Youth For Understanding USA

Rintaro, a 16-year-old student from Japan, is a bright, positive, and friendly young man! He likes to be active through playing on his school's basketball and track & field teams, sports that he would like to continue in the USA. Rintaro also enjoys the Japanese art of calligraphy, computer games, reading, volunteering, camping with his family, and playing games in the park with his friends. A very good student, Rintaro enjoys learning about the past in his History class. His teachers write that he gives great advice and is trusted by his fellow classmates. Rintaro hopes that his exchange experience will make him more bold, and he would love to watch a live baseball game! Will you welcome Rintaro into your family?

With a ready joke and a friendly smile, 15-year-old Jascha from Germany always approaches life with a positive attitude! Passionate about the theater and acting, Jascha has been a member of a theater group for 12 years. Made up of family, neighbors, and friends, they put on three shows a year and draw quite a crowd! Jascha loves the challenge of learning new roles, and would love to be able to join some kind of theater group while he's in the USA. Jascha is very close with his family, which includes two older siblings. They love having competitive table tennis games and eating daily meals together, and Jascha says that the entire family likes watching sports together. Some of his personal favorites are soccer, American football, and darts. In his free time, Jascha likes to play computer games, listen to music, or spend time with his friends. He also enjoys having long talks (and debates!) and loves to meet new people. Jascha has wanted to visit the USA since he was very young, and realized that as an exchange student he can actually live there, which is even better!

Sixteen-year-old Nonomi from Japan wants to become a diplomat contributing to peace in Japan and the world! She enjoys World History because she knows that understanding the people and events of a country, as well as its culture and lifestyle, will be valuable for her career goal. Nonomi also loves reading, anything from Harry Potter books to Shakespeare. Two of her favorite Shakespeare plays are Macbeth and Hamlet, which she has read in simplified English. Much of her love of reading may come from her dad, who takes her to the library every week, and also finds the time to teach her history, math, and chemistry as well as play video games with her and her younger brother. Learning housework and cooking from her mom, Nonomi looks forward to being able to cook a meal by herself. Photography Club is her favorite school activity. She learns new skills from upperclassmen, and is proud of photos she has taken on of her friends on school trips and in a park near her school. This motivated, goal-oriented Japanese teen will enjoy learning to cook American food, and to capturing her year with her new American family!

Meet Misaki, a 15-year-old girl from Japan! Misaki describes herself as a positive-thinker who gets along with new friends and people easily. She is a dedicated clarinet player, often practicing with the school band for upcoming concerts and festivals. Misaki would love to bring her clarinet to the USA and join her American high school's band as well. She also has an interest in sports, with running, baseball, and tennis being her favorites. During quieter moments, you might find Misaki reading a novel, watching anime, or discovering international music on YouTube. She especially loves listening to the beautiful harmonies of Pentatonix! Misaki was born in the USA and has lived in Australia, so she is no stranger to different cultures. She is eager to study abroad so that she can broaden her view of the world and try new things that will connect to her future. Misaki will do her best to be a good addition to your family!

Kurumi, a 16-year-old girl from Japan, looks forward to demonstrating the stunning art of Japanese calligraphy for her host family! A member of her school's calligraphy club, she has already provided a few samples within her host family letter. Also a science club member, Kurumi has studied the effects of radiation and shared her knowledge with others. She explains that her favorite school subject is math because she is happy when she gets the correct answer. A friendly girl with good communication skills, Kurumi enjoys eating out with friends, shopping, and singing karaoke. She is excited about making new friends in the USA with whom she can share activities, and she hopes to have the chance for occasional table tennis matches, her favorite sport. Hoping to study agriculture at a university, Kurumi declares, "My dream is producing snacks and spreading them to the world." On a smaller scale, she would love to introduce her American family to Japanese food and to learn to cook American style. Positive and cheerful, Kurumi wants to thank her host family for choosing her!

"I think seeing Japan from another country's perspective is a good way to learn about my country," says 17-year-old Koito from Japan! The youngest of 5 children, Koito is excited to meet her new host family and form a lasting bond. An animal lover to a fault, Koito's family claim a dog, a cat, a hamster, and a guppy as pets! This busy young lady is an excellent student, listing favorite subjects as English, history, and cultural education. She is a member of a debate team and is an excellent public speaker. She also is a manager of the boys' basketball team. But Koito has many dimensions in her life. She is involved in a cooking club, enjoys sewing and crafts, likes to read and volunteer, and of course loves to hang out with friends and listen to music. Her quieter activities include watching movies and sports on TV or shopping with friends. Her interest in an exchange year was sparked by the experiences of her English teacher at school and an older sibling. Koito really wants to hone her English skills so that one day she can become an English teacher herself!

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!

