Finding Myself Abroad: A Life‑Changing Exchange Year from Thailand to the U.S.

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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

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

19. juni 20261 h 3 min

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

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1 month for 9 kr.

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