Youth For Understanding USA

Meet Emanuel, a 15-year-old student from German-speaking Switzerland who loves music and sports, and dreams of becoming a singer! Emanuel's friends describe him as a very funny and sincere friend. He and his family love winter weather for snowboarding, lake trips in the summer, and they rarely miss a lunch together! Time with friends to Emanuel means basketball or movies. Emanuel is very passionate about the American culture, and he wants to join this exchange program in order to learn about the American way of life and become more independent. He also hopes to try basketball and football while in the United States. Emanuel would like to thank you for making him a part of your family, and he wants you to know that he loves cooking as hobby and he would love to make you one of his meals! Do not miss out on making Emanuel a part of your family!

Meet 17-year-old Nao from Japan who will bring her cheerful disposition and leadership skills with her when she arrives this August! Always-smiling Nao has played the piano for six years, and also enjoys listening to J-Pop music while relaxing. Other hobbies include shopping, traveling, baking and cooking, volunteering, and eating. Nao writes that she loves food, and is always up for a food challenge! She often finds herself watching movies, and says that the Maze Runner is one of her favorites. Nao enjoys cooking and baking for her family in Japan, and looks forward to fixing some traditional dishes for her American family. Many of Nao's special moments with her family occur during family trips. She especially enjoyed last year's trip to Hawaii to explore the ruins. Nao is used to helping out at home, and has no problem with keeping her area clean and anything else that needs to be done around the home. Book yourself a reservation at Nao's table for some yummy Japanese food coming soon! MUST BE PLACED AT A SCHOOL WHICH OFFERS FCCLA ACTIVITIES

Estelle is not your typical teenager! She is a courageous and ambitious 16-year-old girl from France! Estelle comes from a big family consisting of mom, dad, four siblings, three cats, two dogs, and a rabbit. She loves riding on her parents' motorcycles, and she keeps active by working on the family farm, dancing, and weightlifting. Her friends describe her as determined and a hard-worker, and she admits she can be a bit of a perfectionist. But these strong personality characteristics have served her well. It motivated her to create her own association to raise funds for her exchange year. She also volunteers for her local village. In school, Estelle loves Math and learning new languages, including English, German, and Spanish. Her passion is movies, which she loves to watch with friends and family, and has even created some short films of her own. She hopes to have a career in the film industry someday. Estelle has been dreaming of an exchange year, and looks forward to discovering the American culture and making new friends while in the USA!

Soft-spoken Honoka, a 16-year-old girl from Japan, is eager to learn about the American culture and to share her Japanese culture with you! Thoughtful and kind, Honoka is willing to try new things and to learn as much as she possibly can during her exchange year. Curiosity and interest have led her to serve as a host/ambassador to students visiting from other countries. She says that languages, specifically English and Japanese, are her favorite subjects at school where she earns very good grades. Outside of school, she likes animals, spending time with friends, listening to music, travel, photography, playing the oboe, and watching movies. Honoka likes to watch skating on TV, and hopes she'll have a chance to try it for herself while in the USA. She is also excited to experience holidays like New Years in another country. Her plans beyond exchange include spending a year in Canada to continue to improve her English skills, traveling as much and to as many places as she possibly can, and opening an apartment complex for international students. Are you ready to share culture and new experiences with Honoka? MUST BE PLACED AT A SCHOOL WHICH OFFERS FCCLA ACTIVITIES

Lassi from Finland will be 17 upon his arrival to the USA! An intriguing mix of independence, creativeness, and athleticism, Lassi will find his way into your heart. He's an excellent student, fluent in several languages, with a passion for Math, Physics, History, and Philosophy. Friends say that he's a bit of a nerd (in a kind way!) During spare time, he enjoys playing computer games, but also spends time each day playing basketball on a team. He sings in a men's choir, and says that his favorite music is acapella and violin music, citing Pentatonix and Lindsey Stirling as favorites. About home life, he says "we are a happy family." Evening meals are shared daily with his parents and younger brother, along with chores like cooking and keeping up the house. They enjoy playing board games and exploring new places together. Lassi shares a hobby called Historical European Martial Arts together with his father. About his exchange, he says, "I want to learn about the culture you have over there, since Finland and USA are so far apart from each other."

Fifteen-year-old Paninnguaq from Greenland describes herself as a kind and humble student with a unique personality! Paninnguaq shows off her imagination and creativity through drawing and painting. She enjoys keeping fit through working out at the gym and swimming, and hopes to play a new sport in the USA as well. At school, Paninnguaq loves experimenting in her science classes, and also enjoys learning about history, philosophy, and art. Paninnguaq is close with her family, especially her older sister, and often helps to take care of her younger sister. She and her older sister enjoy going to the movies with friends, or having a night in at home together watching movies and eating pizza. Paninnguaq decided to pursue an exchange year because of the opportunities to improve her English skills, to live the American dream, and to form new relationships with friends and a host family. "I am very thankful that you are giving me this opportunity to achieve my dream to stay in the United States to learn more about your culture," says Paninnguaq!

