YFU Heartland District Blog

Tell your YFU story!

yfuheartland — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:04:54 +0000

We all have stories to tell as YFU volunteers, host families and students. We hope you will share your most memorable YFU moments! Email your local Field Director or call us at (866) 493-8872.

Enjoy the latest from our Class of 2010!

Filed under: Tell your YFU story!

Carla, a VPA from Germany shares her experiences at the Heartland District Office

yfuheartland — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:00:10 +0000

My name is Carla, I am 19 years old and I am from Germany. During the High School year 2008/2009 I was on an exchange to Argentina with Youth For Understanding. When I came back to Germany I decided to become a Volunteer for YFU and they offered me the great opportunity to do an internship at the YFU office in Des Moines, Iowa. As a Volunteer Placement Assistant (VPA) I am trying to find host families for the exchange students who will come to the U.S. this summer.

First I was a bit worried about my English skills and if I can handle all my duties and responsibilities, but from the very first moment everyone in the office supported me so I got used to it very quick.

Attending a booth at a festival or Famers Market I like the most. I love to share my YFU story with other people and maybe inspire them to host somebody or to send their child abroad. For me it was one of the best years in my life so I always enjoy talking about it and remembering lots of unforgettable moments.

In my opinion it is really important to volunteer with YFU because it gives me the chance to help other students to experience the daily life in a foreign country and to get to know their culture and traditions.

I want to give as many students the same opportunity I had because the exchange program really changed my life!

If you are interested in changing the life of a student – and your family – contact the Heartland District Office at (866) 493-8872.

Filed under: Tell your YFU story!

Isabell Nüske, Germany:

yfuheartland — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:58:13 +0000

“My exchange year with YFU means a lot to me. When I first arrived in Iowa I was not sure if this is the right thing for me. I was shy and it was hard for me to understand people but after a while I got used to the new area and started to feel comfortable. I lived in a whole new environment with a new family, new friends and got to go to a whole new school.

My exchanged year was a great learning experience and if I would have the opportunity I would do it again.”

Filed under: Tell your YFU story!

Host a YFU Exchange Student

yfuheartland — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:05:50 +0000

Five great reasons to host a YFU student:

Gain a foreign daughter or son for life!
Experience a new and exciting family dynamic
Give your family a new perspective on your community
Change forever how your family thinks about the world
Build bridges of understanding between cultures

Your family can be a YFU host! Apply online at www.yfu-usa.org or call toll-free 866.493.8872. Complete a Host Family Application today to see photographs of these and more students available to host.

Filed under: Meet the 2011 YFU students

Caroline, 17 year old female from Denmark

yfuheartland — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:48:42 +0000

A creative young lady, Caroline from Denmark likes to do things with her hands, such as making jewelry, drawing, painting and photography. In fact, she would love a creative career like photographer, writer or goldsmith. Caroline is excited about coming to the U.S. and learning the American way of life and also to test her boundaries. Her teachers say she is calm, happy, sweet and very creative. She likes to cook and bake, sing, play board games with her family and sight see. Caroline wants to teach her American family about life in Denmark and the traditions. She is excited to make new friends and see America. She has hay fever and very mild allergy to dogs and cats so please no pets in her bedroom. Caroline is looking forward to a great challenge and a great adventure.