focus on quality time spent together. During her exchange year, Anika is eager to learn more about the American lifestyle, make new friends, and try new sports. Anika hopes that this exchange experience will change her life, and that it will change yours as well! Arriving in August of 2019

Deborah, or Debby as she says you can call her, is a cheerful, funny, and helpful student from Germany! Debby's hobbies include playing volleyball, swimming, reading, and spending time with her friends. She also has a caring heart, loving to play with children and animals. She has eight siblings, and loves hanging out with them. At school, Debby enjoys her English and Biology classes best, and is considering a career as a teacher in the future. Debby is looking forward to all of the knowledge that she will gain through her exchange experience, and hopes to have a great relationship with her host family. She sends her best wishes and a big hug from Germany to you! SHORT-TERM PROGRAM, MUST BE PLACED IN ANN ARBOR

"I like doing sports a lot," writes 15-year-old Moritz from Germany! Volleyball is his favorite, but he is open to trying any sport with a ball. His parents, who were also exchange students, have described to him the importance of sports in American high schools, and he is beyond eager to experience this for himself! Besides volleyball, he enjoys soccer, climbing, skiing, swimming, and sailing. When he has downtime, you can often find him on his computer playing games with his friends. Moritz also enjoys traveling, and has visited more than 15 countries - including a trip to the USA this past summer. After visiting with his mother's former host family in Washington state, they traveled to New York to see all the sights. This peaked his interest in being an exchange student himself, to learn more about the American culture and lifestyle. Moritz writes, "I thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience the American way of life. In return, I want to give you some insights into the German culture. I have a good sense of humor, so we should have a good time together!" Arriving in August of 2019

"I like to laugh a lot," writes 16-year-old Adrian from Germany! He also adds when asked to describe himself, "I like to help other people, I like sports and meeting with friends." Adrian is described as easy-going, laid-back, reflective, communicative, and patient. He is interested in sports in general, and plays with his friends for fun. To keep fit, he jogs and goes to the gym once per week. He likes to eat healthy, but admits he loves a good burger or a pizza now and then! He has an interest in History and Politics, and is always willing to join in on discussions. Reading is another strong interest of Adrian's because he likes to "drift into another world." He is the older of two boys in his family. Together, they enjoy skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and visiting with relatives. They love to barbecue together, and try to eat breakfast and dinner together daily. As Adrian looks ahead to his exchange year, he hopes to improve his English, have a great host family experience, and make many new friends. "I am grateful for your willingness to be my host family and I am looking forward to meeting you and spend a year with you and your family," says Adrian! Arriving in August of 2019

Meet Eslem, a 15-year-old girl from Germany! Eslem describes herself as motivated and friendly, but also funny and honest. Her favorite subjects in school are English, French, and PE. She loves to learn new languages, and is interested in becoming an English teacher after attending university. Eslem also enjoys playing soccer, and would like to continue playing while she is on exchange, but she is up for new activities as well. With friends, Eslem can be found shopping in the city, watching movies, or spending time outdoors to enjoy the beautiful weather. During her exchange year, Eslem hopes to grow as a person through having new experiences and meeting different people. She is very excited to learn more about our culture from her host family, and make life-long memories in an American high school! Arriving in August of 2019

Mari is a typical 16-year-old girl from Japan, with shopping and eating sweets being among her favorite activities! There is much more to Mari, however, as she is actively involved in her school and community serving others. She volunteers with victims of a recent earthquake in her country, and helps introduce prospective students to her school. Mari is also active in sports, such as volleyball, loves outdoor activities, and enjoys music! She would like to be involved in a choir during her exchange year, as well as activities she may not have the ability to do in Japan. Mari lives with her parents, older sister, 2 younger brothers, and 2 cats. Mari loves meeting and talking to new people, which is part of why she is excited about coming to the USA. On a one-month exchange trip to the USA when she was 14, Mari felt that she did not take full advantage of the opportunity, and she wants to be sure she is fully immersed in the culture for this experience. She is excited to be a part of an American family and share a great experience! Arriving in August of 2019

Estelle is a 16-year-old girl from German-speaking Switzerland who loves to be in motion! She takes jazz and hip-hop lessons each week, but also enjoys sports in general and even simply working out. Estelle is seen as an important member of her class at school. Her teacher describes her as non-judgemental, and very good with other students who may be different. Estelle is also known to be adaptable and open-minded. She enjoys getting together with friends to hang out or watch movies. Many of her friends are in her dance classes. Estelle's parents were exchange students, which has fueled her dream to come to the USA. She is excited to see how America may be the same, or different from the many movies she has seen! Estelle lives with her parents, 3 younger siblings, and the family dog, with whom she has a special bond. Estelle takes her studies seriously, and even tutors younger students for extra pocket money. She intends to go to a university and study Law or Psychology in the future. Estelle is excited to get to know you and for the adventure to begin! Arriving in August of 2019