Jakob is a 15-year-old boy from Germany who says he is a "family guy!" He enjoys events with his extended family, and often visits his older sister where he plays with his young niece and nephew. Teachers describe Jakob as reliable, confident, mature, and an eager student who relates well to his peers. His favorite subjects in school are English, Physics, History, and Art. He especially likes to draw because "he can create something and bring his imagination to life." Basketball is one of his favorite hobbies, as well as fishing with his dad. Jakob often cooks for his family, and says that he likes trying new recipes. Jakob explains that he "has always dreamed of being a part of an American family and wonders if it might be yours!"

Joel is a 15-year-old boy from Germany who describes himself as friendly, open-minded, and sporty! An active person, Joel does many sports, including biking, ice skating, soccer, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, and martial arts. He also plays the piano, and in his quiet time, likes to draw or listen to music. Joel is a member of the First Aid Club and is a first aid assistant at school. He is close to his family, which includes his mom, dad, and an older sister. He also loves visiting his grandparents, where he cooks with his grandmother and helps his grandfather with the gardening. Although his family does not have any pets, Joel says that he loves animals, and would love to have a pet in his host family. He is very excited to meet his American family and begin his exchange experience!

Sixteen-year-old Teo from Spain has excellent social skills! His teacher writes, "He is a fun kid, his classmates can count on him when it comes to having fun, solving conflicts and carrying on with the hard work. He is very creative and likes being challenged to think out of the box." Teo is described as intelligent, mature, friendly, respectful, open-minded, and easy-going. His favorite activities in his free time are playing video and computer games, and streaming anime. He is very technical-minded, and hopes to someday make a career in digital technologies. Teo has tried many sports but found his passion in parkour, which he practices throughout the week with friends. He loves all foods, and is eager to try American dishes or any new cuisines. Teo considers his exchange year as a new and exciting experience, and is eager to thank his host family personally for opening their home to him! MUST BE PLACED IN GRADE 11

FALL SEMESTER: Krystof, who turns 17 in May, is a calm, open-minded, friendly, and talkative student from the Czech Republic! In the summer, he is a camp counselor working with kids. With friends, he plays floorball, watches sports, goes to a cafe, and shares many outdoor activities. He lives with his mom, dad, a younger sister and brother, and their pets. Krystof describes his family as comfortable and open to each other. Together, they share household chores, cooking, cleaning, gardening, and taking care of pets and each other. He especially enjoys cooking with his dad, and spending time with his whole family. Krystof is an excellent student! His favorite subjects are technology and computers. Krystof's teachers and classmates find him to be helpful, talkative, and a pleasure in the classroom. Krystof, with his generous spirit, is looking for a family in America with whom he can share his culture while making new friends and lifelong memories. Will you welcome Krystof into your family?

Sixteen-year-old Miyako from Japan is a positive and persistent person who loves her Technology and English classes at school! Miyako is an energetic student who loves sports, specifically cheerleading, which she has practiced in the past and hopes to pick back up again in the USA. Miyako cherishes family time, and loves having meals with her siblings and parents. She also enjoys shopping and playing various sports with her friends. Mikayo believes that her exchange program will improve her language skills, and will teach her about the culture and history of America, which will allow her to communicate better with people. She feels that the host family's role in an exchange experience is priceless, and she can't wait to become a part of a new family and build great relationships with them! Is Miyako the right student for your home?

Ambitious and friendly 15-year-old Valentina from Austria is so excited about her upcoming exchange year to build more confidence and independence! Her dream is to become a doctor or a lawyer in the future and travel the world. Valentina is an enthusiastic volleyball player, and she plays the piano as well. In the United States, she would love to try cheerleading and tennis, if possible. Valentina and her family are outdoorsy people, who love skiing in the winter and swimming in the summer. With her friends, she loves to have fun girl's time shopping, trying on makeup, and watching TV series. The way that Valentina's friends see her is as a trustworthy person and a good listener. By hosting Valentina, you will be helping this adventurous young lady to explore a country that she has always loved, and will allow her to grow and develop. Do not miss out on this opportunity!

Meet 15-year-old Mathias from Denmark who describes himself as an always-smiling teenager with a lot of energy and several good friends! Sports are important to Mathias, who can often be found on the soccer field. Mathias has played soccer since he was a young child, and his dream is to become a professional soccer player! He also enjoys swimming, weight training, spending time with his family and friends, shopping, traveling, eating healthy, and staying fit. Mathias hopes to try some new American sports while on exchange such as basketball, football, and have the opportunity to visit a Gold's Gym. With his family, Mathias enjoys going on short excursions skiing in the winter, and traveling south to a warmer climate in the summer. Mathias gathers together with friends to watch a movie, play games, or take the bus downtown to shop, eat, or chill at a favorite café. Mathias writes that he is more than willing to help out his new family with yard work, helping with pets, washing his own clothes, and many other things that family members do for the good of the family. Mathias was inspired to pursue an exchange year from his father and good friends who were all exchange students. Score a goal by inviting Mathias into your family today!

