First I would like to congratulate you Laura on your channel. It is extremely helpful and spot on for anyone contemplating an exchange year in the USA. Since I'm a former host parent in Virginia I still enjoy following the Europe to U.S. programs. It is especially interesting to see how students grow as individuals throughout the year and the excitement of experiencing a new culture, customs, school, friends, family etc. Priceless!
Thank you so much that's great to hear. Just remembering how I always used to watch these kinds of videos before I became an exchange student is such a huge motivation for me. And these lovely interactions in the comments just make it so worth it. I am so happy that I can be helpful and get to know so many lovely people through this channel
I love your channel, we have hosted Japanese students but only for shorter periods and are looking into longer stays so I love your tips and perspective. I would like to the hear about your studies in England and more specific details on your experience with the host siblings and how you handled it? Thanks for sharing!
Why I follow your channel I found you when I was looking for any information about hosting a exchange student. I continue to follow because of your personality it's so fun and bubbly. I think you're fashion videos are cute and your information about your exchange year is fun I love hearing stories so when you tell stories I enjoy that a lot.
@@katlizski Thank you that means a lot! I hope I was able to give you a bit more insight into what it could be like being a host family. My family here in Germany actually hosted a girl as well so I kinda know it from both sides. It can definitely be an incredible experience.
I watch for your excellent commentary on exchange students, especially as pertains to being a host family (but you knew that). And how you made all those videos and still posted new content every Saturday has left me scratching my head. 🤔 For the record, I probably won't ever watch your fashion videos, just saying 😉... I did watch your weight loss video just to hear about what you had done. I have dropped all the sugar on a Keto type diet, and went from 190# to 163# this past summer. My low was 158 recently, but had fell ill for a week. At that point, I could still fit into my Army uniform from 1985! After all the splurging over the holidays, I was at 164# this morning. 😎 Well done on studying abroad once again, I hope all went well for you, and that you enjoy every success! You would make a great advisor for an exchange organization...
Congratulations! It's amazing that you even were able to fit into your old uniform. Losing weight is tough! Also, fun fact: I applied for an internship with an exchange student organization two years ago and never even got a reply. Ended up finding another great internship with a different company but I think it could have been interesting
Oh, I'M so glad to hear that! Always let me know if there is a topic you want me to talk about or a question you have. Which country will you be going to?
Dies ist ein weiteres sehr schönes Video, Laura! Ich hoffe, du hattest ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und ein gutes neues Jahr, auch. For someone your age, you are certainly "wise beyond your years". Your comments and observations always seem exceptionally mature and cerebral. The Auswaertiges Amt would be damn lucky to have you. Sincerely! Grüße aus Davis, Kalifornien (eine grosse Universitätsstadt, btw). Dein, Raimund
Raymond, Ihr Deutsch ist wirklich sehr gut! Ich bin beeindruckt. I actually found out that a friend of mine has a relative working for the Auswärtige Amt so I will get more serious about looking into careers there after talking to her
@@honey27003 Danke, Laura! Schön, daß du das sagst! Just let me know if I can help further on the "career topic." Don't be timid. I'm happy to be of assistance. You had asked on this video what else you should post. I would suggest creating some vids on your recent UK experience, for sure. Zum Beispiel: How is the UK Uni system different than in Deutschland? How do the societies differ? What is the UK attitude toward Europe's largest economy (Deutschland)?.. und so weiter...
That's so amazing and such an exciting time! Which country will you be going to? Are there any videos I could film to help you out? Any questions you have?
I’d love for you to do a review on what company to go through. I am hoping to host a student and I don’t know what agency to use. I also would like to know when you think would be a good time in life for someone to host? I have young children and I don’t know if I should wait till my children are older or if we can host right now! (Because I really want to host. My best friend from high school I met when she was an exchange student.) Anyways, I follow your channel so I can give a future exchange student an awesome experience and so I can prepare since I know little to nothing about it.
