Youth For Understanding USA

Katsuhiko is a 16-year-old student from Japan, who goes by Katsu! He describes himself as a brave person who is always up for trying something new, and also someone who enjoys making others happy. Katsu loves playing soccer, which he would like to continue during his exchange year. He also practices karate and enjoys running in his spare time. He loves spending time with his friends, and watching action movies as well. Katsu plans to improve his English skills during his exchange year because he hopes to one day become an interpreter. He looks forward to making new friends and teaching his host family more about the Japanese culture while in the USA!

Yucheng, whose nickname is Bob, will turn 17 shortly after arriving in the USA! An excellent student, his favorite subject is History, which he hopes to teach one day. Teachers describe him as intelligent, creative, hard-working, and always an important part of any team. Bob organized an English drama performance for a school New Year's party, which he directed and showcased his acting talents. His family, which includes his mom, dad, and younger brother, are very important to him. They enjoy being together for meals, playing games, and watching sports. They are busy, but very connected, Bob likes to volunteer at both the nature museum and the science museum in his community, sharing information and his own passion. He also tutors younger students who need help in their classes. Bob is very excited to join his host family and "begin this new journey together!"

Syed, a 15-year-old from Pakistan, is excited to try new things while here in the US! This includes food - American desserts, cheese, snacks, just to name a few - as well as sports, volunteering/community service, and mountain climbing, if possible! He has ambitious academic plans ahead: studying Biology to become a medical doctor one day. He is an excellent student with strong English skills, describing himself as polite and flexible. As one of two brothers/two sisters, Syed likes spending time with his family and helping his younger siblings with their homework. He also enjoys reading, and watching TV and movies at home with everyone. Syed especially enjoys sharing his passion for cars with his engineer dad. In his free time, he plays badminton and computer games with his friends. He won a School Badminton Olympiad that he and his friends entered with 8 other schools. Syed was the only one from his school that was selected to play in the finals and winning the Olympiad was a great achievement for him! He also likes to garden and helps with things like bringing in the groceries, washing his dad's car, and cleaning his room. Syed looks forward to the exchange year and sharing his culture while learning about American culture and traditions. Does he sound like the right fit for your family? YES SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT

Welcome Nils, a 16-year-old student from Germany, to the USA! Nils describes himself as a helpful, responsible, and trustworthy teenager. A dedicated student, he enjoys his geography and English classes and hopes to one day teach these subjects. He is also part of a youth club that discusses current political topics. Nils enjoys playing American football, badminton, and table tennis, and is currently taking ballroom dance lessons. He also enjoys being outside, especially hiking and mountain biking. During quieter moments, you might find Nils reading a fantasy novel or a biography to relax. While in the USA, Nils is looking forward to experiencing an American high school and learning about the American lifestyle. He would also love to share his German culture with his host family, perhaps by cooking a meal together! CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG STUDENT BLUE RIDGE

Yui from Japan says that she can't wait to try American food while in the USA! Described by her teacher as cheerful and curious, Yui has built good relationships with her circle of friends and enjoys making them laugh. She currently plays tennis frequently throughout the week and is also a dedicated violinist, which gives her a sense of accomplishment. She is very interested in listening to music as well, such as Taylor Swift and a Japanese group "Say! Hey! JUMP." She was recently able to go to a concert for the latter, which she loved. Yui is a hardworker who has done a number of volunteer activities for her school and community. She lives with her parents, older sister, and younger brother. The family enjoys camping, traveling, and skiing together. One of her favorite pursuits with friends is to go shopping, and she hopes you will show her where to shop in America! During her exchange year, Yui hopes to make new friends, and try new experiences. She's looking forward to meeting you!

Dennis from Germany describes himself as helpful, determined, committed, and friendly! He strives to become a firefighter when he finishes school and is looking forward to learning about American fire departments while in the USA. During his free time, seventeen-year-old Dennis enjoys playing badminton and the drums. He is also a dedicated volunteer, he serves as a volunteer youth firefighter and works with the German Red Cross. On weekends, Dennis delivers newspapers and then spends time with his family. Dennis and his friends like outdoor activities, going to the movies, shopping, and playing computer games in the evenings. During his exchange year, Dennis is excited to have new experiences and try different activities. Dennis thanks you for hosting him and he looks forward to sharing his German culture with your family! CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG STUDENT

Sixteen-year-old Dries from the Netherlands describes himself as open-minded, a team player, and sporty! Dries' passion is basketball, both playing this sport and watching it on television - his favorite team being the Golden State Warriors. He will even stay up with late with his family to watch the Warriors play because of the time difference. Dries also likes to watch baseball on television, especially the San Francisco Giants. He can also be found listening to a wide variety of music during his free time. His other passion is sailing and boating. In the future, Dries plans to attend a college specializing in sea transport and logistics, and become a boat captain. Dries also enjoys surfing and being at the lake with his friends. He describes his family as warm, and they enjoy eating outdoors, playing sports, and traveling together. Some of his chores at home include cleaning and helping with meals. Dries is looking forward to meeting his host family, making new friends, and cannot wait for August to come! MUST BE PLACED IN FLORIDA, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA OR ARIZONA.

