Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding

YFU USA

Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding is a podcast by YFU USA sharing real stories from exchange students, host families, alumni, and volunteers. Each episode explores the impact of hosting, studying abroad, and volunteering through cultural exchange. Discover how global experiences build empathy, connection, and lifelong growth across borders.

  1. Oct 9

    She Was a YFU Exchange Student. Now She Works for the Germany Embassy - Melanie’s Story

    YFU alumna Melanie Franzen went from a partial-scholarship exchange year in Angola, Indiana, to becoming a German diplomat — now serving as Head of the Cultural Section at the German Embassy in Washington, DC, where she works directly with exchange programs and students today. In this episode, Melanie shares what it was like navigating a new host family, discovering an unexpected love of track and field, and convincing her single mom to let her go abroad for a year. She opens up about how her YFU exchange experience directly shaped her career path into international diplomacy, what a diplomat actually does day-to-day, and why she now helps promote and oversee the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) — a program that changed her life in a different way, on the other side of the desk. Melanie also reflects on the host family she still calls family today — Thanksgivings, grandkids, and all. Whether you're a former exchange student, a host family considering YFU, or a parent wondering if study abroad is worth it, Melanie's story is a powerful look at where one year abroad can lead. 👉 Learn more about the CBYX exchange scholarship: https://yfuusa.org/cbyx/ 👉 Learn more about YFU exchange programs: https://yfuusa.org/ Chapters: 0:00 Cold Open: "Family Outside of Family" 0:39 Welcome & Meet Melanie Franzen 1:25 Why Youth Exchange Is More Common in Germany 2:35 What Drew Melanie to Exchange as a Teenager 3:49 A Single Mom's Tough Decision 4:53 Choosing YFU Over Other Programs 6:03 Applying & Getting Accepted 7:55 Landing in the U.S. 8:58 Switching Host Families 11:21 Culture Shock: Churches, Fast Food & Big Trucks 12:51 American High School & Fall in Indiana 14:49 New Challenges: Faith & Fitting In 16:11 Discovering a Love for Running 20:16 How Exchange Shaped Her Career 21:40 Working with CBYX Today 23:16 Ad Break: Study Abroad with YFU USA 23:42 What Does a Diplomat Actually Do? 25:31 The Many Sides of Diplomatic Work 27:00 Her Favorite Part of the Job 28:11 Advice for Future Diplomats 31:55 Why Exchange Matters More Than Ever 33:45 Shifting the Narrative on Exchange in the U.S. 35:48 Advice to Her Younger Self 37:23 Final Advice for Future Exchange Students 38:17 Closing Thoughts Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

    She Was a YFU Exchange Student. Now She Works for the Germany Embassy - Melanie’s Story

  2. Sep 25

    From Anime Nerd, to Hosting a Student, to Going on Exchange in Japan - Addie's Story

    Before Addie ever left the country, she convinced her parents to host a Japanese exchange student — a "trial run" that turned into a lifelong sisterhood and, eventually, her own semester abroad in Japan. In this episode, Addie shares what happens on both sides of an exchange: hosting a Japanese teen on her family's rural farm (cows, chickens, and all), then living with that same family in Japan a year later. She talks candidly about the small cultural surprises that catch everyone off guard — from microwave wattage to who's expected to do chores — and the harder moments, like adjusting to a Japanese all-girls school where conformity, not individuality, is the norm. Addie also opens up about the homesickness that hit hard three weeks into her stay, the host mom who talked her through it, and why she still calls the whole experience "transformative" over a decade later — including a friendship with her host sister that's lasted through both of their weddings and now, both of their babies. If you've ever wondered what hosting an exchange student is really like, or what it takes to go from curious teenager to confident world traveler, this episode is for you. 📸 Follow Addie: Instagram @‌harpeline21 | Facebook: Adeline Tanous, Harpist 🔗 Learn more about hosting or studying abroad with YFU: https://yfuusa.org/ Chapters: 0:00 — Cold Open0:31 — Welcome & Meet Addie1:28 — How the Idea Started: Anime Nerd to "Let's Host Instead"4:55 — Choosing & Welcoming Their Exchange Student6:39 — Farm Life, Chores & Culture Shock (Cows Included)8:42 — Swapping Recipes & Favorite Foods13:16 — Challenges of Being a Host Sister (+ Advice for Others)16:33 — Applying to Study Abroad Herself18:35 — Departure Anxiety & Language Camp20:20 — Meeting Her Host Family22:35 — Culture Shock & Homesickness at the 3-Week Mark24:31 — Starting Japanese School27:53 — School Differences: Conformity, Rules & Discipline32:14 — Favorite Japanese Foods (Sushi, Ramen & Tsukemen)35:50 — The Most Valuable Part of Studying Abroad38:33 — How It Shaped Her Career40:17 — Going Back to Japan as an Adult41:37 — Ad Break: Study Abroad with YFU42:53 — Would She Send Her Own Daughter Abroad?43:42 — Will She Host Again?45:19 — Wrap-Up & Where to Find Addie47:14 — The One Word: "Transformative" Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

