Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding

She Moved to Japan Alone at 16, Here's What Actually Happened - Mallory’s Story

What does it really feel like to land in Japan at 16, not knowing if your Japanese is good enough, and stay for six weeks? In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Mallory, a Michigan high school student who spent the summer of 2025 studying abroad in Japan through YFU (Youth For Understanding). Mallory waited two years to be old enough to apply, cried in a froyo shop when she got her scholarship, and didn't pack her suitcase until the day before she left — because part of her still didn't believe it was real. She brings her actual journals to the recording and reads entries live: sitting in a Japanese history class with no idea what anyone is saying, watching planes take off from the school field during PE, and passing a little notebook around asking classmates, neighbors, and strangers on the street to leave her a message. Mallory also opens up about joining drama club in a language she didn't fully speak, how a quiet bridge in Tokyo at sunset became her favorite memory, and the surprising way one summer abroad changed how she approaches acting, friendship, and life. If you're a student dreaming about studying abroad, a parent on the fence, or just someone who loves a story about a person becoming more themselves — this one's for you. Topics & keywords: high school study abroad Japan, YFU exchange program, Japanese host family experience, student cultural exchange, summer abroad as a teenager, learning Japanese immersion, exchange student scholarship, personal growth travel stories Follow Mallory on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/malloryloves19/?__d=dist [https://www.instagram.com/malloryloves19/?__d=dist] Check out Mallory’s short film: Mr. Eclectic - https://youtu.be/FDR86q_pW9w?si=sX_78BSmEp_cHJOw [https://youtu.be/FDR86q_pW9w?si=sX_78BSmEp_cHJOw] Follow Mr. Eclectic on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/eclectic.movie/?__d=dist [https://www.instagram.com/eclectic.movie/?__d=dist] For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/ [https://yfuusa.org/] Chapters: 0:00 - Tokyo at Sunset 0:55 - Intro & Meet Mallory 1:42 - What Sparked the Dream 3:39 - Falling in Love with Japanese Culture 5:46 - Learning Japanese & The Language Journey 7:52 - Applying to YFU & The Host Family Letter 10:51 - Scholarship & The Froyo Moment 12:05 - Packing Up & What to Bring 13:52 - Meeting the Host Family Before Departure 17:00 - Landing in Japan 19:19 - First Night with the Host Family 21:07 - Life as a Japanese Student 22:16 - Reading the Journals: Day One 26:16 - Reading the Journals: July 4th Entry 30:08 - The Advice Book 31:14 - How Exchange Changed Mallory 32:31 - Overcoming the Language Barrier 33:24 - Drama Club in Japan 40:17 - Biggest Challenges: Getting Lost for 5 Hours 41:32 - Japanese Food & The Strawberry Sandwich Obsession 43:41 - Connecting with Neighbors & the Community 44:49 - Ad Break: YFU Host Family 45:14 - Staying in Touch with the Host Family 46:35 - Messages from the Advice Book 49:32 - Traveling Japan: Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo & More 51:00 - Why Short-Term Programs Still Change Everything 53:10 - The Biggest Personal Impact 55:26 - Advice for Students on the Fence 56:28 - Advice for Parents 58:19 - Presenting Back Home & Coming Full Circle 59:49 - What's Next for Mallory 1:01:15 - Favorite Memory: The Tokyo Bridge 1:02:08 - Ending Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

FLEX Scholarship to the U.S.: A Lithuanian Teen's Exchange Year Story — Dominyka's Story

What does it take to leave Lithuania at 16, earn a fully-funded U.S. State Department scholarship, and spend a year discovering who you really are? In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Dominyka McMeel, a FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) scholar from Lithuania who spent her exchange year in Northern California with YFU USA. Dominyka opens up about earning one of the most competitive international exchange scholarships available to students from Eastern Europe, navigating culture shock, joining cheerleading, winning a film competition, and finding the community that made her feel like she truly belonged — on New Year's Eve, surrounded by her host family and new friends. This is the first FLEX Program episode on Life Exchanged, and Dominyka's story is one of resilience, courage, and saying yes to everything. Whether you're a student considering a year abroad, a parent on the fence, or a host family thinking about opening your home — this episode is for you. Topics covered: * What the FLEX Program is and how to apply as an Eastern European student * The FLEX application, essay, and interview process * YFU USA host family experience and placement * Culture shock: Lithuanian vs. American high school life * How studying abroad builds confidence, resilience, and adaptability * Cheerleading, filmmaking, and finding community as an exchange student * American holidays, traditions, and cultural differences * Advice for students and families considering international exchange programs Follow Dominyka on TikTok: @dominyka.abroad [https://www.tiktok.com/@dominyka.abroad?lang=en] Learn more about YFU USA: yfuusa.org [https://yfuusa.org/] Learn more about the FLEX Program: exchanges.state.gov [https://exchanges.state.gov/] Chapters: 00:00 - She Burst Into Tears the Moment She Landed 00:44 - Meet Dominyka — Exchange Student from Lithuania 01:55 - The FLEX Program & How Hard It Is to Get In 03:44 - The Application & Interview Process 05:12 - Building Confidence & Convincing Her Parents 08:15 - The Call That Changed Everything 09:19 - Getting Placed & Meeting Her Host Family 13:11 - Expectations vs. Reality of the US 14:35 - Arriving in America — The Emotional Moment 16:09 - First Week: Jet Lag, School & Making Friends 20:50 - Lithuania vs. US School Systems 23:38 - Cheerleading, Filmmaking & Finding Her Passions 28:12 - Homecoming, Holidays & American Traditions 30:45 - Sharing Lithuanian Culture with Her Host Family 34:14 - The Hard Parts of Exchange & Overcoming Them 39:17 - How Exchange Changed Her Perspective on Home 42:56 - What's Still to Come — Prom, Sports & LA 45:33 - Life After Exchange & Keeping in Touch 49:01 - Her Advice: Say Yes to Everything 51:08 - The Moment She Knew She Belonged Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

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