In this episode of Life Exchange: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross chats with Julika Enslin, a YFU alum from Germany who spent a transformative year studying abroad in Michigan. Julika shares how her curiosity about cultures and love for English led her to the U.S., and how her exchange experience shaped her personal growth, academic path, and global career.

From field hockey and poetry slams to navigating cultural stereotypes and making lifelong connections, Julika reflects on the challenges and joys of adapting to American life. She also shares her journey after exchange—including studying in Egypt, earning a master’s degree at Georgetown, and teaching at West Point.

Whether you're curious about cultural exchange, international education, or how one year abroad can shape a lifetime, Julika’s story is a powerful reminder of the doors that open when you say “yes” to new experiences.

Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, exchange student, Germany, Michigan, study abroad, cultural exchange, international education, Julika Enslin, Life Exchange podcast, Georgetown, West Point, Egypt

Connect with Julika on LinkedIn: Julika Enslin

For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/

Chapters:

00:00 – Learning She’s Going to Michigan

00:22 – Guest Introduction

01:07 – Why She Chose to Study Abroad & YFU

03:14 – First Travel Alone & Arriving in the U.S.

05:49 – Getting Her Host Family & Settling In

09:51 – First Days at School & Sports

15:27 – Cultural Differences & Adjusting

23:14 – Memorable Activities: Museums, Drama, Poetry

26:23 – Challenges, Growth & Host Family Support

45:49 – Life After Exchange & Global Adventures

56:11 – Advice for Future Students & Final Reflections

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross speaks with Tyler McCamley, a YFU France alumnus whose exchange journey began with a newspaper article and a bookmark—and led to a life transformed. Tyler shares his story of leaving Philadelphia for France as a high school student, navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and personal growth. He opens up about the challenges of host family dynamics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his exchange year, and how those experiences shaped his worldview.

Now a global citizen studying in Amsterdam and volunteering with YFU, Tyler reflects on the power of cultural exchange, the importance of gratitude, and how one year abroad can change everything—not just for the student, but for their entire family.

Keywords: YFU, Youth For Understanding, exchange student, France, study abroad, cultural exchange, host family, CBYX, international education, student travel, Tyler McCamley, Kelsey Ross, Life Exchanged podcast

Follow Tyler on Instagram: @‌tyler.mccamley

For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA

Chapters:

00:00 – Deciding to Study Abroad

00:29 – Meet Tyler & His Background

01:37 – Why France & Early Motivation

03:57 – Family Support & Visa Challenges

09:02 – YFU Support & Host Family Assignment

11:26 – Early Host Family Experiences

14:19 – Expectations vs. Reality in France

18:46 – Host Family Conflict & Changing Families

23:00 – Advice for Future Exchange Students

32:35 – Adjusting in Second Host Family

33:07 – School Life in France

42:44 – COVID Cuts the Exchange Short

49:12 – Why Tyler Volunteers with YFU

56:27 – Returning to France & Rebuilding Connection

58:59 – Tyler’s Parents Move to France

01:23:16 – What’s Next for Tyler

01:30:20 – Finding Tyler Online & Closing

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels

In this heartfelt episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Megan Herndon—YFU alumna, host mother, and volunteer—to explore the transformative power of cultural exchange. Megan shares her experience as a CBYX scholarship recipient in post-Berlin Wall Germany, the challenges of language immersion, and the deep connections formed with host families. Now a seasoned host mom, Megan reflects on the joys and lessons of welcoming students from around the world, offering practical advice and touching stories that highlight the lifelong impact of exchange programs.

Keywords: YFU, CBYX, exchange student, host family, cultural exchange, Germany, language learning, international education, youth exchange, Megan Herndon, Kelsey Ross

Connect with Megan on Social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.m.herndon & https://www.facebook.com/herndon.jt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan1996mills & https://www.instagram.com/jt_herndon

For more info on YFU USA: ⁠yfuusa.org

Chapters:

00:00 – Funny Cultural Misunderstandings

00:25 – Meet Simone & Her Global Background

03:33 – Discovering Study Abroad Through YouTube

04:10 – Choosing YFU & Preparing for Japan

08:02 – Getting Accepted & Scholarship Joy

09:19 – Convincing Her Parents & Host Family Placement

13:21 – Building a Relationship Before Arrival

14:31 – Packing, Gifts & First Impressions of Japan

19:50 – Orientation, Embassy Visit & School Life

23:00 – Meeting Her Host Family in Person

25:23 – Attending Japanese High School & First Day Surprises

30:03 – Making Friends & Cultural Differences

33:35 – School Traditions: Cleaning, Clubs & Christian Practices

35:49 – Joining the Basketball Team

37:29 – Challenges & Staying Positive

40:14 – Exploring Hiroshima & Favorite Foods

46:28 – Summer Vacation & Reflections on Program Length

49:55 – Emotional Goodbye & Final Thoughts

52:16 – Advice for Future Exchange Students

54:25 – How Exchange Shaped Her Future Plans

57:05 – What’s Next for Simone

59:02 – Where to Follow Simone’s Journey

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross

Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels