Youth For Understanding USA

Meet Natsuki (nickname Nuts) from Japan! Natsuki is described by friends and teachers as responsible, kind, and a good listener. He has been a class leader and participated on school committees and would like to find volunteer opportunities while on exchange. He is a soccer fan who has played soccer for 10 years, enjoys watching the Premier League, and would love to be able to continue to play while on exchange. He values his relationship with his family and they often like to pursue outdoor activities together. He especially appreciates the opportunity to combine his love of the outdoors with photography. He would also love to have the chance to go camping with his host family while on exchange. He likes to listen to a variety of music with his favorites being Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5, and ONE OK ROCK. During his exchange year he is hoping to learn about American culture, broaden his perspectives, improve his English skills, and to be a part of your family. He would like to use his exchange year to further an internationally oriented career so that he would make a more positive impact on the world. Natsuki is a scholarship winner and must be placed in Wisconsin in a school with a FCCLA chapter.

Outgoing and self-confident, meet Ruby, from Germany. Ruby claims that Curiosity drives me to explore the world around me and expand my knowledge. This mature young lady is an excellent student with aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon one day. In fact, she did a summer internship in a Berlin hospital and that helped to confirm her dream. Adventurous and spontaneous, Ruby is a great friend and is also very close to her mother and younger sister. She often does homework together with her sister, or plays basketball, or watches TV with her. Well rounded Ruby LOVES to read! She claims, I can immerse myself in another world and let my imagination run wild! Her hobbies are many, including cooking, listening to music, hanging out with friends, painting, volunteering and watching movies or sports. Ruby would love to try more sports while in the US, while making lots of new friends and developing a close relationship with her host family. Her goals while on exchange are to grow beyond myself; leave my comfort zone more often, and gain more self-confidence.

Say hello to Natdaunai or Punpun, a 15 year old boy from Thailand! Punpun describes himself as an open-minded, friendly boy who adapts quickly and is eager to learn about new cultures. In his free time, Punpun likes to watch travel and space documentaries to learn about other cultures and how astronauts survive in a gravity free environment. Punpun likes to spend time with his friends by talking, sharing meals, and playing games. He also likes to help others and make a positive difference in the world. Punpun is close to his family and is hoping to make a similar connection to his host family by creating new memories and sharing experiences. Punpun would like to thank you for hosting and offering him this amazing opportunity.

Introducing Boonjira (nicknamed Peemai), a generous, kind, and friendly 15 year old girl from Thailand. Peemai enjoys playing sports, especially tennis, badminton and basketball. And she enjoys watching sports as well. Her teacher says that Peemai studies hard, is reliable and cooperative, and has excellent English language proficiency. Her friend says that she is open minded and eager to help. Will this young lady become the newest member of your family?

Eva, a 15 year old girl, from Germany is excited to meet you! Eva is an open-minded and curious person loves to try and learn new things. She has a positive outlook, and friends describe her as attentive, ambitious, and creative. Eva has many interests but loves to dance! She is looking forward to the possibility of taking a weekly dance class while on exchange and would like to continue boxing as well! While on exchange Eva is also interested in trying new sports like cheerleading, ice hockey, or rugby. At home, Eva has two cats and loves snuggling up with them and relaxing with her family as well as going into the city to see movies, go to museums and visiting the shops. Eva is a vegetarian that is willing to pick meat out of a dish or eating around it if needed. She is also comfortable with making meals for herself and her host family to make things easier. Eva has never been to the USA before and is looking forward to her exchange year to learn about the culture, meet new friends and make lifelong memories. Eva would like to say she is grateful that you will share your home with her!

Loyal and reliable Cedric, from Germany, is all set to follow in the footsteps of his mother and uncle. Coming to the United States on exchange is a family dream that continued with Cedric. Having many cherished memories shared with him, he decided very early in his life that he, too, wanted to come to the United States for his exchange year. Cedric describes himself as sporty, musical and able to connect well with other people. He loves spending time with his family and friends doing anything from biking to exploring a museum. He especially enjoys playing basketball and hopes to continue playing in his new school. He has also recently discovered a new love of photography and is eager to share his photos with his host family. While he is on exchange, Cedric hopes to grow personally, experience new things and make new long-lasting friendships. Will you open your home to Cedric and help fill his photo album with new memories?