I will talk about these questions in an upcoming video because I know that there will be so many other people in the same situation as you wondering about the same things so it's great that you asked :) I also want to give you a quick answer here. As with most things in life, there is never a perfect time for anything you just have to take the dive when it seems right. How old exactly are your kids? I probably wouldn't recommend it if you have a new born at home but if your kids are maybe 3+ years old or even in kindergarten or school already then I don't think it's an issue. Juts be aware that exchange students need a bit more attention than the average teen especially in the beginning. But I think it could be a really beautiful bond between your exchange student and your little ones. I think I would have loved to have little host siblings. It also gives your kids a perfect opportunity to learn about the world very early on.
You could also call your local high school and ask what organization they use. Our school in the Midwest typically allows 3-4 exchange students per year (and they all typically come from the same organization). All the exchange students in the area then get together monthly for activities, so it builds a really nice bond between them. We will host for the first time next year (our kids will be 13-19) but I know several who host with younger kids. It all just depends on what you can handle.
@@carissadonner6373 The activities thing sounds really nice! I know most organizations plan little get togethers but obviously its much easier to make it happen if its on a more local level. Great idea on their part!
< Bring your kids there 1 day > you said ? Existing kids, unborn kids on the way , future kids ? One thing I can say : They'll be in good hands( I can see that your parents did a great job with you). Stupid question : What makes Germans master the American accent faster ( a few months) than any other nationally? Why do Germans sound more Americans than Brits when speaking English? It can't be just the media influence, there has to be another reason . What do you think?
No, no kids yet. I need to finish m studies and find a career I love first before I start planning that journey. But that's a huge compliment so thank you so much. About your question: I would love to answer it in a future video if you don't mind :)
It's so great to see that families want to host. My soon to be 16 yr old wants to do this this summer and we are busy trying to organise something but we are worried about what a host family gets out of it, especially since our teen can be quite quiet at times. i am struggling to work out which company to use, it is very confusing.
@@kirstyweeks2533 From my personal experience both as an exchange student and as part of a host family I can say that what host families get out of it is at least a fun experience of getting to know someone from a different culture and best case scenario a life-long friendship with their student. Being a host family is not about money at all, many people do it to sort of take the world into their home. Exchange students can tell such interesting stories and you can learn so much more about another culture than if you were to simply visit the country on holiday. Don't worry about your child being shy either. As long as it comes from them and they really want to do it, they will be fine. However, I would be careful if they don't really want to do it as they would have a very hard time then. As long as there is intrinsic motivation, it should be fine. For the organization I would say it depends. Are you from the US? Which country is your child looking to stay in? Also the duration of the program is important. If you only want to do a short period over the summer, I know EF does short-term programs. For long term you can pretty much go with anyone. I went with CIEE and was pretty satisfied. Let me know if you have any other questions :)
I actually have a question about scholarships and that stuff. I want to go on Exchange Year in 2024 after I graduated, wich means I will be 18. Because of that we decided to look for a company now because we know that not every Company takes a Student over 18. We finally settled with EF, we have not signed the contract yet, but as you know its really expensive. Do you know if some scholarships take also students over 18? The scholarships we found didn't but maybe you know more. I would be really grateful for your response.
Hi! You're right, it is harder finding a scholarship when you are 18 or older. The one I got only accepts students up until the age of 18. Since you don't have a contract signed yet I would advise you to check out other exchange student organizations to see if they have any scholarship options for 18+. You should know that it is generally quite hard to get organization's scholarships so you shouldn't rely on that money anyway. Have to considered doing a volunteer program abroad instead? They tend to be much cheaper as you will work. Another option would be to get a job on the weekends? Maybe you can work a little for a company in your town. I know big companies also offer vacation jobs that pay really well. Or you could try waiting tables at a local restaurant or ice cream place?
@@honey27003 Okay, thank you for your response. I already looked into other programs and most of them don't even accept students over 18. But I will try to find more organizations. I also already talked with my parents about the money and they also said that I should definitely try to get a job to fund it my self or at least pay half of it. I also tried to do that this year, but no one excepted me because of my age.
@@nancyk.9147 Dann solltest du definitiv mehr Möglichkeiten haben einen Job zu finden wenn du erstmal 18 bist. Schau doch mal bei de großen Firmen wie Mercedes, VW, B. Braun, Siemens etc. die bieten oft Jobs. Aber überleg dir wie gesagt auch die Alternative vielleicht ein Freiwiliiges Soziales Jahr in Ausland zu machen da gibt es viele schöne Programme.
