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Ayusa is proud to operate three grant programs each year. Our scholarship students on the YES, FLEX, and CBYX programs have some powerful things to say about their stay in the United States and how this experience has impacted their lives.

Are you a grant student or hosting a grant student and have a story to share? We would love to hear how your year is going! Send us an email at news@ayusa.org

Grant Students Stories Archive

Reflections on a Year in the U.S.
Raneen from Israel Read Story

Reflections on a Year in the U.S.

Not knowing what you’re getting yourself into and walking an unknown path might sound scary to a lot of people, and that’s why they let their fear get the best of them and prevent them from doing what they want. But that wasn’t the case for me. Walking an unknown path and not knowing my destiny was what made this whole experience exciting in my eyes.

I chased my dream of becoming an exchange student in the United States and accomplished it by believing that nothing is impossible. Even though a lot of people said otherwise, I believed and most importantly I believed in myself. It got me where I am today; living my dream in Franklin, North Carolina with the Stringer family.

Living away from home had taught me so many lessons, things that I ran into before but never learned an actual lesson from, because I always thought if I want something I will rely on someone else to do it for me instead of doing it myself. But here, I’ve learned to be more responsible. Being a year older and more independent has opened my eyes and made me wiser.

I think that Ayusa provides the best exchange program there is to make peoples’ dreams come true and I’m thankful to them and also The Department of State and to whoever made this possible; they were a big part of making my dream come true.
I would like to thank God, YES and Ayusa staff, along with my family and host family for giving me such an amazing year, a year that I will remember as long as I live, and it’s going to be a story to tell over and over again.

Lastly, all the people out there—young or old—I just want to say to you: “Dream and if you want to dream, dream big because dreams do come true and also believe in yourself because if you don’t, then no one else will.”

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Bingham High student expands his horizons in Germany
By Connie Wang Read Story

Bingham High student expands his horizons in Germany

Right now, Tanner Palmer, a 16-year-old junior from Bingham High in South Jordan is spending a year living and studying in Germany. He was one of 250 American students awarded the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship to study in Germany for the 2010-2011 academic year.

This foreign exchange program was designed by the U.S. Congress and the German Parliament [called Bundestag] to strengthen ties and share cultural insights between German and American youth.

The program provides American students a full merit-based scholarship to study abroad in Germany, while offering the same opportunity for German students to study in America. For the application process, Tanner needed to write six essays on different topics, have the recommendation of two of his teachers and submit transcripts for his previous three years of school. After being accepted, he had to complete another 10-page application form to help Ayusa Global Youth Exchange, the organization which administers the program, match him with the right host family.

Tanner is living in Rheinberg, Germany with the Loeffeck family. His host mother, Tanja, is a widow,, with a 17-year-old son, Niklas. Tanner attends the Gymnasium Adolfinum in Moers, with Niklas. He began his year abroad in August and will return in June .Before starting school at the Gymnasium, Tanner attended four weeks of language school to improve his German.

Tanner said one of the best things about the experience is learning, not just to speak better German, but "how much you learn about yourself. Right now I'm practically fluent in German, and I know the German culture pretty well, but I've grown up as a person, and learned a lot more about myself as a person. This is a really hard experience, and as my dad always says 'This will probably be one of the hardest things you do in your life' and it really is, but I know when I get back, it will make everything seem a lot easier."

"The hardest thing is probably being away from your family and friends in America. I have gone through a few rough times here, and I could only contact my family through email, skype, or a pay phone," Tanner said.

"For me right now, I feel like all the hard times are gone. I don't have any homesickness, I can speak enough German to live here, and I have all my friends to help me out. Now it's just time to enjoy the rest of my year here," he added.

Tanner says that most of the strangest cross cultural experience he's had have happened in his P.E. classes. "It's always funny when people think, 'Wow, you must be really good at football and basketball.' They all think that because I'm American, and it's just funny when I tell them I can't play football or basketball at all."