    From Anime Nerd, to Hosting a Student, to Going on Exchange in Japan - Addie's Story

  3. Sep 11

    The Exchange Student Who Hosted Her Future Host Mom - Helena's Story

    Helena came to Saginaw, Michigan, from eastern Germany for her exchange year and landed with a host family she already knew. Years earlier, her own family in Germany hosted an American advisor named Janice during a two-week exchange. They stayed in touch for a year. Now that same advisor is Helena's host mom — and Kelsey is about to chaperone the very program that started it all. In this episode: Homesickness around the holidaysThree host brothers who took a while to warm up (and eventually became her favorite part of the year)Prom dress shopping with her host momS surprise German carol solo at a Frankenmuth churchGraduation nervesand why Helena sums up her whole year in one word: magical Follow Helena on Instagram: @‌helena.grz09 For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/ Chapters: 0:00 – "She's hosting me" — the full-circle reveal0:24 – Meet Helena: from eastern Germany to Saginaw, Michigan0:42 – How she decided to study abroad2:43 – The connection to her host family — a full-circle story4:19 – Applying and choosing her host family7:48 – Arrival day and switching to English 24/78:53 – First days of American school12:03 – Sports, clubs, and becoming a big sister to three host brothers14:48 – Advice for making friends on exchange15:50 – Holidays and traditions with her host family22:04 – Getting through a tough homesick stretch23:52 – Prom and graduation26:56 – American food bucket list (and the Taco Bell injustice)28:47 – Favorite memory: singing a German carol at a Frankenmuth church32:49 – Summing up her exchange in one word: "Magical"33:44 – Outro Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

    The Exchange Student Who Hosted Her Future Host Mom - Helena's Story

  4. Aug 28

    Estonglish, Dance Moms & Life-Changing Moments - Rianne's Story

    Rianne traveled from Estonia to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for her exchange year — and along the way she picked up a host sister turned built-in ride, a cross-country and show choir schedule that wore her out (in the best way), and an accidental new language she calls "Estonglish." In this episode, Rianne opens up about weighing a gap year against finishing high school on time, the nerve-wracking first video call with her host family (turns out her host dad's deep voice was the real culprit, not the language barrier), and the small moments — like a surprise plushie during a sick day — that ended up meaning the most. She also shares the trip to California that connected her with exchange students from around the world, and why she'd sum up the entire experience in one word: life-changing. Since recording this episode, Rianne launched her own podcast, Growing Through It! Give it a listen:🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033SUgP6hesZWJJx8d9SHt🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast/growing-through-it/id6793668051📸 IG: @‌growingdiaries.pod Follow Rianne's exchange year on Instagram: @‌rianne_usas_ Ready to have your own life-changing exchange experience? Learn more at http://yfuusa.org. #StudyAbroad #ExchangeStudent #HostFamily #YFU #Estonia #LifeExchanged Chapters: 0:00 - Podcast Shout-Out: Rianne Launches "Growing Through It"0:39 - Cold Open: Airport Chaos Teaser1:05 - Introduction & Meet Rianne1:29 - Choosing to Study Abroad & the Gap Year Decision7:26 - Orientation & Finding Out About Her Host Family13:16 - Meeting Her Host Family (and the "Estonglish" Story)17:50 - Landing in Iowa & Airport Chaos (Full Story)22:35 - Settling In: Host Sister, Sports & Making Friends32:06 - Getting Sick & the Plushie Moment34:03 - Family Traditions, Movie Nights & Dance Moms Debate37:03 - Holidays & Sharing Estonian Culture41:00 - Favorite American Foods & the International Potluck45:39 - Saying Goodbye & How She's Changed49:19 - Favorite Memory: The California Trip51:09 - What's Next for Rianne53:26 - Life-Changing: Her Experience in One Word Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

