Youth For Understanding USA

Reina, who will be 18 when she arrives, is a musical and cheerful student from Japan! Reina, who describes herself as someone who always tries to look on the bright side, loves to sing and has been a part of her school's choir for five years. She is a vocalist in a band with some friends and they perform at a school festival every year. Reina is described as motivated and involved by her teachers and her favorite subject is English. Reina lives with her parents and younger brother and values spending time with them. They enjoy meals together and cheering on their hometown baseball team from the living room or at the ballpark. She enjoys cooking and baking and hopes to learn new recipes from you as well as share ones that she knows. She is learning the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and hopes to share that with her host family. Reina is a fan of sci-fi movies like Star Wars and the Marvel franchise and is excited that Star Wars Episode IX will be coming out during her exchange year! Reina is eager to share her laughter and her song with her host family and can't wait to meet them!

Yukihiro, a 16-year-old boy from Japan is ready for his year in America! He wants to try many new things that are not available in Japan and describes himself as humorous and kind. During his exchange year, Yukihiro would like to continue to be involved in an acting club to make new friends. He also enjoys playing chess and spending time with his friends. In Japan, he plays guitar and volunteers and he would like to continue this during the exchange year. Yukihiro is most excited to make new memories and improve his English skills. Will you welcome Yukihiro as a new member of your family? MUST BE PLACED IN WISCONSIN

Aoba is a 17-year-old boy from Japan! He is a long-distance runner in his school track club where he likes continually improving and setting personal best times. Aoba is lively and curious, likes reading to experience a world he doesn't know, and baking, especially sweets. He enjoys singing karaoke with friends, and gets excellent grades at school where he reportedly is polite and responsible. At home, Aoba's chores are cleaning, meal prep, and yard work. His family includes his father and younger brother. They all work hard during the day and enjoy relaxing at night but sometimes they go mountain climbing. His extended family includes lots of young cousins, and he loves playing with them. Aoba chose to do an exchange program so that he can learn a new culture, see new places, and meet new people. He expects his exchange year will be an unforgettable experience that will change his life. He will try his best to have a successful year, and he realizes that he cannot do that without your help. He looks forward to meeting you and also sharing his Japanese culture with you!

Kardi, a 16-year-old girl from Denmark, describes herself as kind, helpful, and friendly! Her friends add that she is honest and funny. When she is with her friends, they enjoy shopping or going to the movies. Kardi gets very good grades at school where she is considered "sweet, charming, and well-liked." She works well alone but also contributes positively in groups. She is respectful, well-behaved, and is always prepared. In addition to schoolwork, a part-time job at a restaurant also keeps her schedule full. When she has time, she enjoys baking, drawing, and crafting. As for sports, Kardi works out at the gym a few times per week but she especially loves dancing! She danced for two years but gave that up this year to spend more time on schoolwork. She hopes to start dancing again while on exchange. Kardi describes her family, which includes her parents and sister, as "normal." As a family, they watch movies and have meals together. Her chores at home include cleaning her room and helping with meals. Kardi thinks the USA is one of the most amazing countries in the world! She has "always dreamed of visiting the USA someday but never thought in a million years, that she would be able to live and study here!"

Sixteen-year-old Sakura from Japan wants to have a sushi party with her host family! She loves to cook, and enjoys her home economics class at school. Sakura even dreams of becoming a home economics teacher someday. Sakura would like to introduce the Japanese culture to your family such as origami, karuta or perhaps, she'll play her traditional Japanese drum for you! One of Sakura's favorite hobbies is photography. She plans to bring her camera to the USA, and hopes to make many memories and take lots of photos. She also enjoys dancing and playing volleyball. Sakura would love to join a cheerleading squad during her exchange year since this activity isn't offered at her school in Japan. Some of Sakura's other interests include spending time outdoors, shopping, and make-up. During her exchange year, Sakura hopes to broaden her horizons through new experiences, and to develop a cross-cultural understanding between the USA and Japan. "I am very excited to see and learn the different culture through you," says Sakura! MUST BE PLACED IN A SCHOOL WHICH OFFERS FCCLA ACTIVITIES.

Looking for a student who soars above the rest? Meet 17-year-old Ryoma from Japan whose passion is aviation! He enjoys watching planes, and hopes to visit several different airports while in the US. His career goal is to become an air traffic controller. Self-disciplined and focused, Ryoma was elected as the "leader of students" where he attends school. Respected by both peers and adults, he earns excellent grades, in addition to planning parties and activities for his peers. He plays baseball and badminton, and hopes to continue while on exchange. Ryoma does his own laundry and keeps his room neat and clean. With friends, he likes listening to pop music and just talking about life. While on exchange, Ryoma hopes to attend a major league baseball game, if possible. His goals for his exchange year are to improve his English language skills, and expand his leadership skills in addition to making LOTS of new friends. If you have an interest in aviation or baseball, this responsible and goal-oriented young man would love to join your family!

