Youth For Understanding USA

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. CBYX Scholarship Recipient

Meet Ruksha, a 15 year old student from Bangladesh. Ruksha lived in Kuwait for 5 years, and has traveled to Saudi Arabia. She loves photography, and enjoys writing poetry. She adores animals, and has several pets. Ruksha would love to learn to skateboard and play volleyball while on exchange in the US. An excellent student, Ruksha would like to start her own business in the future. She can't wait to create memories with her American host family! YES SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT.

Meet Ismet, a 16 year old basketball lover from Azerbaijan! This respectful, calm, and friendly young man hopes to play basketball on his American school team. He is also an aspiring doctor, has won awards for his pre-military service (similar to ROTC here). After finishing school, Ismet will serve a compulsory 18 months in the military, and after that he plans to go to university to study medicine. Ismet's goal in life is to make a difference in people's lives by being a doctor. At home, Ismet lives with his parents, grandmother, and his preschool-aged sister. He hopes to be able to blend into a family here in the States, make life long friends, integrate himself in daily life, and learn how to cook American food, maybe learn to play the guitar, and most of all, play basketball for his new school team.. He writes that he is looking forward learning to grill hotdogs, burgers, and steaks, and wants you to know that if something is tasty, he will eat it! Kabob is Ismet's favorite food, and he would be happy to make a traditional Azerbaijani meal for his new family! Will you join Ismet in the bleachers and cheer on his new basketball team? FLEX Scholarship Student

Maryna is a spirited and determined 16-year-old girl from Ukraine, excited to begin her journey as an exchange student. Growing up in a close-knit, active family of four that values kindness and supporting one another, Maryna brings those same values into everything she does. Her greatest passion is karate, which she has practiced for over seven years, earning numerous awards in competitions. Shes also an enthusiastic member of a local Scout program, where she spends time singing, playing games, and enjoying campfires with friendsan experience shes eager to continue in the USA. In her free time, Maryna enjoys reading, watching movies, and playing board games with her family. Deeply interested in biology and driven by a long-time dream of becoming a doctor, Maryna is not only bright and motivated but also warm and adventurous. She cannot wait to arrive in the United States and become a special part of her new American family. FLEX SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT.

Keita, 17, from Latvia is a small town girl with big hopes and dreams! Creative, witty and self-reliant, Keita has a passion for art which she has cultivated through four years at art school developing her talents and her appreciation of art. One surprising interest is her inclination toward cars and motor vehicles, which she developed through her father's skills as a mechanic. For the future, Keita is still deciding between law and medicine, where she might specialize in criminal defense or in neurosurgery. But now, she enjoys the good life with many friends. They do sports like tennis, volleyball, swimming or play video games or hang out, often watching local basketball tourneys. She's been in the debate club and a book club. At home, she is the oldest of the three kids still left at home and sometimes watches her younger brother. Her family enjoys movies and board games. They have no pets at the moment, but she adores them. Keita really enjoys baking, and is looking forward to American foods like chili, banana pudding, and the famous brownies and chocolate chip cookies, not to mention noodles, sushi and pizza! And because she loves languages, she has decided to learn Spanish and Japanese, as another hobby. If you're looking for a responsible self-starter, Keita is your girl! FLEX SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

Introducing Karl-Sebastian, an independent and mature 16 year old student from Estonia. Karl-Sebastian loves sports, especially basketball. He also loves pasta! His teacher says that he is organized, interested in learning, and has excellent English language proficiency. Karl-Sebastian is excited to become a part of the international community. Will this adventurous young man become your newest family member? FLEX SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT

Esther is a vibrant and curious 16-year-old girl from Germany, eager to experience life as an exchange student. With a love for English and biology, she dreams of studying medicine after taking a gap year to travel and explore the world. Esthers days are full and fulfillingwhen shes not working as a waitress or tutoring younger students in English, shes likely dancing ballet, swimming, or playing badminton. A true outdoor enthusiast, she finds joy in hiking and rock climbing. Esther describes herself as funny and endlessly curious about new cultures, which inspired her to become an exchange student. Her parents see her as mature, organized, and a ray of sunshine. With her positive spirit, strong work ethic, and adventurous heart, Esther is excited to become a meaningful addition to a new family abroad. CBYX SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT.