    Estonglish, Dance Moms & Life-Changing Moments - Rianne's Story

  5. Aug 14

    YES Program Scholarship: A Full-Ride Study Abroad Journey from India - Anisha’s Story

    Anisha traveled from India to North Carolina through the YES (Youth Exchange and Study) Program — a full-ride, merit-based scholarship earned after a year-long selection process that saw only 30 students chosen from her entire country. In this episode, she opens up about the emotional moment she found out she'd been accepted, the family and teachers who rallied behind her, and how she went from being a self-described picky eater to a self-proclaimed "shrimp monster." Anisha also shares how she embraced brand-new electives like piano, video design, and 3D printing/engineering, gave back to her host community through volunteering, and built an unbreakable bond with a host family she met just days before arriving. She closes with heartfelt advice for future exchange students: never doubt your worth. #ExchangeStudent #StudyAbroad #YFU #YESProgram #LifeExchanged #IndiaToAmerica #HostFamily Follow Anisha on Instagram: @‌thryyddvel.le For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/ Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Meet Anisha01:14 - Applying to the YES Program06:20 - Getting Accepted & Family Support12:15 - Orientation & Arrival Expectations15:55 - Host Family Placement & Building the Bond22:48 - School Life in the U.S.26:13 - Electives, Clubs & Making Friends35:42 - Challenges & Growing Through Them43:00 - Christmas, Diwali & Halloween with Host Family48:03 - How the Year Changed Her51:22 - Community Service & Future Goals54:58 - Favorite Food: Falling for Shrimp56:48 - Closing Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

    YES Program Scholarship: A Full-Ride Study Abroad Journey from India - Anisha’s Story

  6. Jul 31

    Our #1 Episode Just Got a Sequel - Lara & Lexy Return

    They're back! Lara (exchange student, 2024-2025) and Lexy (host mom & YFU staff member) return for our most-requested reunion episode — and yes, this is the pair behind our #1 most-listened-to episode on Spotify last year. This time, Lara surprised her host family with an unannounced trip home, and the whole thing was caught on camera. In this episode:The emotional goodbye nobody was ready forHow they kept in touch across the ocean (spoiler: it's Snapchat and a standing Sunday call)Tips for host parents building trust with natural familiesReverse culture shockWhat happens when Detroit driving meets German road etiquette. Plus: cowboy boots shipped to Germany, 22 chickens, and the world's most important German phrase. For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA Chapters: 00:00 – Cold Open & Intro01:34 – The Hardest Goodbye04:10 – Staying Connected & Cowboy Boots06:21 – Building Trust with Host & Natural Parents09:12 – Reverse Culture Shock & Coming Home11:13 – The Surprise Welcome Back Party15:47 – How They've Both Grown19:32 – 22 Chickens & the Homecoming Surprise27:13 – Catching Up: Ranch, Hot Dogs & 12 Days Home29:21 – Planning the Trip to Germany32:07 – Detroit Driving & Culture Tips40:09 – What's Next & #1 Episode Celebration   Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

