I've wanted to study abroad for years, but I had also decided it was completely impossible because of how expensive it is. However, thanks to the YFU scholarships, I was able to spend a month and a half in Japan for only $3000, including airfare, when

it would have $12,000 without the scholarship. Some of the other, though harder to win, scholarships made the trip completely free. Host families are all over the country and are picked according to matching interests. Be careful when you discuss your interests, because this is how families are matched, so if you aren't truthful, you won't end up with a good fit for you. I was placed on the border of Osaka and Nara. I absolutely loved my location, as I was smack in the middle of some of the best cities in the country. Nara is famous for its docile deer that you can simply walk up to and pet. Kyoto, which was a half hour train ride from my house, is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Osaka itself is a bustling city full of awesome places to shop. The amount of time you attend school depends on your host school. Some of my fellow exchange students were attending school the entire time they were there. I was only in school for about 9 days. I was assigned two buddies who were especially good at English to help me get around. Though it was a little sad to only see class 2-9 for such a short time, it gave me more time to explore the country, and I still got to play with the tennis team so I still got time to hang out with my schoolmates. One issue I had, which was out of YFU's control, was my host family. They were, sadly, one of the few host families who had hosted without realizing that they were ill equipped to host. It was only a dad and a daughter. The daughter completely ignored me (she later blamed it on shyness) and the host dad worked all the time, though he did try his best to be a good host parent. I have talked to many other exchange students, and this is a very uncommon issue. However, this did expose one of YFU's best qualities, which is their support system. My local area rep was more than happy to meet up with me several times and talk with me when I was having issues. My host family never took me out anywhere, so my area rep took me to see some very cool things on his own expense. I had the chance to move families, but decided not to take it since I decided that it would be too much drama in such a short time period. As a silver lining, I did develop a great deal of independence and was able to see a lot of Japan on my own or with other exchange students. All in all, I would absolutely recommend this with all of my heart. Like all exchanges, there will be hard times and nobody will be happy with every part of their exchange. However, this is an amazing chance to grow as a person, live in another culture, and have what will easily be the most life changing summer of your life. If you are even considering applying for a scholarship, do it. It could change your life.

Going on an intercultural exchange is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so you have to make sure you do it right. YFU is the best option. While I did have many exciting, educational, and emotional experiences abroad, my father had his doubts at first.

After conducting thorough research, we concluded that YFU was the safest program around with their intricate layers of support for both the student and natural family. During my exchange, YFU ensured that I was safe, comfortable, and ready to learn. They mapped out each part of the exchange to avoid mishaps, accidents, and distrubances (even at the airport which was miraculous). Great experiences can be had anywhere, but safe and educational experiences are YFU's specialty in my opinion. I encourage any parents of prospective students to research YFU's support system, and I bet you will come to the same conclusion that my father and I did: YFU is the best option. Before my trip, I had a three day orientation in California. There were plenty of other nervous exchange students there too. At the orientation, they taught us all the basic phrases and words we would need to know to survive in Japan. They also gave us a brief overview of Japanese culture along with some tips and tricks to make the best out of our exchanges. By the time we were on the plane, no one was nervous anymore. We were all excited and prepared for our exchange. Every YFU student will tell you that their host family is the greatest, but mine truly was the best. They welcomed me into their home, and soon I felt like family. The house I lived in was very comfortable and nice; it felt like home within a week. My host parents made sure that I was transitioning well, and they took initiative in teaching me some more Japanese. My host brothers worked, so I didn't see them much. However, when I did see them, we always had a fun time together. Before I knew it, they called me their brother. When it became time for me to leave, we were so close that it was unbearable to leave. I was most concerned about school, but I realized that I had nothing to worry about. YFU ensured that I was placed in a caring school that wanted to have an exchange student. Every teacher took measures to make sure I was understanding the material. Plus, for the first time, I was the top of my English class! My peers were very understanding too. They helped me get through the day in one piece by translating literature, taking notes, and assisting me whenever I need it. Time began to fly in school because I was enjoying myself. One of my favorite memories is going to the grocery store with my friends to buy ingredients for our home economics project. We make octopus balls, and they was delicious.I even make some great friends who I still keep in touch with to this day. It was hard to leave them.