With a passion for cheerleading, 15-year-old Natsuki from Japan describes herself as a cheerful, positive, active, and naturally smiling girl! Being active is important for Natsuki, and she has participated in many sports such as cheerleading, cheer-dancing, soccer, and volleyball. Playing the clarinet, listening to music, and time spent with friends is also high on Natsuki's to do list. Other hobbies include reading manga, drawing pictures, cooking, crafting, traveling, watching sports and movies, and volunteering. Natsuki often spends time with her best friend shopping and enjoying some bubble tea! Sundays are special relaxing days for Natsuki. These are the days she spends sleeps in, reads manga, listens to music, does some homework, and makes cheese dogs! Natsuki also enjoys her dad's Italian cooking on the weekends as well. Natsuki is looking forward to her exchange year, and writes that she is hopeful to attend a live baseball game and maybe a cheerleading competition. Because Natsuki has been so involved in cheerleading, she is also hopeful to continue this while in the USA. Natsuki understands the importance of family and working together to keep the house clean. Comparing her exchange experience to a manga book, Natsuki is ready to be taken to another world and experience everything new. Are you that family who is ready to co-author Natsuki's next chapter?

"Thank you for opening your home to me!" Seventeen-year-old Suzuna is thrilled to become a part of your family soon. While in the USA, she's looking to improve her English and communication skills, and become more confident. In the future, Suzuna is planning on going into the travel industry and wants to understand different cultures better. Her year with you will certainly help her learn more about the American way of life. As you're sharing your family traditions with her, Suzuna wants to also bring Japan closer to you. She already knows how to cook some traditional Japanese dishes for you. This cheerful teenager is keen on getting involved in some sports or other clubs at her American high school. Suzuna is open to trying lacrosse, even though she has never played it before. For her, being a member of a team will help her make new friends. She also would like to volunteer, if possible. In Japan, Suzuna has volunteered for the Foundation of Orphans from Automobile Accidents. When she's not studying, she likes to spend time with her friends going shopping, singing karaoke or just talking. After school, the family eats together while everyone is chatting about their day. Suzuna helps her parents with the laundry and looks after her younger sisters on the weekends. Suzuna is ready to get on that plane this summer and meet you! Are you?

Meet 15-year-old Judith from Germany, an open-minded person who likes trying and discovering new things! It is easy for her to connect with other people, and she can objectively express her opinions. Getting to know things or people herself is very important to Judith because she doesn't like prejudices. Her hobbies are playing the violin on her own and in a symphonic orchestra, and playing team handball. She knows that handball is not a popular sport in the USA, but would be happy if she could try a new sport during her exchange year. Judith belongs to a religious youth group where they talk and learn with other young people her age. She attends church every Sunday with her family, and would like to continue during her exchange year. Judith belongs to various school clubs, where she enjoys learning something different from school subjects and getting in touch with teachers outside of class. She likes to take responsibility and actively participate in school life. Judith also likes to spend time with her friends, going shopping, eating pizza, or just hanging out together, watching movies, and talking all night. While in the USA, Judith is looking forward to discovering America for herself, getting to know the American culture, and meeting new people. Thank you for considering Judith as the newest member of your family!

Taiga is a friendly and cheerful 16-year-old from Japan! He lives with his mom, older sister, and grandparents. They are a close-knit family, and enjoy having meals together and talking. Taiga likes spending time with friends, often hanging out and playing table tennis with them after school. He loves music, and plays the piano, drums, and likes listening to pop songs. Taiga also enjoys other creative pursuits such as drawing and woodcrafting. He says that he likes the ability to create tangible things. Taiga likes to cook, and would love to cook some traditional Japanese food for his host family and learn some American dishes! He is also interested in computers, and likes to build them and dive into programming. Always willing to try new things, Taiga is excited to embark on the adventure of his exchange year alongside his host family!

Cheerful, curious, and kind are just a few words to describe 17-year-old Ichito from Japan! He is an avid soccer player, enjoying working as team with his peers. As a young child, he always wanted to become a professional soccer player but as he's gotten older, he has seen other possibilities in sports that he would like to pursue. Some of his other hobbies include listening to rap music, watching sports, outside activities, and playing Kendama - a traditional Japanese skill toy. Ichito chose America for his exchange destination because even though it is only one country, it has so many cultures and characteristics within it. Also, living in America for a school year is a great way to improve his English skills, and to improve himself and his sense of responsibility. He is very realistic, he knows that this opportunity is not a vacation, there will be a lot of great times but also many challenges. These experiences whether good or bad, will help shape the person that he wants to become. Ichito is up for this challenge, flexible enough to make it work, and knows that good communication is necessary to accomplish his dream. He looks forward to sharing this experience with your family!

Cheerful and curious, 15-year-old Karen from Japan will embrace all opportunities to expand her cultural knowledge and independence during her year in the USA! She has some familiarity with America because her father went to business school here, and she has visited New York City with her family. But she looks forward to staying for a year to learn about American values and culture in-depth. Karen's parents both work for a pharmaceutical company. She has two older siblings as well. She may follow in her parents' footsteps and pursue a career in medicine, or perhaps international business. Karen also has a variety of hobbies and interests, including choir, ballet dancing, table tennis, and cooking. If you choose Karen as your exchange student, expect to enjoy her Japanese cooking, as she is eager to share her culture with you too. She looks forward to meeting you!