Meet open-minded, cheerful and curious 15-year-old Ben from Germany. Ben's teachers describe him as an excellent student who works well with his peers. Ben is involved in student council in Germany. He also looks forward to improving his English skills. At home, Ben lives with his mother and seven-year-old sister. He enjoys helping his younger sister and is responsible and helpful at home. Ben enjoys cooking and baking at home. Ben also enjoys reading, particularly books about history and philosophy. Ben enjoys going to the theater and traveling with his family. Ben also enjoys meeting new people and is looking forward to meeting his host family and to making American high school friends. Ben is open to trying new sports and new school activities. Ben enjoys going to the movies and playing dominoes with his friends. Ben is grateful to his host family for the opportunity to get to know them, learn about their way of life and the American culture. Would you be the family to host helpful and enthusiastic Ben? CBYX SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT.

Meet Linus! Linus is an amiable, curious, and athletic 15 year old boy from Germany. He is the youngest in his family of 4. Linus enjoys both watching and playing sports and has a special interest in American Football and the Olympics. He likes to challenge himself physically by participating in triathlons, playing volleyball, and hiking. While Linus doesnt have a shortage of personal interests he is very excited about being introduced to new hobbies and activities while on exchange. Linus also loves to relax by watching movies and shows with his family and friends. He has a strong academic record and is considering attending University to study medicine and become a doctor. Linus is grateful for the opportunity to experience a new culture, improve his language skills, meet new people, and to become a part of your family. CBYX SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Leonie is a creative and enthusiastic 16 year old German girl! A focused student, her favorite subjects in school are English and politics. She is a member of a creative writing club where she hones her skills in writing poems and stories. She works on the school newspaper and tutors younger students in developing their journalistic skills. Music is a passion for Leonie. She plays the piano and has taught herself the guitar, which she plays in the school band. She enjoys listening to music, singing and dancing classical ballet. Leonie combines her interests by writing her own songs. When she finds herself with spare tine, she likes to read and bake - especially sweets. Leonie says she and her parents try to have meals together - after which they watch movies or attend musical concerts. This bright and talented young lady is excited to join her host family and begin this amazing adventure. CBYX SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT

Wilma (16) from Germany considers herself very open and positive. Her friends say that she has a good sense of humor. She enjoys playing soccer and being part of a team! She's also very creative, painting, sewing and crafting. Wilma rides her bike to school and hangs out with friends at one of the many parks in her city. With her family, Wilma enjoys concerts, visiting her grandparents, going to flea markets and traveling. She feels incredibly lucky to be able to experience the amazing opportunity as an exchange student, and thanks her host family in advance! CBYX SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT

Meet Baran! Baran is a respectful, motivated, and athletic 15 year old boy from Germany. His family is made up of his mother, father, and older brother. He is very family oriented and prioritizes time with good friends as he believes strong relationships are one of the keys to a happy life. Baran enjoys participating in a variety of sports which include soccer, which he has played for 10 years, as well as volleyball, running, basketball, and calisthenics. Other typical pastimes with friends and family are playing chess, boardgames, video games, table tennis, watching movies, & cooking. He is planning to attend University after high school and is planing to pursue a degree in mathematics, science, or medicine ideally in the US. Baran is excited to improve his language skills while on exchange, become more open-minded, participate in high school sports, form new lasting friendships, and greatly appreciates the opportunity to become a part of your family. CBYX SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Driven by a curiosity about how things work, Benjamin, from Germany, is excited to weave his interests and knowledge of the world into his experience in American culture. He loves to push the limitsboth his own, and those with limitations of physics, by skydiving, skiing, scuba diving, running, biking, hiking, and experimenting with engines and aviation. Demanding sports taught me to balance ambition and awareness, so every decision is carefully considered, says Benjamin. Friends say he is consistent and polite; intelligent, both academically and emotionally; and is both ambitious and relaxed. The youngest of 3 brothers, Benjamin says his family is all about quality time together, whether through active, outdoor adventures or quiet evenings at home. His hobbies include engineering projects; astronomy; aviation; reading; hanging out with friends; and spending quiet time in nature. Always driven toward self-improvement, his goals for his exchange are to expand his horizons, perspectives, knowledge, and social circle. About life, Benjamin proclaims, Openness lets me adapt, enjoy and experience lifes diversity! CBYX SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT

Hannah is a 16 year old girl from Germany with many interests and lots of energy. An excellent student, teachers describe her as dedicated to doing her best, responsible and supportive of others. Hannah is editor of the school paper and enjoys writing articles for publication. She is also a member of the group fostering understanding and breaking down stereotypes through personal exchanges. Hannah has been a member of a field hockey team for 12 years and coaches a group of young boys as well. She loves the friendships among the team members, as well as the physical workout and sense of competition. As a coach, she enjoys sharing her expertise and watching skills improve and commitment to the sport grow. Hannah plays the piano and enjoys listening to a variety of music genre from her record collection. Among her many hobbies are photography, reading, drawing and writing short stories - all of which she says provide her with creativity, relaxation and adventure. Since Hannah has a close relationship with her own family (Mom, Dad and older sister), she is looking forward to becoming a part of her host family and having a lot of adventures with them. CBYX Scholarship Student.