Friendly, funny, and self-confident Lisa, a 16-year-old from Germany, has interests ranging from baking to swimming! "I really like to cook and to bake, to be creative and to try new recipes and flavors." It is something she also enjoys doing with friends, especially baking cookies. As for swimming, Lisa says "I love water and to be free in it and the silence that is always there." She also enjoys playing the guitar and singing. Lisa lives with her mom, dad, two younger sisters, one younger brother, and two dogs. "We are a big family so it's never quiet and action is always there." Her favorite subjects in school are Biology and Chemistry, and one day she would like to be a pediatrician. Her main reason for going on an exchange is to meet new people and to be part of the American way of life. "I want to know how it is to be in a new family and to know where the cultural differences are. I would be so glad and grateful if you would let me be a part of your family," says Lisa! Arriving in August of 2019

Hugo, a 16-year-old boy from the Netherlands, is an active and friendly student! Hugo is an ambitious sailor and longboard rider, who wishes to continue practicing those activities during his exchange program. He also keeps active through other water sports, playing field hockey, and spending time outdoors with friends. To Hugo, this exchange program will allow him to learn how lifestyles can be different in another country. In addition, having the chance to study abroad will broaden his horizons and help him to figure out his future career plan. Hugo loves his computer classes in school, but he is excited to take many different subjects in the USA and explore new domains. Hugo's relationship with his family is full of fun, especially enjoying outdoor activities and playing board games with his parents and older sister. Hugo's sister was also an exchange student, whose wonderful memories inspired Hugo to pursue his own experience. Will you be the family to share unforgettable memories with Hugo? Arriving in August of 2019

Say hello to Paulina, a 15-year old girl from Germany who is best described as smart, creative, and reliable! She enjoys spending time with her family going to museums, having meals together, and traveling. Paulina loves visiting with her grandparents as well, as they only live three streets away. She helps her grandpa in the garden, and enjoys trips to the theatre together. At school, she is really interested in music, which is why she often spends time after school practicing the guitar with the school's band. Paulina is also a member of a German Scout Group that goes camping three times per year, and she enjoys practicing swimming and coaching young children in this sport. During her free time, Paulina loves to read, play her guitar, draw and paint, bake, and take pictures. In the winter, she goes ice skating every weekend but also appreciates time to relax by herself. Paulina is a person who enjoys spending time with others, she is friendly, is a very balanced person, and a peaceful family life is very important to her. She is excited about her exchange year, learning about the beautiful American culture and being a part of an American high school and family! Arriving in August of 2019

Coming from Indonesia, 17-year-old active and outgoing Areta enjoys singing, leads a dance group, and loves learning about theatre arts! She practices martial arts, loves to cook, and enjoys making new friends as well. Areta plans for a career in International Relations, perhaps as an ambassador, or a career in journalism. Her family loves to travel, backpack, and enjoy nature, and are often found working in their garden. She is described as easy-going, adaptable, expressive, friendly, responsible, and adventurous. Areta is thrilled to become an exchange student as she loves to learn about new cultures, have new experiences, and to travel. She looks forward to wonderful, joyful experiences with you, to cook for you, and to share her culture. She also hopes to become more fluent in communicating in English. Areta thanks you for opening your home to her and for making her dream come true! Arriving in August of 2019

Meet 15-year-old Apolline from France who is a very active and multi-faceted teenager! Self-described as friendly but also serious and attentive, Apolline spends time throughout the week balancing school, playing the flute in an orchestra, attending a music education class, swimming, and participating in theater club at school. Other activities include running with her brother and father, cooking and baking, and playing volleyball and handball. Apolline writes that her family is an important part of her life, and they spend time together attending the circus, theater, restaurants, cinema, and family parties. Friends add another aspect of importance to Apolline, and she enjoys time with them hanging out and trying new activities and sports. Apolline looks forward to her upcoming exchange year in order to discover a new country and culture, meet new people, and make new friends. She thanks her new host family in advance for welcoming her into your family, and for allowing her to discover the American culture! Apolline needs a pet-free host family. Arriving in August of 2019 ,