Mai, a 16-year-old student from Japan is ready to broaden her perspective during her exchange year in the United States. This tenacious young lady loves music and hanging out with her friends, usually combining those two things by going out for a karaoke night! She loves to sing Disney music and listen to One Direction. Mai's friends describe her as cheerful and easy to talk to. Mai also plays the piano and the flute but doesn't think she wants to continue those things while on exchange. Mai likes to watch sports that are easy to follow, like soccer or table tennis. She participates in an English debate club outside of school, allowing her to practice her English skills and get more comfortable communicating in English. In her free time, Mai likes to go shopping, bake cookies, travel with her family or just settle into a good movie. Just like music, Disney movies are her favorite. While on exchange, Mai hopes to broaden her cultural perspective, improve her language skills and volunteer in the community she lives in. Will you help make Mai's dreams on coming to the US a reality and invite her into your family?

Introducing Antonina, a funny and articulate 15-year-old girl from Germany. Antonina loves to learn languages (besides her native German, she has studied English, French, and Chinese!) and would like to live in France after she graduates high school. She is part of the school newspaper staff and informs the student body about school activities. While in the US, she would like to try swimming or boxing. Her teacher says that she is ambitious and works well in a group. Her friends say she brings fun and laughter to all situations, is smart, and a bit crazy! Antonina will make a perfect addition to your family!

Ute is a 15 year-old young lady from Japan whose best friend describes her as fun, energetic, and responsible. She is an only child, and loves to spend time with her parents and her grandparents, who live nearby. Ute spends her time after school playing tennis or hanging out with her friends at the pool, a nearby theme park, or watching baseball games with her parents. She enjoys making sweets with her mother on the weekend, and enjoys curling up n the evenings with a good fiction, comic, or fantasy book. Ute listens to J-Pop, K-Pop, or Western music every morning as she rides the train to school--Her favorite Western artists are ABBA, the Beetles, Taylor Swift, Queen, and Ed Sheeran. Drawing is another favorite activity, as is singing or conducting in a chorus. Ute has played the piano for seven years, and often enjoys playing her favorite hits for her family. In the future, Ute plans to be an attorney, prosecutor, or Judge, but right now she is loving being fifteen, collecting cosmetics, playing dodgeball at lunchbreak with her friends, and looking forward to meeting her American family.

Meet Ryota, a considerate and cheerful 16 year old young man from Japan. Ryota is sincere and competitive, and enjoys cooking and eating Japanese food and he can't wait to try all of the new American foods! He is an excellent tennis player who also likes ballroom dancing, which he tried only at his mother's urging. Ryota has also studied Sado, the art of the Japanese tea ceremony and is excited to share this special part of his culture with you. His friend says that he is earnest, kind and polite. His teacher says that Ryota is a good communicator, actively participates in school events, and is dedicated to academics. He is interested in pursuing information technology at university. Ryota likes to spend his free time with his friends and family and likes to go to karaoke! Ryota will make a great addition to your family!

Say Hello to Maeline! Maeline is a 16 year old girl from France who is ready for anything! Maeline is an avid horseback rider and would love to work with horse for her profession! Maeline is an open and friendly girl, her friends describe her as funny, trustworthy and curious. In school, Maeline likes to study other languages, French poetry and sociology. She is interested in how the world communicates and why people are the way they are! She is excited to come to the USA on exchange since her recent trip. She is hoping her exchange year will give her the skills to speak English fluently, develop lifelong friendships and make so many memories. Maeline wants to thank you for hosting and opening your home to her for her amazing exchange year.

Meet 15-year-old Pacome, nickname Pac, from France! Pac enjoys playing sports especially tennis. He hopes to also play basketball and football while he is in the U.S. Pac's grades are excellent. He particularly enjoys science, mathematics, and history classes. Pac's teachers describe him as thoughtful, easy-going and open-minded. At home, Pac enjoys playing tennis, hiking, skiing, traveling and playing board games with his family. He also enjoys relaxing by spending time with friends, drawing, watching movies and watching television. Pac especially enjoys cooking and baking including crepes and lemon meringue pie. Pac is looking forward to sharing his French culture with his host family. Perhaps you could make crepes together!

Having experienced an exchange year on the host family side of things, Johann, from Germany, is ready to experience his own host year abroad. Not only is his family currently hosting an exchange student, both his father and his sister have gone on exchange. Hearing their stories, early on in life Johann decided he wanted his own exchange experience. With his family, Johann loves eat meals together, go hiking and travel, even traveling to New York. With his friends, he loves to play video games, play volleyball and go ice skating. In his free time, Johann plays violin and badminton. While on exchange, Johann would like to try new sports like baseball and join school clubs. He also hopes to become more independent, more mature and gain a true perspective on life in America and in general. Will you open your family to Johann and help him write his exchange story?