Laura. I got interested in listening to Germans who have lived in the US the I first one saw was a German girl named Felicia Hofner (She comes from Muenchen!) who resides now in Cincinnati, Ohio. She did 2 years (I think) at the University of Cincinnati and came back and eventually won the "Green Card Lottery" to establish permanent residency in the US and now does a RUclips Channel (Called Feli From Germany) about living in the US and in Germany and is very popular and even she sells Merchandise too. There are also a number of other nice German Exchange students (Svenja Rossig & Louisa Truss for example) who used their time in the US to make nice videos. Why not look into the possibility of finding some sort of Scholarship and study at an American University here in the US and expand the possibilities for more v idea and a nice career!?? We would love to have you back!!
It's just amazing how some people have managed to overcome all of these cultural and legal barriers and actually move to a different country. Even better when they share their journey so others can follow. I will definitely be traveling and living in a few more places within the next years and if I ever get the chance I would love to spend some time at an American university.
@@honey27003 I wish you much Good Luck Laura in your International Journeys...I just hope you can make it back to the US for more nice experiences! If you have time check out the RUclips Channel "FELI from GERMANY".She has made LOTS of videos so far!
First I would like to congratulate you Laura on your channel. It is extremely helpful and spot on for anyone contemplating an exchange year in the USA. Since I'm a former host parent in Virginia I still enjoy following the Europe to U.S. programs. It is especially interesting to see how students grow as individuals throughout the year and the excitement of experiencing a new culture, customs, school, friends, family etc. Priceless!
Thank you so much that's great to hear. Just remembering how I always used to watch these kinds of videos before I became an exchange student is such a huge motivation for me. And these lovely interactions in the comments just make it so worth it. I am so happy that I can be helpful and get to know so many lovely people through this channel
I love your channel, we have hosted Japanese students but only for shorter periods and are looking into longer stays so I love your tips and perspective. I would like to the hear about your studies in England and more specific details on your experience with the host siblings and how you handled it? Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! I've added those two topics to my list. Let me know if you ever have any questions I could answer :D
I enjoy your video, so yes more videos.
Why I follow your channel I found you when I was looking for any information about hosting a exchange student. I continue to follow because of your personality it's so fun and bubbly. I think you're fashion videos are cute and your information about your exchange year is fun I love hearing stories so when you tell stories I enjoy that a lot.
@@katlizski Thank you that means a lot! I hope I was able to give you a bit more insight into what it could be like being a host family. My family here in Germany actually hosted a girl as well so I kinda know it from both sides. It can definitely be an incredible experience.
I watch for your excellent commentary on exchange students, especially as pertains to being a host family (but you knew that). And how you made all those videos and still posted new content every Saturday has left me scratching my head. 🤔
For the record, I probably won't ever watch your fashion videos, just saying 😉...
I did watch your weight loss video just to hear about what you had done. I have dropped all the sugar on a Keto type diet, and went from 190# to 163# this past summer. My low was 158 recently, but had fell ill for a week. At that point, I could still fit into my Army uniform from 1985! After all the splurging over the holidays, I was at 164# this morning. 😎
Well done on studying abroad once again, I hope all went well for you, and that you enjoy every success! You would make a great advisor for an exchange organization...
Congratulations! It's amazing that you even were able to fit into your old uniform. Losing weight is tough! Also, fun fact: I applied for an internship with an exchange student organization two years ago and never even got a reply. Ended up finding another great internship with a different company but I think it could have been interesting
I follow your channel because I am going on an exchange year next school year. These videos really help me!
Oh, I'M so glad to hear that! Always let me know if there is a topic you want me to talk about or a question you have. Which country will you be going to?
@@honey27003 Thanks! I’m going to the USA :)
@@lauraekstrand7427 Awesome! Do you know which state yet?