Seventeen-year-old Daiki from Japan describes himself as a helpful and sporty young man! His favorite sport is volleyball, and he enjoys exercising and being physically fit. He would love to join your family in your favorite sport activities! At school, Daiki is fascinated by the subjects of Chemistry and Math, and he plans to study Environmental Engineering and become a government official in the future. Daiki is very interested in computer games and programming as well. He enjoys listening to pop music and watching movies during his free time, some of his favorites being from the Marvel series. Daiki also likes to bake, and is looking forward to whipping up some Japanese omelets for you! Other hobbies for Daiki include reading books, drawing, and painting. Daiki spends time with his family shopping and eating together, and he enjoys spending time playing sports with his friends. Daiki is looking forward to coming to America, and is excited to meet his host family! Great NE

Patient, cheerful and friendly, 15-year-old Kanon from Japan loves the American culture and can't wait to learn all about life in the United States! What excites her the most is becoming part of a family and making many new American friends at school. When she's not studying, Kanon loves to dance contemporary and classical ballet styles. She also has experience as a cheerleader, and enjoys drawing and spending time with her dog during her spare time. At school, Kanon loves learning the English language, which will come in handy for her future career as a flight attendant. Kanon hopes to spend as much time with her American host family and friends as possible, so that she can improve her English skills and share her Japanese culture. She has studied the Japanese traditional tea ceremony, and looks forward to demonstrating her performance of tea preparation and serving for you. "I am looking forward to seeing you face to face soon," says Kanon!

Introducing Kazane, a 17-year-old girl from Japan! Kazane lives with her mother, father, an older brother, and her pet rabbit. She loves to dance, especially hip-hop. She enjoys studying American hip-hop music videos to learn modern moves. Kazane enjoys performing in front of others, and finds dance to be a way to express herself. She also enjoys watching action movies and is a fan of DC/Comic films. When younger, she participated in a Scouts troop which she experienced camping. With friends, Kazane can often be found at a karaoke room where they practice singing songs in English, especially from Ariana Grande or any modern country songs. Kazane is especially interested in Japanese history, and would like to share her knowledge of the Japanese culture with you. While in the USA, Kazane would like also to become a bridge between Japan and America, and therefore wants to improve her English skills to speak the language more fluently. Kazane is so impressed with American culture and can't wait to experience it with you!

Karin is a 17-year-old girl from Japan who hopes to make a difference in the world! Karin believes that by coming to America she will contribute to greater cultural understanding. Her long-term goal is diplomacy, as she wants to be part of the effort to keep the world safe! Listening to music is one of Karin's favorite hobbies. She enjoys Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and One Direction, often translating the lyrics into Japanese. Karin also has an appreciation for team sports. She currently plays tennis and volleyball. Karin plans to use her interest in sports to help her make new friends during her exchange year. Academics are stressed in Japan, so Karin often has school on Saturdays and spends Sundays doing homework. In spare moments, Karin enjoys photography, crafting, and cooking Japanese dishes. Karin is close to her family, who she says are good at supporting each other in all that they do. She lives with her mother, older sister, and three older brothers. Karin's teacher describes her as diligent and willing to take on tasks that others will not. This special young woman will make a wonderful addition to your family!

Fun, focused and friendly, meet 16-year-old Luana from Brazil! This outgoing young lady is full of life, and is excited to explore her new community and try new things next year. At school, Luana is a very good student who likes math best and plans to use her math skills in the future as an architect or interior designer. She lives at home with her parents and younger brother. Together, they like to play volleyball at the beach, share meals, watch movies, and play board games. Friends say that Luana is creative, likes to talk, and makes everyone around her happy. During spare time, Luana enjoys cooking, listening to music, meeting with friends to chat, spending time outdoors with her dog, reading, traveling, volunteering, and watching sports or movies. While in the USA, Luana would like to try new things, possibly gymnastics and cheerleading, and continue playing volleyball. Are you ready to add a little "sparkle" to your world while exchanging cultural traditions with Luana?

SHORT-TERM PROGRAM, MUST BE PLACED IN WASHINGTON DC: Sporty, energetic, and polite best describes 16-year-old Richard from Germany! Hobbies for Richard include playing basketball, table tennis, and archery. Richard is dedicated member of a local Scouts troop with his older brother. He looks forward to their annual camping trips, where they cook, craft, play games, and sleep in nature. Richard also enjoys attending weekly church services with his family, and is an active member of his church's Youth Group. Growing as a person, becoming more confident, learning about the American culture, and improving his English skills are all goals for Richard's exchange experience. Richard would like to thank his future host family for their support and kindness during this exchange adventure!