While interested in all sports, 17-year-old Miki from Japan's passion is cycling, either competitively or with family and friends. He even likes the challenge of cycling up a steep mountain. He also enjoys mountain climbing, gym workouts, computer games, going to movies, shopping, and traveling. He consider himself to be gentle, flexible, frank, bright, honest, and trustworthy. His teacher says that he is open-minded, and helpful to other students as a mentor or sharing supplies, if needed. Also, he is motivated and when he begins a project, he will push through to the end. He hopes to make many new friends, try new activities, and improve his English skills while on exchange. Miki will help around the house as a member of the family. He thanks you and looks forward to meeting you soon!

Waka is a 16-year-old girl from Japan who describes herself as bright, talkative, and friendly! Waka's hobbies include playing sports, reading mystery novels, baking sweets, listening to music, and spending time with her "cute" dog. She has participated in a Track & Field team for four years, and would be interested in trying a new sport during her exchange year. At school, Waka is interested in social studies and history, and plans to work within the international relations field in the future. She dreams of working for the United Nations or a non-profit organization someday. Waka knows that improving her English skills will help her achieve her career goals, and will broaden her horizons. During her exchange year, Waka hopes to learn more about American history, and join an after school club or activity. "I hope to make lots of friends in the USA and have lots of happy days like in Japan," says Waka! She wants to have a great relationship with her host family so that she can become a real family member. Waka is looking forward to living with your family, and experiencing the American high school life!

Fifteen-year-old Minami from Japan would like to sing her way into your heart! A long-time member of her city's mixed choir, who shows her leadership during choir competitions, she hopes to continue singing during her YFU exchange year by joining the school choir. If she isn't singing, she may be found listening to her favorite J-pop or K-pop music or watching movies, eating, and taking photos with friends. Described as hard-working and responsible, Minami is an excellent student, whose favorite subject is math. With her parents and younger brother, she enjoys family meals at home, eating out in restaurants, traveling or staying home and watching her favorite Japanese baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers. Do you enjoy badminton? Do you have a favorite baseball team? How about challenging Minami to a badminton competition in the yard, and introducing her to your local or favorite professional team? Your YFU daughter just might return to Japan singing the praises of an American baseball team!

"I want to make good use of each day of my exchange and I want to make awesome memories with my host family!" Meet Fifteen-year-old Chunna from Japan! Her favorite sport is softball, and she is the captain of her team. She likes to hit up the batting cage with her father to practice during her free time. She is a girl with a dream to work at a Disney resort someday. Chunna describes herself as a motivated and energetic girl. Her father always tells her that "your charm is in your smile." So, she says "I just keep smiling all the time." Chunna likes animals, cooking, drawing, traveling, and volunteer work. Her teachers and friends describe her as bright, friendly, and competitive. With her friends, she likes to shop, study, go out to eat, and go to the movies. She wants to experience change, become more independent, and never give up on her dream!

Fifteen-year-old Rino from Japan states that the three characteristics that best describe her are kind, honest, and sociable! She is a very good and serious student who reads an English language newspaper every day. Rino's music interests include playing the recorder and listening to music. Her sport during elementary school was figure skating, but now she is focused on tennis. She enjoys all of the time she spends with friends and family, and is especially happy when others enjoy food she has prepared. Her goals for the exchange experience are to increase independence and to improve her English language skills. "I hope that you will consider me as your future host daughter," states Rino!

Looking for some pep and enthusiastic conversation in your life? Meet 16-year-old Shoka from Japan! Possessing a sunny disposition, good listening skills, and plenty of energy, Shoka brings a bit of sunshine wherever she goes! Sporty and active, Shoka participates in badminton, track & field, swimming, and mountain biking. At school, she likes math and PE, and hopes to attend university in the future. She also enjoys singing karaoke because it helps to relieve stress. Shoka likes animals of all kinds, listening to music with friends, outdoor activities, and cooking as well. At home, Shoka lives with her parents and younger twin sisters. Together, they enjoy camping, snowboarding, and cycling. Family pets include a dog, hamster, and a goldfish. While on exchange, Shoka is excited to make lots of new friends, and she hopes to try a team sport like volleyball or basketball. Maybe you will be the family to make her dream of exchange come true!

Seventeen-year-old Kazune from Japan, who goes by Kaz, describes herself as sporty and a leader, and her friends say she is a good listener! Kaz loves sports, is the captain of her handball team, and also plays volleyball and soccer. She listens to pop music, and one of her favorite artists is Selena Gomez. Kaz's favorite subjects in school are Chinese, English, and Geography. She plans to go to a university to study tourism, and then pursue a career as a tour guide. One of Kaz's favorite hobbies is cooking. Her grandma is a very good cook and is teaching Kaz how to cook and bake. Kaz also enjoys dancing and café-hopping with her friends. Kaz describes her family as supportive, and they have a good relationship and can always cheer her up. They cook, shop, and go to her brother's baseball games together. Some of her chores include cleaning, laundry, and helping with meals. Kaz thanks you for being her host family, and is looking forward to meeting you and making a lot of memories with you!