@@honey27003 no not yet :)
@@lauraekstrand7427 That' totally normal. I actually got my host family two days before I left
Dies ist ein weiteres sehr schönes Video, Laura! Ich hoffe, du hattest ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und ein gutes neues Jahr, auch. For someone your age, you are certainly "wise beyond your years". Your comments and observations always seem exceptionally mature and cerebral. The Auswaertiges Amt would be damn lucky to have you. Sincerely! Grüße aus Davis, Kalifornien (eine grosse Universitätsstadt, btw). Dein, Raimund
Raymond, Ihr Deutsch ist wirklich sehr gut! Ich bin beeindruckt. I actually found out that a friend of mine has a relative working for the Auswärtige Amt so I will get more serious about looking into careers there after talking to her
@@honey27003 Danke, Laura! Schön, daß du das sagst! Just let me know if I can help further on the "career topic." Don't be timid. I'm happy to be of assistance. You had asked on this video what else you should post. I would suggest creating some vids on your recent UK experience, for sure. Zum Beispiel: How is the UK Uni system different than in Deutschland? How do the societies differ? What is the UK attitude toward Europe's largest economy (Deutschland)?.. und so weiter...
@@raymondmiller5098 I will definitely get back to you on the career thing! Thank you for giving me so much advice
I follow mainly because of ur exchange student content cuz Im going on a exchange year in August or whenever school start after the summer break
That's so amazing and such an exciting time! Which country will you be going to? Are there any videos I could film to help you out? Any questions you have?
@@honey27003 I'm going to the US no nothing that comes to mind thank you anyways
@@gurkeliott If there is anything you're wondering about, let me know anytime!
@@gurkeliott me too
I’d love for you to do a review on what company to go through. I am hoping to host a student and I don’t know what agency to use. I also would like to know when you think would be a good time in life for someone to host? I have young children and I don’t know if I should wait till my children are older or if we can host right now! (Because I really want to host. My best friend from high school I met when she was an exchange student.) Anyways, I follow your channel so I can give a future exchange student an awesome experience and so I can prepare since I know little to nothing about it.
I will talk about these questions in an upcoming video because I know that there will be so many other people in the same situation as you wondering about the same things so it's great that you asked :) I also want to give you a quick answer here. As with most things in life, there is never a perfect time for anything you just have to take the dive when it seems right. How old exactly are your kids? I probably wouldn't recommend it if you have a new born at home but if your kids are maybe 3+ years old or even in kindergarten or school already then I don't think it's an issue. Juts be aware that exchange students need a bit more attention than the average teen especially in the beginning. But I think it could be a really beautiful bond between your exchange student and your little ones. I think I would have loved to have little host siblings. It also gives your kids a perfect opportunity to learn about the world very early on.
You could also call your local high school and ask what organization they use. Our school in the Midwest typically allows 3-4 exchange students per year (and they all typically come from the same organization). All the exchange students in the area then get together monthly for activities, so it builds a really nice bond between them. We will host for the first time next year (our kids will be 13-19) but I know several who host with younger kids. It all just depends on what you can handle.
@@carissadonner6373 The activities thing sounds really nice! I know most organizations plan little get togethers but obviously its much easier to make it happen if its on a more local level. Great idea on their part!
This might be a weird question but should you pack a lot of clothes or should you pack some clothes and then buy clothes there if you need one too
I will definitely talk about this in a future video! Great question and definitely a useful thing to know
would you say a semester is worth it? i would like to go on an exchange for a year, but my parents will only really consider a semester
< Bring your kids there 1 day > you said ? Existing kids, unborn kids on the way , future kids ? One thing I can say : They'll be in good hands( I can see that your parents did a great job with you).
Stupid question : What makes Germans master the American accent faster ( a few months) than any other nationally? Why do Germans sound more Americans than Brits when speaking English?
It can't be just the media influence, there has to be another reason .
What do you think?
No, no kids yet. I need to finish m studies and find a career I love first before I start planning that journey. But that's a huge compliment so thank you so much. About your question: I would love to answer it in a future video if you don't mind :)
It's so great to see that families want to host. My soon to be 16 yr old wants to do this this summer and we are busy trying to organise something but we are worried about what a host family gets out of it, especially since our teen can be quite quiet at times. i am struggling to work out which company to use, it is very confusing.