Tanner thinks his year abroad will have a big impact on his future. "I'll probably be more open to people and new ideas, and I won't really be afraid of trying anything new. This is one of the hardest experiences of my life, and when I get back, I'll be able to look at everything with a new perspective. Most important is probably the openness to new things; I've learned to be open, and that's skill everyone should have," he said.

Todd Palmer, Tanner's father also thinks this experience will have a great impact on Tanner. "Having Tanner gone has been a real experience. It has been difficult to watch him struggle but thrilling to see him learn and grow. So much in life is learning to overcome obstacles and it has been wonderful to watch Tanner develop his own problem solving skills. Tanner took the initiative to get involved in this program and has really done well with the unknown. He is not only learning a new language but enjoying a new culture and making many new friends."

View the original article from the South Valley Journal, click here.

To find out more on the CBYX program, click here.

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An Unforgettable Journey
Syeda Maheen Zaidi Read Story

Starting a New Exciting Experience

It was a lovely morning, when I started on my journey away from my home to the United States of America. I remember I had a strange feeling that I couldn’t find out what it was. There was happiness in my mind to look forward to study abroad and experience a different place, and sadness in heart to leave my parents, family and my friends behind had never thought of leaving them before. There was a fear in my heart but I was thinking of my exciting year that was ahead.

My destination was Green Bay, Wisconsin. I came out through the arrival door meanwhile I was so nervous thinking about my host family, I saw a bunch of people holding posters in their hands, I gazed into the posters as I got closer and found my name written. It was my host family and relatives. My host mom hosted two students a girl from Russia, Valentina, and me.

It was amazing to meet them. When we arrived home, every one sat in the living room and talked. At first I didn’t really know what to talk about, I wasn’t feeling comfortable with the new environment and I excused myself to go to sleep because I was tired. But the next day was better and as days passed I felt much better. It requires some time to adjust to the family and new rule. I took a whole month to fit in and adjust to the new family. I became familiar with their likes and dislikes, their relatives, and family values. It was a relief. I could trust my host family now and they trusted me. We know each other very well now, like a family. I enjoy being in US with them. I am a junior in Green Bay East High School now.

I wonder how it would be when I will go back home and leave my host family. But I will have all the good memories that I will be taking back home. I am going to miss my year in US and al that I did. Because I became so close to them, I, for sure will have the same feeling that I had when I was leaving my real family to come to US.

By: Syeda Maheen Zaidi

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Saleema Dreams Big
by YES '06 Student Saleema Khowaja written 2008-09 Read Story

Fairy Tale of my Life

Everything was going perfect, sun was at its rise, shining bright and I, Saleema Khowaja with my parents, grandparents and gorgeous elder sister was having lunch when suddenly there was a knock at the door and I heard my sister screaming with a big smile on her face as she opened that letter. The only words I can remember she said were “Yes! You are going to your dream land finally...!” The next day in my school bus, I was shocked and surprised to know that my best friend also got the scholarship and would be traveling along with me to my dream land. It seemed like God was utterly happy with me as on reaching to school we came to know that our other two class mates were also selected. Not only were our teachers but the whole St. Bonaventure High School was really proud of all of us; claps and appreciation was all around us. A couple days after I was informed about my placement, I was placed in a land with milky streams, glitters of snow, cotton beds and moo-moo of cows, a perfect place--my dream land Appleton, Wisconsin here I come. As I began to reflect on my experience, I realized that two wise statements define my memories.

“I do not know what’s beneath sky nor on what seas shall be thy fate; I only know it shall be high, I only know it shall be great.”
-Richard Hovey

As all other fairy tales, this journey from my small city, Hyderabad, Pakistan, to fairy land started with big smiles and loud laughs across the walls of American University in Washington, D.C. But as soon as time came to say goodbyes to all the friends a witch of loneliness bought big tears in my big dark eyes which were to be expected but hey it’s a fairy tale! My big tears were dried by warm welcome hugs and kisses of blond fairies, my host family which included tall and hilarious host dad Tom, friendly and most loving host mom Kristy, and most adorable princess Flora, and lastly my prince, who was hiding in my host mom’s belly at that time, Prince Leo. All the way from the airport to home I was so scared to see my new fairy land: pets two giant dogs and three kitties but every single worry vanished as I saw that cute dream palace and my host mom gave me my personal pretty pink keys. I unlocked and stepped in actually, stepped down by the lovely licks and hugs of my pets.