    Our #1 Episode Just Got a Sequel - Lara & Lexy Return

  7. Jul 17

    What It's Really Like to Be a German Exchange Student in America - Lia's Story

    What does it take to pack up your life at 17 and move to a completely different country for a year? In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Lia, a German exchange student living with a host family in Ohio. Lia opens up about breaking out of a cycle of fear and self-doubt before finally taking the leap, the surprisingly long application process (paperwork, visas, English tests, and a conversation with her school about grades), and the moment she got her host family placement at 6 am while brushing her teeth. She also reflects on how American school spirit and extracurriculars blew her mind, the cultural adjustments that challenged her, and why — even through the hard moments — she describes her year in one word: unique. Whether you're a prospective exchange student, a curious parent, or just someone who loves a good "I did the scary thing, and it changed me" story, Lia's story might just be the push you didn't know you needed. For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Meet Lia0:32 - School Life in Germany vs. the US4:01 - How Lia's Dad Inspired Her to Go on Exchange6:31 - Overcoming Fear & Deciding to Take the Leap8:41 - The Application Process: Paperwork, Tests & Talking to Your School13:18 - Finding Out She Got a Host Family (at 6 am While Brushing Her Teeth)15:42 - Getting to Know Your Host Family Before You Arrive18:25 - The Journey to America (Delays, Missing a Flight & a 1 am Hamburger)21:26 - Meeting Her Host Family at the Airport23:05 - First Day of American High School & the School Bus27:11 - How She Made Friends: Clubs, Sports & Putting Herself Out There28:19 - Learning Spanish in English (While Speaking German)31:17 - How Her English Has Improved Over the Year37:46 - Dance Team, Skiing & Volleyball: Trying Everything39:10 - American Traditions: Thanksgiving, Christmas & Prom47:39 - German Bread, Sauerkraut & the Truth About German Stereotypes51:55 - Kelsey's Trip to Germany53:13 - Advice for Students Scared to Go on Exchange54:19 - What Comes Next After the Exchange Year56:14 - One Word to Describe Her Exchange Year: Unique57:25 - Take the Step: Lia's Message to Her Past Self58:42 - Outro   Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

    What It's Really Like to Be a German Exchange Student in America - Lia's Story

  8. Jul 3

    She Wanted California. She Got Minnesota. Here's What Happened - Clara's Story

    France's most famous gift to America arrived in 1886. Clara arrived in Minnesota in 2023. Both changed things forever. 🗽 What does it actually feel like to leave home for the first time — at 17, alone, for a whole school year? Clara grew up in the south of France dreaming of California and Hawaii. YFU sent her to Minnesota. She ended up doing ice fishing, a New Year's cold plunge, prom on Lake Superior, and watching The Traitors with her host mom every week — and she wouldn't change a single thing. Clara shares the full story of her exchange year with YFU USA: meeting her host family at the airport, surviving -20°C winters, matching Christmas pajamas, and why coming back to France felt harder than leaving it. She also gets honest about the parts nobody talks about — the exhaustion of thinking in a second language all day, being homesick for the sound of French, and how a family in Minnesota became her American family for life. Clara's one word for her exchange? Lucky. But this conversation sounds a lot more like courage. For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA Chapters: 0:00 – Intro0:44 – Meet Clara: A French Student in Minnesota1:48 – Why Study Abroad in High School?2:50 – Clara's Parents: Her Biggest Champions4:52 – Finding YFU & The Application Process6:35 – Dream Placement: California… or Minnesota?9:50 – Meeting Her Host Family for the First Time12:25 – American High School vs. French School Culture15:23 – Sports, Clubs & Prom on Lake Superior21:03 – How to Make Friends as an Exchange Student22:24 – Cultural Differences: France vs. the USA26:23 – The Honest Truth About Homesickness29:39 – Surviving a Minnesota Winter31:33 – Host Family Traditions & Midwest Food37:09 – Building a Bond That Lasted Beyond the Year41:46 – How Exchange Changed Her Life42:41 – Should Every High Schooler Study Abroad?45:09 – One Word: Lucky 🍀46:44 – Outro Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak Tags: high school exchange program • YFU USA • study abroad in the USA • exchange student Minnesota • French exchange student • host family experience • cultural differences France USA • study abroad high school • Youth For Understanding • personal growth abroad • exchange student advice • American high school culture

    She Wanted California. She Got Minnesota. Here's What Happened - Clara's Story
See All (40)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding is a podcast by YFU USA sharing real stories from exchange students, host families, alumni, and volunteers. Each episode explores the impact of hosting, studying abroad, and volunteering through cultural exchange. Discover how global experiences build empathy, connection, and lifelong growth across borders.

Information