Youth For Understanding USA

Ruba, from Libya, is a girl with a remarkable background, having lived in China for about 3 years when she was younger. She is an artist who loves to write and draw and hopes to have a career in interior design. She attends an international school now. Her teacher states Ruba is an exceptional student, who shows great maturity and motivation. Ruba even creates study guides for her difficult courses and her writing is wonderful. Ruba has a close loving family, and as one of six, she has a share of chores to help at home. She loves having conversations with family and friends. Ruba is hoping to join a writing group at her American school or in the community. Ruba is looking forward to joining her host family and growing lifelong relationships. YES SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT

Warmhearted Simbad from Bosnia thinks family is the most important thing and cites his mother as his biggest inspiration. Living in a multi-generational household, he also enjoys a close relationship with his grandmother and often helps her in the family garden. Hailing from a rural mountain town, he appreciates the beauty of the scenery around him and likes being outdoors. His favorite pastime is basketball, and he hopes to continue playing while on exchange as well as exploring new hobbies. When not busy with school or sports, Simbad volunteers with the Red Cross and works a summer job. He hopes to pursue a career in computer science, with interests in software engineering and web design. He hopes to experience new cultures and people while on exchange and cant wait to become a part of your household. YES SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT.

Anna, from Hungary, will turn 17 soon after she arrives in the USA. She enjoys being active and can be found taking long walks with her dog or working in the garden with her mother when the weather is nice. She is a self-motivated student who plans to study medicine when she completes high school. Anna is persistent when she faces a challenge and does not quit until she has finished. She enjoys writing poetry and her teachers speak highly of her kindness to other students and quiet leadership skills. She is very well-regarded by her peers and is often the first to volunteer for activities or to assist in school or her community. Anna enjoys spending time with her friends going to an occasional movie, watching a TV series with them, or going shopping.

You will most likely find Nora from Estonia in the gym working out or doing acrobatics. Her favorite subject is History, not only in school but from real life stories. Besides the gym she enjoys painting to express herself, video games to chat with friend and watching movies. She is helpful and enjoys being with family and friends just hanging out or playing a sport. And you cannot forget that she love animals and had a dog. Wouldn't your family love to host this active girl?

Thyerry, from Brazil, is one sporty young man. Any sport with a ball from soccer to volleyball, tennis to basketball, he does them all. Thyerry also loves to study all the sciences offered at school, along with math and PE. With friends he enjoys going to movies, listening to music and computer games. Thyerry has a close relationship with his parents and younger sister (and their two dogs). They have meals together every day. He is partial to Japanese food. Thyerry is described as respectful, open-minded and a good listener. He is very appreciative of this opportunity to live in a different culture and learn new ideas. Thyerry is looking forward to meeting his host family and beginning this amazing journey together.

Ella, from Norway, is described as a fun, charismatic, motivated girl who works hard in school. Her great interests are handball and music. Ella enjoys spending time with friends, cooking together and going to movies. Ella is from a close-knit bilingual family. Her father is from Virginia so English is a second native language. They have taken trips to the US to visit family and most recently saw the Outer Banks of NC and NYC. Ella knows that there is a big difference between visiting and actually living in a new place, a new culture. Ella is looking forward to meeting her host family. She would love it if they had pets (other than reptiles). Ella must follow a strict gluten free diet, but she knows her restrictions well. This exchange opportunity is a dream coming true for Ella. This experience will help her grow as a person. Ella will be a wonderful new daughter for your family.

Equestrian-minded Pauline from France loves horses! Although she just started horseback riding 2 years ago, she is smitten and says there is nothing better. This sweet 16 year-old from France also enjoys swimming and outdoor activities with her family. Friends appreciate Pauline for her honestly and humor, and teachers praise her kindness and patience saying she is a joy in the classroom. Pauline takes her studies seriously and hopes to one day pursue business management or even start her own company. She has previously visited the US and found herself very intrigued with our different lifestyle and school system. Pauline thanks you for opening your home and family life to her and says "See you soon!"

