Exchanges to Two Unfamiliar Countries

Ratings
Overall
5
Growth: 5
Support: 5
Fun: 5
Housing: 5
Safety: 5
Review

After meeting a few of the exchange students that attended my high school during freshman year, I quickly committed to the idea of doing an exchange of my own. Unfortunately, this dream definitely came with a high price tag that made me consider whether or not I would have to wait until college or beyond to end up traveling. After discovering that Youth For Understanding had a range of scholarships (including the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) & Okinawa Peace scholarship programs), I found that it was actually impossible to go abroad without price being an issue. I spent my sophomore year of high school abroad as a CBYX scholar which was arguably the most important year of my life in terms of defining who I am today. Thanks to my year in Germany, I have lifelong friends and connections that will last me a lifetime. This upcoming summer, two of my German school friends will even end up spending a few weeks visiting me in Michigan! Studying abroad has led me to be more confident in talking to unfamiliar faces, given me a sense of what's important for my future (I'm planning on studying outside of the United States for college), and motivated me to take any chance I can to travel the world. My first exchange experience was so unique and exciting that I ended up spending the summer after my junior year in Okinawa, once again with YFU. I'm looking forward to becoming more involved in the international community in my future, thanks to my adventures abroad!

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would
Year Completed
2014
Media
Photos