Days and months passed away within the blink of my eye. American family life is really interesting, full of fun and love. We usually go out for dinner and walk downtown, go shopping, watch TV while eating chips and popcorn and do lots of fun activities. Finally came my first American festival: “Halloween.” All the fairies were dressed up fancy and went out for trick or treat; so did I. Next what I was waiting for was who would be the new king of my dream land? Yes, Elections 2008. I helped in a democratic campaigning and also went along with my host dad to vote for Barack Obama and he won!! It was the most remarkable day in history since he is the first young and black president (king) of United States of America. It has been so interesting to learn how fairies fought against witches to secure this fairy land. I learned not only this but here in my magical school I play with numerical digits in advanced algebra, apply new experiments in chemistry, design clothes and homes in fashion class, learn new language Spanish and play sports in gym like swimming, golf, ultimate Frisbee and flag football and was also awarded as an honorable student at school. As of December, everything I dreamt and wished was here except for that stubborn little prince inside my host mom’s belly who didn’t want to get out it was already a perfect dreamy, scene outside cotton beds and snowy glitters; my host family took me skiing, snowboarding, and we made a snowman and angels what else was missing? Oh yeah! Time to get our Christmas tree, a week before Christmas we got our tree. What fairy tale holiday would be complete without sparkling lights and star, it means sprinkle some stuff on our tree. Hooray! Its time to open our Christmas presents. The best advantage of being with Enzs is the extended family bonding they had. This also means lots and lots of gift! Why don’t we have Christmas in Pakistan it’s an awesome festival. Finally after 4 months I came to knew why all the kids get fat after their visit to fairy land. Each year my host grandmother and her sister celebrate Cookie & Candy Day. This is the day in the month of December and this time I was invited as a special guest who was in no time surrounded by thousands of candies, and I didn’t care about getting fat. I am a Chocoholic person so I ate and ate and ate... hehe.

Kicks! Woo- I felt kicks! No don’t worry no witches here. Its Prince Leo everyone’s little dream come true, (even though my host mom probably started in realize he is in devils dorm. Well he was finally ready to come out and here I saw my host dad running to get a pool ready with hot water, the midwife entered. My host mom gets into the pool and pushed, pushed, finally we all welcomed Prince Leo Thomas Enz to this world with all our love; he is just too perfect.

Happy New Year 2009! It’s going to be the most memorable year of my life and a year full of traveling; in the end of March my area representor took all the exchange students to the land of Sunshine, Florida. I had so much fun; we went to beaches, water parks, and Disney world and did much more exciting stuff. Again I saw glitters of snow yes that means we were back in Wisconsin where it’s still snowing (though it’s April)! Well my traveling is not yet over; I unpacked and then re-packed my stuff to go on a long vacation, first to Chicago, then Arizona and Los Angeles. Finally I was tired and back at home, welcomed again with love and hugs by my fairy family, since this was my last month. It was going really fast. Mostly every weekend we were up north enjoying with whole fairy family, moreover I also attended four fairy dream weddings where a prince charming came on a horse to get his bride, and experienced crazy American traditions. My Life’s Fairy Tale is more than just a bedtime story; not because it taught me that witches exist, but because it taught me that witches can be beaten.