Sawssane is a mature, cheerful, optimistic girl from France. Her interests include music, ice skating, physical fitness, crafting and movies. At school she is a great student and loves studying the sciences and languages. Sawssane has a very close relationship with her parents and siblings and sees her cousins often. They enjoy meals, dinner time conversations, and traveling together. With friends, she often goes to the beach or to the movies and talk about life. Sawssane hopes to be able to see historical/cultural locations in her host community. Will there be a state or county fair nearby? She is an amusement park ride girl! Sawssane is thrilled and extremely grateful to be welcomed into her host family and to become a real member of the household. She knows this experience will help her leave her comfort zone and broaden her horizons. She cant wait to meet you. Sawssane will be a marvelous new daughter for your family.

Meet 16 year old Phat from Vietnam who goes by the English name Jimmy. He describes himself as an active and friendly person who loves to travel and have new experiences. Of course, he can't wait to experience life and the culture of the US first hand. Jimmy appreciates every opportunity presented to him and hopes to "live life to the fullest." Jimmy is close to the members of his family, all six of them, and also enjoys time with his friends. Jimmy is passionate about soccer and can be found playing a friendly game several times a week. In school, Jimmy enjoys studying chemistry with hopes to become a scientist or psychologist in the future. Will your family greet Jimmy at the airport and introduce him to life in the US?

Self-described as spontaneous and unpredictable, Zofia from Poland dreams of one day coming to live in the USA. Zofia is also an open and extroverted person who makes friends quickly and and is the one others can talk with openly. in short..Zofia loves being with people! She aso enjoys cooking, especially with her mother and grandmother., and being part of a dance team. When she needs to steal a few minutes for herself and relax, Zofia can be found crafting. Zofia dreams of studying to be an architect after high school. Can you help Zofia lay the foundation for the next chapter of her life by inviting this extroverted girl into your life?

Meet Maritza, a creative and responsible 15 year old girl from Chile. She loves to bake, and likes to take walks to see new places. She hopes to try cheerleading while on exchange in the US. Her friends say that she is caring, supportive and fun. Her teacher says that she is a very good student, always tries her best and has good leadership skills. And she has excellent English language proficiency. Maritza is looking forward to becoming part of an American family. Will that be yours?

Meet friendly, easy-going Yosep from Korea. In school, Yosep especially enjoys studying Biology, Chemistry, and Economics. Yosep enjoys listening to Pop music, reading, drawing, painting, playing computer games, photography, watching movies, and outdoor activities. Yosep especially enjoys hiking and mountain climbing. Yosep has been described as patient and considerate. Yosep enjoys playing soccer, badminton, and practicing jiu-jitsu. Yosep is looking forward to learning more about the American culture and sharing his Korean culture with his host family. If you enjoy hiking and mountain climbing, Yosep might just be the perfect exchange student for your family.

Trendy, sporty, with a love of fashion and shopping, meet Jeane, from France. Jeane is social, easy-going, and ambitious; and knows what she does and doesnt like! Coming from a blended family, Jeane has two older brothers and two sisters, as well as a dog, and has no trouble staying busy. At school, she enjoys the logic in math; movement in sports; and has a love of physics and chemistry. Friends describe her as honest, sporty and full of energy! At home she shares bike rides with her dad and runs with her mom. Board games are a favorite among the kids. She has played basketball for 9 years, but looks to expand her experience while on exchange, possibly giving cheerleading or another new sport a try. Her goals for exchange include becoming truly bilingual, meeting lots of new friends, and living the American dream. Coming from a large and close-kit family, Jeanne hopes to land in a host family that is active and family-oriented. She is OK with dogs, but does NOT like cats or rats. She is excited to share French culture and cuisine; would love to see an NBA game; and is excited to investigate American fashion.

Eager Emilia from Argentina an active student with a passion for field hockey. She also enjoys playing soccer and watching many other sports like ice hockey and rugby. Emilia's school doesn't offer extracurricular activities, so she fantasizes about the sports or clubs she could join in the US! A dedicated student, Emilia enjoys both her classes and peers and is described as motivated, organized, and responsible by her teachers. When Emilia isn't busy with her studies or sports she enjoys gathering with friends to kayak or visit amusement parks. With her family she can be found playing card and board games, or visiting her parent's bakery. Emilia is interested in becoming a world traveler and has been dreaming of her exchange in US for years. She's gotten to visit a few times and says "every time I go, I like it more!" Will your family be the best part yet of Emilia's US obsession?

