In the spirit of Thanksgiving, alumni from all over the United States have sent in the reasons why they are thankful for their exchange experiences with Youth For Understanding. For many, their experiences with Youth For Understanding have given them a chance to learn about themselves, to gain family and friends as well as skills that have helped them in their careers. We hope you enjoy their stories.

"I would like to sent a great big thank you to all of the staff and volunteers of Youth For Understanding that make this organization what it is! Without you guys nothing could happen. We would not be able to find the wonderful host families that would be willing to share their homes with international students and we would not be able to get Americans to explore other cultures. It takes dedicated and devoted people to make Youth For Understanding work and all of you possess these qualities. I love this organization with all of my heart and I am so glad that you guys, as well as the alumni, are out there making it happen!"

Trebor C. Yocum
Freedom Support Act-Russia 1997-1998

"I am thankful for my exchange experience because I would not be me, nor would I have found out who I am without having gone to Ukraine or Brazil. In Brazil I found some great people, but I also learned that people aren't always there to accommodate your every need, thus I learned to depend on myself. In Ukraine I took action on this concept, and I found the best friends I ever had. I also found out who I am and how to make myself a happier person.

It isn't so much the culture or language that I am grateful for, although they are very interesting to me, it was more the deeper mental and inner growth that I achieved. That was the best part! The exchange experience isn't about the place, it's about the people and it's about you!"

Emily Jennings
Semester to Ukraine, Summer to Brazil

(Newsletter Continued)

Thankful for the Love
"Not only am I thankful to Youth For Understanding for matching me with a great host family, but also to my host family that showed me more than just kindness. They opened more than their home -- they offered their hearts."

Shannon Sutch
Basque Country/Spain, Summer 1994
(pictured above with her host family)

Thankful 5679 Miles Away…

"I am thankful for the family that took me in my first night in Argentina. That dear temporary host family gave a skinny, odd, cocky American wearing 5 watches (swatches at that!) hot water bottles to sleep with that bitter cold winter night.

I am thankful for my host family the Royo's, who were able to deal with our differences logically and were able to rationalize both of our needs in order to move on.

I am thankful for all of my friends (Argentine, American, and exchange). These were the people that talked, counseled, and listened to me.

I am thankful for the Blanco's. They are my last and forever host family, who were to take me in on a temporary basis, two days before my birthday. This great family asked me to stay the remainder of my semester with them and to share my birthday with my host father. They gave me love, hope and inspiration for life.

I am thankful to my American family, who allowed me to have the Youth For Understanding experience which has made me who I am today."

David R. Jones
Argentina, Semester 1997