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
- Mother Teresa

Given a chance to be a small part of this great community, I tried my best to promote my culture by giving presentations and by my own behavior, character, and dressing and also served many fairies to thank them for all the love they gave me. In my magical school I joined Key Club, International Club and Amnesty International Club which are all volunteers’ service clubs. I enjoyed helping elders rake leaves from their yards, Christmas caroling for them, help Kiwanis in a brat fry, chili fest and porky pancake breakfast. We walked miles and miles for babies and third world countries like Nicaragua. I helped Lions club in poinsettia sale and much more. I simply cannot describe the good feeling I felt when I see a smile on somebody's face, when I go to bed at night knowing I did something good today. I got more than just hours of volunteering, I got a part of myself who loves kids now, who can hug an old lonely man without hesitating, and I got a new human being who realizes the world is not all about her: me, that human being is me! I know now that I can make a change. I also got to see the State Capital Building and know how Fairies do politics. Interesting right?? And my host grand parents took me to Church and I learned the ethics of Christianity.

Lastly, for outbound YES students my advice would be dream and live your dream here; you are lucky to get this chance. Enjoy have fun; Americans are fairies of my fairy tale but you can make it yours. Step in this fairy tale and try to get best out of it. Just remember throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision.

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A Student from Yemen Lives Out His Dreams
By Maad Sharaf Read Story

My Experience Changed My Life

My story began when I was kid, maybe 10 years old. I had a lot of dreams really want to achieve, but they were still dreams until I grow up and see the life as real. Sometimes I feel that I dream in something over my age and sometimes I think it’s impossible to achieve. The dreams were always growing up and up until I had chance to achieve one of my dreams.

My name is (Maad Mahfoudh), Oh I mean (Maad Sharaf) which that was the first difference I faced here, because in my country (Yemen) we call the people by their first name following by their father’s name, but that wasn’t only difference. Actually I found a lot more of differences.

America, America was one of my biggest dreams, but actually I didn't know what our dream look like, I thought America is a huge building, exciting places, drunken people everywhere and war with every country, and that was what we see it every day in TVs and American movies, but never showed us the nice things or the very respectful people.

I and other 32 students from my country had a full scholarship from the State Department of the United States, we were more than happy and so excited to live another life and have a different experience. I remember that day when we left our country, I remember when the tears were falling from our parents’ eyes with a big hugs at the last moment in the airport, from that day every one of us had a big responsibility in his/her shoulder has to achieve. And that responsibility was making a bridge between the United States and Yemen.

I arrived in Wisconsin on Aug 9th and wore a winter scarf in the first month because I was so darn cold here, while everyone here was hot and laugh when they see me wearing the winter clothes which I brought it from Yemen.

The second month was Ramadan, Ramadan is a special month in Islam, and so I didn’t eat or drink anything from 4; 30 am to 7pm, although school and volleyball started. I tried to do all my stuff alone; it was a very big challenge for me and the first Ramadan outside my country and without my family. I found my host family consider me a part of the their family, they tried their best to help me with my things, and even with the food they tried so hard to keep me away from the pork or anything against my religion (Islam).

I came here and had no idea what the people think about my country and my religion, I found a lot of people who had a bad views about our culture. At that moment I felt I'm the only one who's responsible for teaching the American people who we are as real and we are not that bad as they see in the news or newspaper. I think the people helped me to feel that I have to do something may help building that bridge of understanding.

Actually, I always believe that if I act by who I am, I will be a good ambassador for my country, especially when I'm the only one who's Arabian Muslim in my community, so I felt that I'm not only representing Yemen, but the middle east and all the Islamic countries in the world.

Everything was new and different for me, sometimes I feel the difference between the two cultures is very huge, but I started thinking to make a huge bridge as big as the amount of the differences to make the life easier. I started to join clubs, sports and activities which helped me to meet a lot of friends from different countries in the world.

I've seen a lot of things for the first time: tattoos, dreadlocks, women in shorts, Water Park, pets, dishwashers, garages, lockers in school, postal service, political debate, video of 9/11attacks, mittens, boots, furnaces, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Halloween, thanksgiving, Christmas, snow, and more. And I learned to do many things I’ve never done it before such as, biking, skiing, and playing Volleyball and a lot more.

