Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding

Finding Joy in Japan: My Journey Through Culture, Language & Self‑Discovery - Joy’s Story

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Joy Cade, Virtual Orientations Chairperson at YFU and former exchange student to Japan. Joy shares her remarkable journey studying abroad in Shikoku, Japan, diving into the challenges and beauty of the Japanese language, culture, school life, and personal growth. From learning kanji and navigating cultural shock to experiencing Shinto philosophy and joining a Japanese dance club, Joy offers deep insight into what makes studying abroad transformative. She discusses: * How Japanese culture reshaped her understanding of responsibility and trust * Life-changing lessons from Shintoism and energy awareness * The importance of slowing down, connecting with others, and embracing cultural differences * Her toughest moments abroad—and the breakthroughs they led to * Advice for future exchange students and their families * How exchange continues to shape her life as a parent, volunteer, and global citizen Whether you’re preparing for your own exchange, supporting a student, or simply love cross‑cultural stories, this episode is packed with warmth, wisdom, and Joy—literally. If you're interested in study abroad programs, Japanese culture, teen exchange stories, language learning, or YFU, this episode is full of deep insights, heartfelt stories, and lots of Joy. Want to become a volunteer or learn more about YFU? Visit: https://yfuusa.org [https://yfuusa.org] Contact Joy: jcade@yfuusa.org [jcade@yfuusa.org] orientations@yfu.org [orientations@yfu.org] For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/ [https://yfuusa.org/] Chapters: 0:00 - Confidence Shattered: The Orientation That Changed Everything 0:38 - Introducing Joy Cade 1:16 - Growing Up Curious: How Japan First Called to Joy 3:12 - Is Japanese Really That Hard to Learn? 7:01 - Tips for Learning Japanese Before You Go & Joy's Favorite Artist 9:21 - The Japan America Friendship Scholarship Explained 10:54 - 70 Students, One Flight to Japan 14:14 - Arriving in Japan & Meeting Her Host Family 17:03 - School on the Grounds of a Castle 18:32 - Culture Starts Right Next to You 21:26 - Differences in Japanese Schools & Student Responsibility 25:00 - Cleaning Up the Whole Town 26:31 - Vending Machines, No Trash Cans & Japan's Recycling Culture 29:44 - Making Friends, Dance Club & the Flash Mob 33:39 - Trust, Accountability & Shintoism 38:24 - The Hardest Part: Isolation, the Origami Incident & Lessons Learned 45:09 - "I Am International": The Greatest Job on Earth 46:17 - Staying Connected & Planning a Return Trip to Japan 48:02 - Raising Bilingual Kids 50:32 - Getting Involved With YFU as a Volunteer 57:47 - What Makes Exchange So Impactful 1:00:32 - Advice for Students & Nervous Parents 1:04:02 - What It Takes to Be a Good Local Coordinator 1:05:59 - Must-Try Foods in Japan 1:07:50 - How to Reach Joy & Outro Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

One Year Around the World - A Special Anniversary Episode

It's been one whole year of stories, exchanges, and lives changed — and we're celebrating with YOU. In this special one-year anniversary episode, host Kelsey Ross reflects on an incredible first year of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, answers your listener-submitted questions, and gets surprise updates from some of your favorite past guests. Plus, a special teaser for something we've been promising all year. Thank you for an amazing first year — here's to many more. Thank you to every guest, every listener, and everyone who has shared, commented, and tuned in. You made this possible. Follow so you never miss an episode. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok Contact Gaby on Instagram: gaby2006_deutschland  For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA [https://yfuusa.org/] Chapters: 0:00 - Welcome & One Year Reflection 3:13 - Q&A: What Surprised You Most About Student Stories? 6:27 - Q&A: Most Memorable Episode 8:55 - Q&A: Favorite Episode of the Year 10:17 - Q&A: Topics for Year Two 13:25 - Q&A: What Did You Learn in Year One? 15:34 - Guest Updates Introduction 16:22 - Gabby's Update 22:44 - Kelsey Reacts to Gabby 23:34 - Carola's Update 24:39 - Kelsey Reacts to Carola 25:33 - Marina's Update 26:46 - Kelsey Reacts to Marina 28:10 - Liz's Update 29:12 - Kelsey Reacts to Liz 30:38 - Simone's Update 31:37 - Kelsey Reacts to Simone 32:08 - Podcast Stats & Milestones 33:55 - German Bread Teaser 34:44 - More Spotify Stats 35:41 - #1 Study Abroad Podcast & Beat Ohio State 37:26 - Thank You & Closing Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

From Germany With Growth: Exchange, CBYX, and Finding Yourself Abroad - Alex’s Story

