Program Reviews

I received the Okinawa Peace Scholarship from Youth for Understanding. I thought of declining the scholarship because I was too nervous to spend the summer without my family, but I'm so glad I went. We had an orientation at UC Berkeley, which gave us all an opportunity to meet each other, learn basic Japanese (or advanced depending on your language level) and Japanese culture. Once arriving in Japan I had the opportunity to explore Tokyo and go to the US Embassy before flying to Okinawa. YFU Japan brought us to shrines and the Imperial Palace, but also gave us free time to explore around the city. My host family spoke little English, but we instantly clicked. They couldn't have been more kind and generous. I had 2 grandparents, 2 parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, an uncle, a dog and a cat! I spent about 4.5 weeks in school. I thought that school would be boring given my lack of Japanese knowledge, but I couldn't have been more wrong. I was a celebrity at school, and the students loved practicing their (limited) English skills with me. Many of whom had never been close to a not ethnically-Japanese person as the American children on the military bases go to school on base. In school I took calligraphy class, cooking class, taught English and tried out all of the majors offered at my agricultural school. If you are going to a Japanese high school please bring as many photos as you can of your school, friends, life and home. I had no idea that they would be so interested in what my friends and I wore to school everyday(Japanese schools have a strict dress code/uniform) and what my school cafeteria looked like(they eat in their classroom).
Without sounding over dramatic, leaving my host family was one of the hardest things I have had to do. No one in my family has a passport, so I know they can't visit me. I would like to visit again in a few years and maintain contact with my host sister.
YFU allowed me to gain self reliance and confidence in myself. YFU pushed me out of my comfort zone while always making sure I was safe. It was an experience of a lifetime.

The summer of 2016, I went on a 7-week study abroad program to Japan. I received the Japan-America Friendship Scholarship from Youth for Understanding which was the only reason I could afford to go to Japan. The experience was absolutely eye-opening. I did not know any prior Japanese, but I quickly learned. My host family and new school were extremely welcoming and very encouraging. My host mom got me many Japanese children's books and would sit with me countless hours helping me read the characters and work on my pronunciation. The students at school would always help me with pronunciation in class and always invited me to hang out with them. My only regret is that I wish I didn't stay longer! I regret not applying for a semester or year-long program! This program not only helped me grow as a person, it helped me decide my future route. YFU reassured me of my future in international affairs. For anyone that is considering going abroad I only have one thing to say - go for it!! Youth for Understanding provides so many amazing programs for everyone. This will surely be a decision you won't regret.

My favorite moments from my six months abroad in Beijing were exploring the city. Where I'm from, my independence is limited due to transportation, safety and many other factors. Being in Beijing completely changed my life. Many nights after class, a few friends and I would decide to go exploring through the city. In any other city this might be a challenge, but not in Beijing. Transportation was easy and cheap, my host family and I lived nearby, and as foreigners we were always completely safe. From station to station we rode the subway exploring each shop, taking notes, and buying little souvenirs. We saw many things being sold in markets and skyscrapers as far as the eye could see. We discovered places that were hidden and unique and tried new foods every night. While abroad I learned to be independent and brave. Never would I ever have imagined being able to explore a new city with only a few others in a country where I barely spoke the language. If it weren't for YFU, I would have never had these once in a life time opportunities and I will forever and eternally be grateful for them.

I've learned to be comfortable in my skin by going abroad with YFU. I met new people, made new connections, tried new things, and so much more. The best way to find yourself is to step away from what you know, and that's exactly what YFU let me do. I wouldn't trade the time I spent in Japan for anything in the world. I felt safe going to and from Japan, and connected with a safety net of YFU Representatives and volunteers throughout my entire journey, all while having my own sense of independence.