@@kirstyweeks2533 From my personal experience both as an exchange student and as part of a host family I can say that what host families get out of it is at least a fun experience of getting to know someone from a different culture and best case scenario a life-long friendship with their student. Being a host family is not about money at all, many people do it to sort of take the world into their home. Exchange students can tell such interesting stories and you can learn so much more about another culture than if you were to simply visit the country on holiday. Don't worry about your child being shy either. As long as it comes from them and they really want to do it, they will be fine. However, I would be careful if they don't really want to do it as they would have a very hard time then. As long as there is intrinsic motivation, it should be fine. For the organization I would say it depends. Are you from the US? Which country is your child looking to stay in? Also the duration of the program is important. If you only want to do a short period over the summer, I know EF does short-term programs. For long term you can pretty much go with anyone. I went with CIEE and was pretty satisfied. Let me know if you have any other questions :)
I actually have a question about scholarships and that stuff. I want to go on Exchange Year in 2024 after I graduated, wich means I will be 18. Because of that we decided to look for a company now because we know that not every Company takes a Student over 18. We finally settled with EF, we have not signed the contract yet, but as you know its really expensive. Do you know if some scholarships take also students over 18? The scholarships we found didn't but maybe you know more. I would be really grateful for your response.
Hi! You're right, it is harder finding a scholarship when you are 18 or older. The one I got only accepts students up until the age of 18. Since you don't have a contract signed yet I would advise you to check out other exchange student organizations to see if they have any scholarship options for 18+. You should know that it is generally quite hard to get organization's scholarships so you shouldn't rely on that money anyway. Have to considered doing a volunteer program abroad instead? They tend to be much cheaper as you will work. Another option would be to get a job on the weekends? Maybe you can work a little for a company in your town. I know big companies also offer vacation jobs that pay really well. Or you could try waiting tables at a local restaurant or ice cream place?
@@honey27003 Okay, thank you for your response. I already looked into other programs and most of them don't even accept students over 18. But I will try to find more organizations. I also already talked with my parents about the money and they also said that I should definitely try to get a job to fund it my self or at least pay half of it. I also tried to do that this year, but no one excepted me because of my age.
@@nancyk.9147 Which country are you from?
@@honey27003 Germany, and I applied last year for jobs and everybody told me I was too young. I will reapply once I am 16.
@@nancyk.9147 Dann solltest du definitiv mehr Möglichkeiten haben einen Job zu finden wenn du erstmal 18 bist. Schau doch mal bei de großen Firmen wie Mercedes, VW, B. Braun, Siemens etc. die bieten oft Jobs. Aber überleg dir wie gesagt auch die Alternative vielleicht ein Freiwiliiges Soziales Jahr in Ausland zu machen da gibt es viele schöne Programme.
How old where you when you went on your exchanging year?
Hi! I was 15 when I started :)
Laura. I got interested in listening to Germans who have lived in the US the I first one saw was a German girl named Felicia Hofner (She comes from Muenchen!) who resides now in Cincinnati, Ohio. She did 2 years (I think) at the University of Cincinnati and came back and eventually won the "Green Card Lottery" to establish permanent residency in the US and now does a RUclips Channel (Called Feli From Germany) about living in the US and in Germany and is very popular and even she sells Merchandise too. There are also a number of other nice German Exchange students (Svenja Rossig & Louisa Truss for example) who used their time in the US to make nice videos. Why not look into the possibility of finding some sort of Scholarship and study at an American University here in the US and expand the possibilities for more v idea and a nice career!?? We would love to have you back!!
It's just amazing how some people have managed to overcome all of these cultural and legal barriers and actually move to a different country. Even better when they share their journey so others can follow. I will definitely be traveling and living in a few more places within the next years and if I ever get the chance I would love to spend some time at an American university.
@@honey27003 I wish you much Good Luck Laura in your International Journeys...I just hope you can make it back to the US for more nice experiences! If you have time check out the RUclips Channel "FELI from GERMANY".She has made LOTS of videos so far!
@@balancedactguy Yea that channel is amazing!