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Alexandra Tague, a CBYX alum who spent 2009–2010 living and studying in Germany through Youth For Understanding (YFU). Alex shares her journey from the moment she discovered the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program to the whirlwind months of preparing to leave the U.S. at sixteen. She opens up about emotional readiness, navigating German schools, adjusting to host family life, and the reality of culture shock beyond the “honeymoon phase.” Listeners will hear stories from language camp in Hamburg, building independence on German trains, the magic of Christmas markets, and how she handled tough moments of homesickness. Alex offers heartfelt, practical advice for future exchange students and insights for host families hoping to build meaningful relationships. Now a mom of three and a longtime YFU volunteer, Alex reflects on how her exchange shaped her worldview, fueled lifelong personal growth, and continues to impact her life today. Perfect for: future exchange students, parents, host families, CBYX applicants, and anyone curious about study abroad life behind the scenes. For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/ [https://yfuusa.org/] Follow Alex on Instagram: @‌alexandrarayee Chapters: 0:00 – Meet Alex & Her CBYX Exchange to Germany 4:48 – Emotional Readiness & Parental Concerns 8:52 – Getting Accepted & Pre‑Departure Orientation 12:37 – CBYX in D.C. & Preparing to Leave the U.S. 16:58 – Arriving in Germany & Language Camp Life 24:02 – Meeting Her Host Family & Building Belonging 34:47 – German School, Independence & Self‑Discovery 39:22 – When the Honeymoon Phase Ends 44:30 – Christmas Markets, Travel & Favorite Memories 50:41 – How Exchange Changed Alex’s Life & Advice for Students Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Finding Myself Abroad: A Life‑Changing Exchange Year from Thailand to the U.S. - Tanya’s Story

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, Thai exchange alumna Tanya Thabjan shares the story of how her year studying abroad in the United States transformed her life. Tanya reflects on the challenges and joys of navigating a new culture, from overcoming language barriers and adjusting to an American high school to forming meaningful bonds with her host family. She describes how moments like experiencing snow for the first time, joining school activities, and learning independence shaped her confidence and worldview. She also opens up about the long‑term impact of cultural exchange—how it influenced her education, her career in diversity and inclusion, and the values she hopes to pass on to her daughter. Tanya’s journey highlights the power of stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the unknown. What you’ll hear in this episode: * Why Tanya chose to study abroad through YFU * The cultural differences between Thailand and the U.S. * How host families shape students’ experiences * Learning to be comfortable with independence and solitude * Tanya’s advice for future exchange students * Why exchange experiences can change the direction of your life A powerful and heartfelt conversation for anyone curious about study abroad, cultural exchange, or the life‑changing impact of host families. 👇 Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn: Tanya Thabjan https://www.linkedin.com/in/tthabjan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tthabjan] For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/ [https://yfuusa.org/] Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Meet Tanya 01:30 – Why She Studied Abroad 03:35 – Choosing the U.S. 07:17 – Talking to Her Parents 09:53 – Arriving in Michigan 13:12 – First Snow & Culture Shock 15:41 – Wrong Side of the Car Moment 17:50 – Thai Nicknames Explained 20:27 – U.S. High School First Impressions 24:56 – Joining Soccer & The Yellow School Bus 27:21 – Appreciating Thai Culture Abroad 31:24 – Challenges & Making Friends 34:19 – Learning Independence 37:36 – Homecoming & Prom 39:52 – Birthday Announcement Memory 43:57 – Compliments & Quilt Project 47:26 – Greeting Cards & Cultural Differences 50:24 – How Exchange Shaped Her Life 56:27 – Becoming a Host Parent 57:46 – Advice for Students & Parents 1:01:20 – One Word: “Mind‑Opening” 1:02:13 – Encouragement to Study Abroad 1:05:31 – Funny Story: “Beautiful Eyeballs” 1:07:45 – Gratitude for Her Host Mom 1:11:25 – How to Connect With Tanya 1:13:47 – Outro & Call‑to‑Action Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak Director: Megan Michels

A Two-Week Exchange, A Lasting Impact: Germany for You - Ireland’s Story

In this inspiring episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with high school student Ireland Emerson to explore her life-changing experience studying abroad in Germany through the YFU Germany for You scholarship. Ireland shares how she discovered the program, the emotional highs of being accepted, and the deep connections she formed with her host family during her two-week stay. From cultural surprises and language barriers to community service and unforgettable German bread, Ireland reflects on the joys and challenges of immersing herself in a new culture. She also offers heartfelt advice for future exchange students and opens up about her dreams of returning to Germany through the CBYX program. Learn more about YFU scholarships: https://yfuusa.org/study/scholarships/ [https://yfuusa.org/study/scholarships/] For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/ [https://yfuusa.org/] Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Ireland & Her Study Abroad Journey Begins 01:15 – Applying for the Scholarship 03:25 – What She Included in Her Application 05:47 – Essays & Writing About Her Grandpa 08:07 – Getting Accepted: The Email Moment 10:18 – Meeting Her Host Family 11:41 – Traveling to Germany & First Impressions 14:17 – Settling In With Her Host Family 16:10 – Community Service & Cultural Learning 18:31 – German Food Experiences 20:46 – Culture Shocks & Differences 23:05 – Navigating Public Transportation 24:03 – Exploring the City & Free Time 25:05 – Staying Close With Her Host Family After Returning 26:34 – Final Week & Birthday Celebration 28:05 – Emotional Goodbye at the Airport 29:39 – Adjusting Back to Life at Home 32:35 – Future Plans: Learning German & CBYX 34:29 – Advice for Applicants & Future Travelers 35:48 – Favorite Memories From Abroad Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak Director: Megan Michels