Meet friendly, reliable, and helpful 15-year-old Jara from Germany. Jara's teachers describe her as self-motivated, committed and reliable. Jara's friends describe her as funny, creative, and loyal. Jara enjoys sports, arts and computer science classes. She would like to try basketball, tennis and cheerleading during her exchange year. Jara hopes to join some clubs at her American high school. Jara enjoys sewing and cooking/baking very much. She often sews to relax and has made her own clothing. In fact, Jara hopes to find a career in fashion. Jara also enjoys cooking meals for her family and trying new recipes with friends. Listening to 80's music, pop and rap relaxes Jara. Jara likes animals and spending time with family and extended family. Jara enjoys watching movies with her family and with her friends. Jara also likes skiing with her family. Jara is grateful for the opportunity to go on exchange and has learned about exchange opportunities from her mother who also spent an exchange year in the U.S. Perhaps your family would like to cook up a great exchange year with Jara!

Say sawaddee krub (hello) to Supatanakorn (Tan) from Thailand! This 15 year old boy describes himself as friendly, open, and curious, especially about other cultures and languages! Besides English, Tan has started learning Japanese and Chinese at his school. His dream is to become a veterinarian, more specifically an aquatic veterinarian when he is done with university! Along with his love of animals, Tan also enjoys sightseeing and cooking, especially Thai cuisine. Tan also enjoys playing tennis or working out at the gym with his friends. On weekends, Tan spends time with his family traveling, watching movies or listening to music. Tan is excited to learn about the American way of life and immerse in the culture of the USA while sharing his Thai culture and food with you!

Meet Natali, your soon-to-be family member from Estonia! Shes an active adventurer who loves the outdoors, from playing soccer, running, and biking in the warmer months to skiing and ice skating in the winter. She also enjoys spending time indoors cooking, baking, and relaxing with family and friends. Natali is passionate about trying new recipes and is excited to share her culinary creations with you. When shes not in the kitchen, youll find her reading, exploring new worlds through books. A dedicated student, Natali plans to attend university and continue her education. She sees her exchange year as a chance to challenge herself, improve her English, and embrace American culture. Above all, shes excited to make lifelong friends and build a strong bond with her host family. Get ready to welcome a fun, adventurous, and kind-hearted spirit into your home!

Meet Antonia, an adventurous and hard-working 15 year old girl from Germany. Her favorite subjects are history, politics and English. She plans to pursue a career in international law. Antonia loves outdoor activities, especially golf. While on exchange, she'd like to try sailing or surfing. Antonia volunteers as a reader-helper for children. Her friends see her as empathetic, courageous and reliable. And her teacher says that she is hard-working, disciplined and open-minded. Antonia can't wait to meet her American family!

Kevin, a 16-year-old student from China, has a strong passion for learning about different cultures and the diversity of the world. He enjoys expanding his understanding through reading and watching documentaries, believing that learning about different customs and traditions deepens his appreciation for them. Kevin is kind, communicative, and adaptable, qualities that make him well-liked by his classmates, and he enjoys participating in team activities at school. With his positive attitude and ability to connect with others, he is confident these traits will help him build lasting friendships during his time at an American high school. Kevin consistently achieves excellent grades and enjoys sports, particularly basketball and soccer, with his friends. He has a respectful and close relationship with his family, who have hosted two exchange studentsone from Germany and another from the USA. Their experience inspired Kevin to embark on his own exchange journey to the U.S. He is excited about meeting his new American family and is eager to embrace the adventure ahead.

Elisa, from Germany, is excited to begin her exchange year in the United States after spending some time here on a family vacation. She loved it so much that she decided to make it the destination for her exchange. Elisa describes herself as friendly, honest and ambitious. She has a unique talent of playing the accordion. In fact, she loves music of all types from classical Vivaldi to popular Taylor Swift. Elisa also loves reading, crocheting, cooking, baking and spending time with her friends and family. After her schooling, Elisa would like to travel the world and then, eventually, work in a job where she can help people. While on exchange, she would like to possibly learn a new instrument, try a new sport and would like to gain more confidence and independence. Will you open your home to Elisa and allow her to experience all things America?

Meet Lotti! Lotti is an active, extroverted, and cheerful 15 year old girl from Germany. Her family consists of her mother, father, brother, and two cats. She decided she wanted to do a full year exchange program after participating in a two week exchange program in New York State. She met amazing people who she still keeps in touch with and is excited about having the opportunity to build new lasting friendships during her exchange year. She has tried many sports but decided to stick with Volleyball. She enjoys weekly practice, games, and spending time with her teammates and would love to be involved in sports or clubs while on exchange. Lotti also enjoys being a part of a church youth group where she helps organize activities for younger children and participates in summer camps. She believes it is important to earn and keep trust with her parents and is planning to do the same with her host parents. She believes it takes a lot of kindness to invite an exchange student into your home and family and is excited to be able to realize her dream of an exchange year in the US.