Eren is a 15-year-old girl from Japan! An excellent student, teachers describe her as hard-working and friendly. Her favorite subjects in school are English and art. Since she enjoys drawing, she would like to pursue a career that entails designing. Eren is a member of the mandolin club at school, and enjoys playing in concerts and school festivals. She looks forward to playing her mandolin for her host family! Her family enjoys sharing dinner together, walking their dog in the park, and watching movies. Since Eren enjoys the outdoors and nature, she likes camping, hiking, and bouldering. Having lived with her family in the US when she was a young child, her good memories have led her to want to spend a year learning about American culture and living with an American family. She is very excited to meet her Host Family and "thanks them for welcoming me into your family!"

Sixteen-year-old Asuka from Japan is excited to meet her host family and begin her exchange year! An excellent student, her teachers say that she has strong communication skills, is adaptable and flexible, and is a leader at school. Her favorite subjects are languages and music. "When I talk in English, I can feel different cultures. I can learn about the world through English," says Asuka. She describes herself as open-minded and curious to try new things. One activity she hopes to try while in the US is dancing. She wants to learn but has not had the opportunity to try it in Japan. Asuka has played the piano for 10 years and would like to continue while on exchange, if possible. Asuka says, "Music makes me happy and cheerful." She is a member of a swim club, and plays tennis and table tennis. Asuka also likes animals, enjoys listening to music, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends--especially singing karaoke with them. Will you be the one to open your heart and your home to Asuka, and share your culture and way of life with her?

Cheerleading is the perfect activity for positive and cheerful, 15-year-old Mao from Japan! A member of a large competitive cheerleading team, Mao also occasionally cheers on the school's American-style football team. Mao is an excellent all A's student who attends a parochial school. She has played the piano for 10 years, and will sometimes play the pipe organ for worship service. In her free time, Mao likes to dance, read, spend time with friends, or just spend time with her parents and the family dog. Mao also likes to read cookbooks and look for delicious Japanese recipes online, which she would love to cook for her host family! When asked what she'd like to do during her exchange year, she answered that she hopes to make many new friends, share Japanese culture, and "watch NFL football!"

Fifteen-year-old Kokoa from Japan describes herself as a talkative, lover of shopping and fashion! Kokoa plays the recorder and also is in the juggling club at her school. Kokoa's main sport is Japanese archery, but she also enjoys skiing and swimming. Her favorite subject in school is English, and she would like to attend a university after she graduates and then become a cabin attendant. Kokoa likes to listen to rock music and attend concerts with her friends. She also enjoys cooking for her family and helping to take care of their tiny, cute turtle. With her family, Kokoa likes to camp and travel with them to the sea and mountains. Some of her chores include cleaning, helping with meals, and doing laundry. Kokoa thanks you for reading her letter and is looking forward to meeting you!

Fifteen-year-old Miu from Japan is described by her friends as talkative, but also a great listener! She lives in a large city with her parents, both of whom attended university in the US, and her younger brother. Miu often helps him with his studies and even makes lunches for both of them to take to school. She loves her teachers and friends at school, but above all, she loves being in the school choir. She has many other interests, including figure skating; so, she's looking forward to watching the Olympics! Even though she's learned a lot about the US from her parents, Miu is interested in learning how people's actions and manners are different from those in Japan. She's looking forward to the guidance her host family will give her in navigating American culture. Will you be that family?

Ambitious, thoughtful, and energetic are three words to describe 15-year-old Yuri from Japan! Yuri is a creative girl who can sing and play the piano, which she has been doing since she was 4-years-old. In school, Yuri likes to study history because it can teach us so much, not just about the past but also the future. While on exchange, Yuri would like to experience as much as she can! She hopes to gain knowledge and experiences from her time in the US. Talkative doesn't even begin to describe Yuri! She loves to talk and joke with her friends to have fun. She can also be serious, showing off her skills in Speech and Debate classes. Yuri hopes to improve her English skills, grow as a person, and make so many new friends while in the USA!

Shuma is a 15-year-old boy from Japan who describes himself as cheerful and full of laughter! Shuma is a passionate water polo player, serving as his team's captain and goalkeeper. He would love the opportunity to continue playing water polo in the USA, if possible, to see how the sport differs from his home team in Japan. Shuma also enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and watching sports such as baseball during his free time. At school, Shuma's favorite subject is Japanese Literature. He loves reading, and hopes to become an editor when he finishes school. Shuma lives with his parents and two younger siblings. Since Shuma's siblings are much younger than him, he often babysits and plays with them. Shuma's dad was an exchange student in the USA when he was in high school, and he has inspired Shuma to pursue his own year abroad through his stories about America's diverse culture. Shuma would like to become your true family member and can't wait for all of the experiences that you'll share together!