Alisa loves animals! Growing up in a family with dogs, cats, and five horses, she helps care for them, plays with the smaller animals, rides during the summer, and chose five years ago to become a vegetarian. Alisa attends a school emphasizing music and sports although, of course, also requiring standard academic courses. Alisa studies piano and plays during her free time while also devoting many after-school hours to the volleyball team. If possible, she would like to continue volleyball during her exchange year. Skiing, ice skating, swimming, and riding mopeds help fill her winter and summer outdoor hours, sometimes with family and other times with friends. Indoors she may be working at a local supermarket or home watching movies, volleyball, or soccer, listening to her favorite rap and pop music, or cooking. Alisha wants you to know she is very excited to learn about your family traditions and your daily life.

If you are an active, close-knit family, Karl Gustav is your boy! He has grown up watching weekend soccer with his dad and brother and explains how both watching and playing made him fall in love with the game. Karl Gustav also swims with his mom twice a week and endured the pandemic by taking long daily walks with her, talking all the way. February finds the family skiing in Sweden or France, summer often finds them on long cycling tours, and any car trip means listening to music together, something he considers very special. If your favorite sport isnt soccer, swimming, skiing, or cycling, Karl Gustav is ready to learn. In addition to family activities, he plays online games with friends, stocks shelves in a grocery store, keeps up with Danish and international politics, watches world history documentaries, and is teaching himself Italian. Having visited the West Coast on a family trip, observant, talkative, enthusiastic Karl Gustav is excited to get to know your part of the U.S. and to share Danish culture with you.

Abigel, Abi from Hungary, loves being on stage in drama club! She enjoys being active and playing any sports, especially dance team, and says she might try cheerleading. Abi likes to go to the beach with her friends, or to the water park and have picnics, go shopping, and have sleepovers. On the weekends, she is with her mom and big brother, and they like to cook together. With her dad, stepmom and little brother they have an active lifestyle, and her favorite activity is going out for brunch. Rich with positivity, she is independent and loving at the same time. She is great at communicating and is a good listener. Abi says she is looking forward to learning about your customs and traditions and getting to know you!

Meet Helene, a vibrant young lady from Germany ready to embark on her American Dream! With a heart full of excitement and a mind brimming with curiosity, Helene is seeking a host family to share in her journey of exploration and growth during the upcoming school year. Having experienced the magic of the USA last summer, she's thrilled at the prospect of celebrating cherished holidays like Halloween and Christmas while immersing herself in American culture. A lover of nature and outdoor adventures, Helene can often be found swimming, hiking, or capturing the beauty of landscapes through her photography lens. Yet, she also finds joy in quieter moments, indulging in sports, movies, and baking delectable treats. Despite her love for order and tidiness, Helene's spirit is one of boundless curiosity and thirst for knowledge, making her a delightful addition to any household. With dreams of becoming a real estate agent and a passion for travel that knows no bounds, Helene is determined to make the most of her time in the USA, embracing every opportunity to learn, explore, and create lasting memories. Join Helene on her adventure and open your home to a bright, positive, and independent soul ready to make lifelong connections and spread joy wherever she goes!

Purevdorj from Mongolia says you can call him "Puujee." Engaged, responsible, and generous, Puujee is much admired in his school, so much so that he was nominated as the best student role model for the past academic year--as much for his role in school activities as in academics. Puujee is friendly, communicative, and sporty. Soccer has been a passion of his but he also wants to try American football, basketball, and maybe even hockey. Puujee is a big brother to two young siblings and describes his family as loving and forgiving. He's eager to share his stories about the nomadic life of animal husbandry in his country, including the exotic sports at their festivals. You'll enjoy Puujee as a forever family member!

Leyan, or Bereka as she prefers to be called, is a 16 year old girl from China ready to live her best life in the USA! Positive and adventurous are two words that Bereka uses to describe herself. Her friends describe her as cheerful and helpful with school and encourages her friends to be more adventurous. Bereka loves art as she feels you can express your true self while creating! Her favorite medium is drawing and sketches on her pad in her free time. Bereka and her dad love spending time in art museums admiring other's works. Bereka's other hobbies include badminton, boxing, and hanging out with friends. She likes to go to the movies, restaurants and even the Badminton gym with her friends. Bereka is excited to come to the USA learn a new lifestyle and culture. Will Bereka be your newest family member?!