A lover of desserts, music, running, and playing the violin, meet 16-year-old Anna from Austria! Anna also describes herself as a happy teenager who actually enjoys studying and spending time with both her family and friends. Her friends might add that she is a person who anyone can talk to without ever being judged. Anna has played the violin for seven years, has participated in track & field for 8 years, and hopes that she can continue both while on exchange. Anna writes that she also enjoys many styles of music from the Beatles to Rihanna. Other hobbies for Anna include cooking and baking, watching movies, being outdoors, reading, painting and drawing, photography, and watching sports. She especially enjoys watching Olympic events such as gymnastics, figure skating, volleyball, swimming, soccer, and basketball. With her family, Anna spends time eating meals and going on holidays together. Having picnics in the park and going to the cinema are activities that Anna enjoys doing with her friends. Anna credits a previous exchange to Russia as her inspiration for her upcoming year in America. She believes that being spontaneous brings a lot of advantages to one's life. Follow Anna's lead on spontaneity and invite her into your family today!

Inspired by his older sister's exchange experience in America, 16-year old Riku from Japan is looking forward to eating American foods, making foreign friends, and perfecting his English during his own time in the USA! He can also introduce your family to his unique hobbies and interests, if you choose him to be your exchange son. Perhaps, he will play you a tune or two on the accordion? Show you some Karate moves? Or, you can join him in a game of handball! He will no doubt be an excellent student, as he is in Japan. Riku serves as Vice President of his school's Student Council as well. Riku will miss his home life with his mom, dad, sister and grandfather, but he looks forward to all of the new experiences and fun that await him in the USA! Will you welcome Riku into your family?

Happy, energetic, and strong-willed are just a few words to describe 15-year-old Yoko from Japan! She loves to play tennis for her school's team, and enjoys participating in her school's sports day. Yoko is a volunteer at a summer activity camp for elementary school students, where she plays with the children and organizes events. At home, she enjoys playing the piano, with pieces ranging from classical to Japanese pop music. At their school's choir festival, she played as an accompanying pianist for the song "Hallelujah" by Handel. Another hobby at home is cooking and baking, so she sometimes prepares a meal for her family. Yoko likes to spend time with her family, playing tennis together, skiing, spending time outdoors, swimming, sailing in the sea during summer vacation, and doing fireworks at night on the beach. Yoko is very excited to experience American life for herself. She is hoping to join the tennis team at school to make new friends. Through this exchange program, Yoko is hoping to enjoy the similarities between our cultures as well as learn to respect the differences. "I look forward to meeting you soon and becoming a part of your family," says Yoko!

Meet Luca, a 17-year-old boy from Germany! His friends describe him as relaxed, quiet and polite, and he describes himself as humorous and friendly. His teachers add that he is a student who interacts well with peers, and is curious and self-motivated. Luca loves music, currently singing in two choirs and recently, learning to play the piano. He is also a member of his school's chess club, and enjoys hand-painting miniature figurines for a similar strategy game. When time allows, Luca enjoys playing video games with friends. In the future, Luca plans to pursue a career in the IT field. During his exchange year, Luca is looking forward to attending an American high school, meeting new people, and learning more about the USA. He can't wait to meet you and your family!

Meet Matilda, a 15-year-old student from Germany! Matilda describes herself as empathetic, thoughtful, and funny. Her parents would add that she is an independent and uncomplicated teenager. She is very active in her church at home, and would be happy to join in with her host family's religious community. Currently, she belongs to her church's youth group and sings in the worship band. Matilda also enjoys calming activities such as playing the piano, drawing, and reading. In school, Matilda likes to study English, Biology, and Art. In the future, she hopes to become a therapist because she finds the human brain and psyche to be fascinating. Matilda is excited to come to the USA to learn about our culture and traditions. She also hopes to develop her independence and become more courageous. Will Matilda be the newest member of your family?

Linn, a 15-year-old girl from Germany, describes herself as open-minded, friendly, and uncomplicated! Currently, Linn participates in gymnastics, handball, ballroom dancing, and also plays the piano. She also sings in her school's choir and sews during her spare time. Linn is looking forward to trying something new while in the USA, and thinks that cheerleading would be a lot of fun! She also has some responsibilities at home and school, including tutoring, working in the school's cafeteria, and babysitting. She loves to stay busy and active throughout her week! Linn is very excited to come to the USA for her exchange year to experience an American high school and the infamous "school spirit." "I would love to be a part of your family for this amazing time," says Linn! Will Linn be the newest member of your family?

Say hello to Amelie! This 15-year-old girl from Germany is kind, funny, and has a big heart for animals. Amelie is excited to travel to the USA for an exchange year to follow in her mother and brother's footsteps. They made so many great memories, and Amelie is grateful to have her own opportunity to grow as a person. Amelie is a part of her school's Scouts group, where she enjoys camping, being in nature, singing around the campfire, and having outdoor adventures. During her free time, Amelie likes swimming, hiking, reading comics, listening to music, and spending time with her friends. Amelie comes from close-knit family, and is hoping to become a member of her new American host family as well. Amelie wants to thank you for hosting, and can't wait to learn more about your family and the American culture while in the USA!