SHORT-TERM PROGRAM, MUST BE PLACED IN ROANOKE: Say hello to Zeljka, a 14-year-old girl from Germany! Nicknamed Schelly, she describes herself as a happy and curious teenager who loves to laugh and seek adventure. A musical young lady, Schelly plays the keyboard and the drums, and is a member of her school's choir. She also loves to dive into a new world through reading books. With her best friend, Schelly can often be found having sleepovers, creating music, and simply talking about life together. During her time in the USA, Schelly looks forward to discovering popular activities within her host family's community, and she especially hopes to learn to cook a traditional American meal. Schelly is so thankful for this opportunity, and can't wait to meet you!

SHORT-TERM PROGRAM; MUST BE PLACED IN ROANOKE: Meet Micheas, a friendly, funny, and humble 16-year-old boy from Germany! Micheas enjoys keeping fit through working out at the gym and playing basketball with his friends. He also plays the keyboard, loves spending time outdoors, and is a member of a public engagement organization within his community. Micheas and his family look forward to attending weekly church services, which he would be happy to continue with his American host family. A typical teen, Micheas and his friends are often found swimming at the lake or hanging out at the mall. After graduating high school, Micheas plans to study Political Science at a university before pursuing a career as a politician. Micheas is honored and excited to have this opportunity to experience the American way of life with his host family. He is looking forward to having a great time with your family!

SHORT-TERM PROGRAM, MUST BE PLACED IN ROANOKE: Say hello to Eser, a 15-year-old young man from Germany! Playing soccer and practicing the piano are two of Eser's greatest passions. He also loves animals, especially his favorites - dogs and lions! A typical teen, Eser enjoys going out for ice cream, playing board games, going to the park, or eating great food with his friends. Eser's friends describe him as an honest, motivated, and trustworthy person. In the future, Eser has big dreams of living in the USA and working for NASA. While in the USA, Eser looks forward to speaking English with his host family and exploring the American culture. "Thank you very much for taking me in and giving me an insight into America," says Eser!

SHORT-TERM PROGRAM, MUST BE PLACED IN ROANOKE: Welcome 17-year-old Selin from Germany to the USA! A creative young lady, Selin loves to paint and draw, and has a keen interest in Art History. She also enjoys reading poetry and fantasy novels, especially appreciating the emotion and thought behind a poem. Selin has a passion for cooking as well, which she hopes to share with her American host family. Basketball, baseball, and softball are sports that Selin likes to play with family and friends to keep active. Selin comes from a large, multi-cultural family who loves to gather together for special holidays and birthdays. With friends, Selin looks forward to time spent swimming, ice skating, going to the movies, and shopping. During her exchange experience, Selin is hoping to gain knowledge that she can carry with her into her adult life and perhaps, decide her future career path. Selin can't wait to travel to the USA for the first time and become a member of your family!

SHORT-TERM PROGRAM, MUST BE PLACED IN ROANOKE: Meet 17-year-old Erdem from Germany! Erdem describes himself as an athletic, clever, and respectful young man. Soccer, basketball, and swimming are sports that keep Erdem busy during his free time. He also looks forward to trying new sports and activities with his friends in his PE class. During quieter moments, you might find Erdem playing computer games, listening to music, watching sports, or taking photos. With his family, Erdem enjoys sharing meals together and going for outdoor walks. In the future, he is planning for a career as a police officer. During his time in the USA, Erdem hopes to improve his English language skills and gain in confidence. He would also love to visit an American shopping mall! Will you make Erdem's dreams come true by welcoming him into your family?

Wuttipat, known as Pat, is a cheerful 15-year-old boy from Thailand! His teacher describes him as intelligent and adaptable. Pat's favorite school subjects are Chemistry and Computer Programming. He belongs to a science club at school, which he enjoys for the opportunity to do experiments. Computer Programming is an extra option at Pat's school, and he hopes to be a programmer someday. Pat also likes both the social and strategic aspects of computer gaming, as well as board games. Violin, basketball, and cooking Thai food are also activities Pat does during his free time. He and his friends go to amusement parks whenever they can. Pat describes his family as "laid-back," and consists of his parents, younger sister, and grandparents. Together, they like to travel and sightsee on vacations. Since he was young, Pat has wanted to visit America as he belongs to an English club at school. He is excited at the idea of new experiences and strengthening his language skills. Pat is honest, funny, and kind, and would love the opportunity to become a part of your family!

Meet Thamonwan, whose English name is Tammy! She describes herself as kind, easy-going, and sporty. Tammy likes to be active through playing basketball and swimming with her friends. She enjoys going to school to learn new things, especially English. When she has finished school, Tammy dreams of becoming a diplomat in the future. During her free time, Tammy enjoys reading, playing games, and spending time with her friends. She lives with her parents, older sister, and two aunts, and describes their family lifestyle as simple. Tammy enjoys spending time with her family by having meals together, attending religious services, and traveling. Tammy is excited to come to the USA because she wants to learn about our culture and traditions, but also share her culture with her new host family!