My host family has a very big part of my life, I think I’m so lucky when I got them, they let me have a great experience and they really opened my mind for everything, my host mom, she has a big deep heart, I learned from her that nothing is impossible in this life, but the important part is that you have to make sure that you want it and always give your best for everything, my host dad was always giving me advices like his kid, I feel so happy when I talk with him, he’s such a wonderful dad for 4 kids, my 3 younger host brothers are awesome, they are the music in the house, I always remember my 3 younger brothers in my country when I’m playing with them or doing any activities, this family gave me the opportunity to see more than 14 states while I’m here, they were always helping me with my decisions and let me feel that I’m really an important part of their life and tried so hard to about my happiness and don’t let me feel that I’m alone. And I really don’t know how my life will look like without them.
I always feel so happy when people ask me questions about Yemen or Islam, sometimes they ask me a silly questions which I never thought about it, but I never considered that a silly questions because I really know what they are thinking about. Sometimes I feel that the people love listening to my perspective about the world events, American culture and anything happening in the US.

Sometimes the people ask me if I miss my home and my family, and I think everyone in the world live out of his home country feel homesick especially in the first month, but when I think about that for moment I remember how we worked so hard until we got here, how our families in Yemen encouraged us and gave us their trust to be a good responsible for our country and religion, so then immediately I see myself forgot everything, and try to work harder to reach my goals.

I learned from my experience here so far how I can be a good person for my life, how to correct my mistakes, how to choose my decisions, how to be responsible for myself, and be cheerful, patient, flexible, happy every time, and smile even if I’m sad.

I opened my mind for everything, for life, religions and cultures and still practicing my religion and have my culture values. I’m a part of the Youth Group in my host family church and I found that so interesting to learn about what the people believe in other religion and help them to learn about Islam and see other perspectives.

International education week was my best opportunity to do a lot of my presentations show the people our life style and what's Yemen look like. I was so happy doing that 5 times a week in different places, such as high schools, kid’s schools, churches, and more. I felt so proud of myself when I was answering every single question from them. I worked so hard on that and I'm still doing it everywhere, my host family and my friends helped me a lot for preparing everything even a trip to the Islamic center in my city for the high school kids and some teachers, they learned a lot from helping me too as well as I learned how to be more confident front all different of people. I was always praying to give Yemen at least a small thing while I'm here and be a really good ambassador for it, I couldn't believe myself at that moment when they told me that I won the first place from 100s of people applied in IEW and I'm now a different person which believe nothing impossible if you worked so hard .

CHANGING THE WORLD, that’s what I’m dreaming about, right now.

My final advice is always believed that you can make a difference in the world, but be sure that is to be who you are wherever you were.

By Maad Sharaf from Yemen

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My Year in the US
by Nayab Mirza from Pakistan Read Story

Reflections

Nayab with her host family, principal, community representative, and Senator Richard Lugar

In December 2007, I received approval to be considered for a scholarship; I knew that YES had given me a platform to start my life on; it was like an airplane beginning to take off was shown the path to the runway. And yes I took off too, but only after trimming my crude edges and becoming an example of a true Pakistani. I began observing for the true identity of Pakistan around me. I saw that Pakistan in the eyes of a hardworking shopkeeper, it was in the eyes of old people and in the hearts of the youth as zeal and fervor. I diligently continued fulfilling the myriad requirements of the scholarship; writing essays, doing community service projects and foremost appreciating being a Pakistani. After that it was a series of rapid euphoric incidents, and my senses returned only when I stood at the Airport in Washington DC, to realize the step I had taken. I was astounded furthermore to meet people from around the world, which showed me that we are all just part of one, united world. I was ecstatic to meet the people who had openheartedly accepted a stranger like me. But I felt no surprise or culture shock at first because the Estes family welcomed me in a familiar way as if I was a part of their life. Thus began a new journey with new companions, from whom what I have learned is impossible to summarize. The rest of my days were spent on a beautiful farm in the middle of Missouri's luscious green country side. Gradually I met new people; saw many new things which were awe-inspiring. It was a great fortune for me that my Host Grandmother had visited Pakistan and my Mom was a culturally aware person; she ate the Rotis I cooked, she liked my Henna patterns and made me teach her Urdu. I was proud of Pakistan. During that time I practiced my religion and my host family was extremely tolerant of my religious habits, I don't recall a single time when they would eat pork while I was around, I never intended for them to do so but it was a sign of their respect for my values. Together with my two younger host sisters I enjoyed numerous occasions. Their jokes never failed to amuse me and my laughter was forever ringing in the air. Laughter was perhaps my greatest therapy for problems; all I had to do was laugh at myself and things transformed. This has become a lifelong lesson.