My family has a history with Japan. My mother, too, was an exchange student and ended up living there for nearly a decade once she pursued an English teaching career. All around my house we have trinkets, books, and photos that remind of our family's year in Sendai back in 2001. I was just a toddler, so all these things were the only reminder that I was even there.
I've been so used to having this Japanese background that I became unaware of it. It was only when I saw an article in the paper about a girl who went to Japan through her school's FCCLA club. I realized that it was possible to visit Japan again. At school, this girl, Ailee, helped me to apply and I was overjoyed and surprised when I actually got it! The following summer, I had the blessing to live with the Tanas for a month. They were sweet family with their daughter, Maiko, only a couple years younger than me. I'm the youngest in my family and being an onee-san (older sister) was a new and changing experience. I had Japanese language training and help from my mom, but I wasn't fluent. The trip improved my skills better than either of those! I can't pinpoint the exact moment when the Tanas and I just "clicked," all I know was that I expressed my funny and legitimate self and they accepted and loved me as if I was their own. Of course, I enjoyed exploring both Okinawa and Tokyo that summer, but experiencing it with them made it truly special. I never knew I could have two families. We became so close and they welcomed me into every nook and cranny of their lives. I appreciated it all so much. They really cared. We made sure to keep in contact, once I had to leave. There were many tears. The following summer, though, we got to meet again in my hometown where I could return the favor. I know our relationship has not ended there and I know they are forever in my future. It's thanks to YFU, who I barely knew about at the time I was applying, that I was able to have my life changed for the better.

To be honest, I was equally excited as I was nervous about my first day of school; however, within minutes of being there, I knew that I had nothing to worry about. I was given two "buddies" to help me out during class, and everyone in my class was extremely nice. I had the opportunity of participating in the school's sports festival which was fun. The most meaningful thing my classmates did for me was they made a scrapbook full of messages from each student, and they gave it to me on the last day of school. It was an amazing surprise that I will keep forever.

I grew up hearing stories of my mom's exchange year with CBYX and couldn't wait to embark on an adventure of my own in Germany. I felt very well prepared going into my exchange year, as I attended an orientation in Washington D.C. beforehand hosted by YFU. My first taste, per say, of Youth for Understanding was wonderful. I was deeply impressed by the staff members and my fellow YFU exchange students. The alumni gave great tips and engaged our attention. The YFU staff abroad in Germany were also very personable and did a great job of pushing us to use German as much as possible, even during the arrival orientation. Overall, I had a year full of surprises and adventures, but also self-development and extreme independence. While I had a support system of Area Reps and YFU staff to help me whenever I needed it, I really discovered a side of myself and of the world completely independently. My advice to anyone considering the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange or a program with YFU: put yourself and your knowledge of what it means to be a member of a global community to the test. You will grow in ways you cannot fathom, and you will not regret your decision. The connections you make with alumni, your host family and friends abroad are important in broadening the respect we need to continue to foster for different cultures and peoples.

It is no doubt that my cultural exchange was one the most wondeful experiences I have ever been through. It really showed me what is out there and to a get a different view of the world! I would recommend that every student should look into exchange. It's a great experience that nobody could ever forget. Youth For Understanding is the safest organization for studying abroad. YFU is the best choice!

From beginning to end, YFU was fantastic about telling us what to expect. From logistics to travel to programs to exchange curves, I and my host family, for one, were always informed and reminded well in advance of important dates and events (sometimes too much, perhaps!). Some things--like the language, finding activities/friends, etc.--depend very much on the individual exchange student, so that I will not divulge too much into. I will say, however, that even though the host family is also a chance of compatibility, mine was truly lovely, and I am at least thankful that YFU has the great measures and savoir faire to be able to find those wonderful families willing to open their hearts and homes.
In Germany, I was in Bavaria, and seem to have undergone a somewhat different experience from others in Germany with my local area rep--in short, Daniela and Karl Lutz were fantastic. They frequently organized get-togethers for the students in the Augsburg area (city tours, Christmas cookie making, host family dinners, etc.!) and were almost a second German home to me especially. I had no major problems with school or host family or such that I needed to report to my area rep specifically, but if I did, I'm positive that they would have been fantastic in supporting me and finding solutions.

As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed my exchange year. My German improved immensely, I was able to see a lot of Europe, and my host family was wonderful. The school was a little boring to me, but that's to be expected when it's a gap year and therefore doesn't count for anything. The language camp was amazing; we got to spend three weeks with other exchange students making friends, learning the language and culture, and enjoying a temporary host family before we went to live with our permanent host families. I also loved the mid-year orientation and end-of-year orientation. YFU definitely kept us safe but gave us plenty of freedom abroad. For instance, we were free to travel after we filled out the required form (which was very easy). The one main down in my year was when I switched host families after the first month and a half. YFU was helpful, but kind of made me feel like I had to find myself a new host family, which put a lot of pressure on a student in a new country and at a new school. It all worked out for the best, but maybe they could have approached that situation a little better. I would encourage anyone who wants to go abroad to choose YFU, because they really care about your success and give you the tools you need to succeed! My experience with them was life changing :)