Seventeen-year-old Mio from Japan is a curious, thoughtful, honest, fun, and respected young lady! She lives with her mom, dad, and younger brother. They treasure their time together, and enjoy sharing meals, watching movies, traveling, and relaxing at home. A excellent student, Mio's classmates and teachers trust her and find her to be a pleasure in class. She has also served as her school's representative to the Global Leader Program. Mio hopes to work for the United Nations someday, helping with the issue of world starvation. She loves children, and would be happy to have siblings in her host family. Her friends find her to be cheerful, friendly, and talkative. They enjoy playing tennis, basketball, cafe-hopping, being outdoors, studying together, and of course talking and laughing. With her generous spirit, Mio is hoping to find a host family in America with whom she can share her culture while making friends and lifelong memories! Will you welcome Mio into your home?

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. Kazane enjoys performing in front of others, and finds dance to be a way to express herself. She also enjoys watching action movies, camping, and playing badminton. With friends, Kazane can often be found at a karaoke room where they practice singing songs in English. 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. She also hopes to participate in her host family's life as much as possible. Kazane can't wait to experience the American culture with you!

Midori is an adaptable, mature, and active 16-year-old girl from Japan! She says that her best attributes are her curiosity and the fact that she is almost always happy. Midori shows off her sporty side by playing table tennis, figure skating, and watching baseball. Her creativeness is showcased through playing the piano and violin, which she has played for 11 years, and would like to continue while on exchange. Midori is artistic as well as she likes to draw and paint. Academically, she receives excellent grades, and likes her English, History, Math, Science, and Social Studies classes best. Midori also finds time to be an active Girl Scout and a member of the Parliamentary Debate Club at her school. During her free time, Midori likes to read, listen to music, study, shop, and go out to eat with her friends. She loves Harry Potter books and movies, with Hermione being her favorite character because she has knowledge and courage. She says that Hermione is her role model and when she was younger, she wanted to be a wizard too! In the future, Midori plans to become a civil engineer. During her exchange year, Midori would like to introduce your family to the traditional Japanese culture. Midori's friends would tell you that she is bright and knowledgable, let her share all of this with you by accepting her as a member of your family!

Tennis, anyone? Sixteen-year-old Takumi from Japan would be happy to play! An avid player, Takumi not only plays on his school's team, but also enjoys playing doubles with his sister and parents. Inspired by his love of the sport, and knowing how important it is to remain healthy and injury-free, Takumi hopes to study to become a sports doctor. Takumi also likes to watch all kinds of other sports, has been playing the piano for 8 years, and enjoys listening to American pop music. Hoping to participate in some outdoor activities to "experience American nature," Takumi would like to try camping, do some baking, or simply do typical American activities while in the USA. "I really hope I will be a help for your family in many ways and look forward to joining your family," says Takumi!

Described as imaginative, full of intellectual curiosity, and interested in sharing ideas, 16-year-old Hanako from Japan has participated in an English morning class before school to be able to communicate in English with people of all ages! She loves making music, especially singing and playing the clarinet in her school's wind orchestra. Although her favorite music to listen to is Japanese pop, she also likes the Beatles, One Direction, and the music from Frozen. Other interests run the gamut from practicing the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy to getting lost in a fantasy or romance novel. Hanako's favorite sport is volleyball, which she plays with her friends, and she believes she can make American friends through music and sports. An excellent student who likes activities near the ocean, Hanako hopes to become an environmental scientist. In the more immediate future, she looks forward to meeting her American family and to living happily in her new home. She will probably even bake you cakes!

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. His favorite subjects in school are Chemistry and Math, and he plans to become a government official and study Environmental Engineering. He is very interested in computer games and programming as well. Daiki enjoys listening to pop music and watching movies, some of his favorites being from the Marvel series. Daiki also likes to bake, and is looking forward to baking Japanese omelets for you! Some of Daiki's other hobbies 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!

Narumi is a cheerful and friendly 16-year-old girl from Japan! She loves to spend time with her family, which includes her parents and an older brother. Together, they enjoy cooking, as well as traveling and playing sports. Narumi likes staying active through sports. She plays badminton, and enjoys dancing and swimming as well. She'd like to pursue any of these while on exchange, and is also open to trying new sports and activities. With friends, Narumi likes to go shopping and discover new restaurants. She loves food, and is excited to try the authentic American cuisine and cook some Japanese food for her host family! Narumi loves Disney movies and theme parks, and says they are what inspired and helped her to learn English. Narumi's favorite school subjects are math and PE. She hopes to become an international flight attendant one day as she wants to help people. Narumi can't wait to start the new adventure of her exchange year and share it with her host family!