At school I met polite and charming teachers, I was at all times grateful to their efforts of including me in clubs, but I learnt that in order to progress one has to take initiative. Because of my determination I made the school proud, I got an award as a member of a Speech Team, I became a member of National Honors Society, I was awarded to be the best delegate in Model United Nation and I was an outstanding Lawyer in Mock Trial. The value of my achievement is in my personality today as I am not afraid to speak, not afraid to pursue my interests today I know what I excel at and what I have to strive for.

In the closely knit community of Owensville I discovered many interwoven friendships, and I was delighted to become friends with such people. They realized the stipulations on my lifestyle and appreciated the different aspects of my country. I reminisce about the time when they were all so inquisitive about me; with them I developed a connection of full trust, love and fun. We had slumber parties, movie nights, and outings, where I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was learning how significant friendships are. I always looked upon myself as a person who is relatively reserved, but my friends taught me that if you want to develop a long-lasting bond I needed to be more outgoing. During the time when I was involved in Speech Team, and mock trial I understood the mindset of more people.

Coupled with this I learnt about new religions by joining a Church Youth Group. I got an insight on major religions of the world and also found out that inorder to open one's mind a person has to be tolerant of differences and appreciate diversity. If I was adamant about my beliefs and tried to impose them, there was no possible way for me to find out about the wonderful aspects of other faiths. Several times during discussions I stumbled across stereotypes about Muslims. At that time I pondered over the choice I had. I could start arguing, which would inevitably be worthless, or I could talk to them and reason with people by getting my opinion across. Very soon I learnt that if I didn't take the first step people will be unwilling to approach me. People saw me as friendly and they were more willing to learn about Islam. I understood very quickly that I did not have enough time in US to quarrel with people or to tell them what I thought was right, because nevertheless I was an outsider in their lives; the greater adjustment and flexibility should be on my side, they did their part by accepting and welcoming me and it was my turn to repay their generosity.

I thank my Host Family who empathized with my discomfort in certain situations. But that did not imply that I kept back from having fun. To quote from a true American, "I was game for anything!" This was my Host Father's good friend. At the onset of winter, we started planning fishing trips. A comical incident I remember is that, while we were on the boat a sharp branch came in the way and it hit me right across my face. My Host Dad thought I was insane because I burst into tears of laughter, it was unexpected and humorous because in life many branches will hit you across your face, some harder than other but you can't go back and fight over things that have happened, all you could do is be more cautious to avoid the next one.

My entire stay has been expecting the unexpected; and I had the most superb time of my life. To end this speech is a huge task because many stories are still untold, but I will always remember the love of the people of Owensville and my Host Family's amazing grasp of understanding me. I have learnt so many new lessons and I have changed myself so much that I feel like a better person. Moreover, I have realized what a beautiful country America is and I greatly commend the generosity of its inhabitants; I found out what a prized possession I have in the form of Pakistan, and what role I as a young person have in building the bridges between nations.

Lastly, I thank the sponsoring organizations and the U.S. Department of State for making such a massive difference in life of a normal, common Pakistani girl's life, who thought once that she wouldn't be able to fly!