Sporty and musical Nils is fascinated by the United States! He dreams of experiencing what, up until now, he has only seen and heard about in documentaries, podcasts, and the movies. Nils is an avid football fan--both European football (soccer) and American football--as well as a basketball fan. His biggest passion, he says, is music--particularly listening to music. He admits to liking to his music loud; but never fear, he promises to wear headphones! An excellent student, Nils has aspirations of becoming an aerospace engineer in the future. Nils would love the opportunity to be a part of your family; would you consider inviting him into your life?

Describing himself as brave and open-minded, Hauke from Germany, cannot wait to experience a new culture! With a keen interest in politics, economics, and social issues, Hauke is a strong advocate for a fairer and more just world. He is also excited at the prospect of being a representative for Germany to his host family and community. To unwind and relax, Hauke enjoys reading, hiking, and playing table tennis; he is part of table tennis club at home. He is looking forward to the possibility of participating in new sports during his exchange year. In addition to all this, Hauke is active in his church community and regularly takes on leadership responsibilities--his open and friendly personality make it easy for others to relate to him. Hauke is thrilled his dream of an exchange year is one step closer to coming true! The next step is up to you! CBYX SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT.

Meet adventurous, open-minded, and extroverted Lara from Germany. Lara's teachers have indicated that Lara is an excellent student who interacts well with her peers and her teachers. Lara enjoys competitions like those in a debate club or math club. Lara has been a volunteer with Unicef programs for children, as a handball referee, and as a tutor for younger students. Lara hopes to continue swimming and karate while on exchange. Lara enjoys skiing and hopes to be able to try surfing while on exchange. Lara enjoys reading, listening to all kinds of music, baking, playing board games, going to the beach, and going to the movies with friends. She is grateful to her new host family for welcoming her into their home. She looks forward to spending time with you sharing cultures and family activities together. Lara likes dogs and cats and would enjoy getting to know the family pet dog or cat as well. Lara also helps around the house emptying the dishwasher, keeping her room clean, as well as other chores as needed. Would you like to welcome this well rounded, polite and joyful student into your home for a year of exchange? CBYX Scholarship Recipient

Meet Linda! Linda is a community-minded, empathic, and cheerful 16 year old girl from a small town in Germany. She comes from a family of 4 if you dont count their dog, cat, and guinea pigs. She is passionate about being an active member of her church where she volunteers to lead youth programs and organize events. She also volunteers with the German Red Cross Youth organization which promotes health, environment, peace, and international understanding. Linda likes to stay active by doing pilates, swimming, and going for walks. She is planning to pursue a career in social work focused on children and teens ideally through the church. She is excited about making new friends while on exchange, improving her language skills, learning about American culture, and experiencing high school rites of passage like prom, homecoming, and Friday night football games. Linda is excited to become a part of your family and make wonderful memories together. CBYX SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Who do you know that is musical, sporty, tech-savvy, and family-oriented? Introducing Simon from Germany! Simon is all these, and so much more! Full of enthusiasm and curiosity, Simon is very much looking forward to meeting you and being part of your family. Simon describes himself as very active, with a wide range of hobbies and interests. Simon's biggest passion is sports--he plays soccer, tennis, and loves to ski. He is also an accomplished musician who plays piano in his school's jazz band. Away from those activities, Simon is also drawn to anything technology-related. Simon can't wait to immerse himself in the American culture and experience it for himself. He is eager to share his own culture with you and broaden his own understandings, as well. Simon promises to make the most of his opportunity to come to the US; Care to take him up on that promise? CBYX Scholarship Recipient

Say hello to 14 year old Monica from Spain! An social and sporty girl, Monica loves to play basketball and spend time with her family and friends. Family is an important part of Monica's life, and she treasures all the times she gets to spend with those closest to her. As a way to relax, Monica likes to listen to music and to paint. She is excited to experience all that life in America has to offer: from new cultures, to new foods, to academic pursuits. Monica is ready to meet you and have the time of her life; are you ready to meet her?