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Learning with YES in the US
Ali Al-Hada from Yemen Read Story

Life and Learning in the US

First of all, my name is Ali, YES student 04/05 from Yemen. I have had the greatest time of my life as a YES student. This program has opened my eyes to many things that I have never expect myself to experience. I wasn't quite optimistic about coming to the States by myself, but because I have an adventurous soul and personality; I participated in the YES program.

Originally, I participated because I was seeking for change and to put off my curiosity to know about American culture and life style. Because of globalization, America to us in Yemen and other Islamic countries is a country where Hollywood is a reality. By that I mean, all the movies we watch and all we hear about the US was actually true about them. Something in me wasn't really trusting in that, so I decided to apply to the YES program.

My journey started in my home country where the AMIDEAST did a great job preparing us for the program. I got to learn a bit about the Americans even before I met them. Many people in my country believed that I would be a good diplomat. Well, that really got me going although the testing and selecting for the program was "nerve racking". Anyway, after I got a full support of my family and passed all my exams, I had to face the reality of leaving them.

Life in the US

When I first stepped out of Dulles Airport, I felt a hot humid breeze and instantly, I thought they might have mistaken our group and took us to a Caribbean Island, or maybe they wanted to surprise us to see our shock. This indicates that we arrived in the August heat. Well, I have never experienced such a humid weather, so I was honestly shocked. As we were driving to the hotel, I barely saw any tall buildings and many trees, I was certain that we were at the Amazon or elsewhere. I was expecting to see buildings like the ones in downtown Manhattan. I still enjoyed that first shocking moments.

Getting to know all YES students from all over the Middle East was even more interesting. After spending an amazing three nights stay at the hotel for the entrance orientating, I was ready to meet my host family. I can go on and on telling all details of my story because they are fresh and it feels like it just happened yesterday. But most importantly is that I have enjoyed every moment during my stay in the States. The best part is I learned much about the US cultures and society, much more than what I have ever expected.

The best thing I did in my life is to learn how to make friends, share valuable cultural experiences, and build cultural bridge between nations. If I can do this over again, I would do it over and over until I die.

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CBYX Student Meets Congress Woman Lynn Jenkins
Letter from a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship Student Bianca Todte Read Story

A Thank You from An Ayusa Student

Below is a letter from a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship student Bianca Todte. She recently met her congresswoman, Lynn Jenkins.

Bianca and Lynn

My name is Bianca Todte, I am 16 years old and I am from Germany. The idea of becoming a foreign exchange student started pretty early, in 8th grade. I told my parents about that but they said that I would be too young. But the idea never really faded.

Eventually, I decided to take the scholarship from the CBYX program after they told me after a long procedure and tests that I finally received the scholarship.

So I began preparing for my adventure and went also to the one week of preparation from Ayusa. Then finally the big day arrived and I found myself being in Topeka, Kansas.

The first time in the US was really exciting and interesting. I think there is no big difference between living with an American family and with a German family. But, pets are definitely more a member of the family than in Germany, and the meals are very different, too. Sport is a very big deal here! Almost everybody loves football and me and my family go to all the basketball games from the universities in Topeka. Also in high school sports are a big deal! But I just love the school spirit here. Everybody is proud of our school! The Americans are very nice and it didn't take me very long to get to know a lot of people. I noticed since I came here is that Americans are very friendly.

Today I met with the member of congress, Lynn Jenkins. She was much nicer than I expected. We just talked a little bit about me and what I think about the USA and Topeka. When you see somebody on TV then this person seems to be so unreachable and important. So I was really excited before meeting her, because I didn't know what to say and how she is going to be. But I was surprised. She was very friendly and we had a small talk about simple stuff and we laughed and she also hugged me. So she was just a human as you and I are.

I learned already a lot about myself here and I am much more open than I was before. I just enjoy experiencing another view and attitude from another culture and country and I think that will help me to see the world a lot different. For example, not to judge anything before you really get to know it and that there is a reason for all the actions that seems to be strange, but only because you didn't try to understand the reason.

I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here. I learn so much and make unforgettable experiences. Thank you so much!

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