EN
podcaster image

Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding

Kelsey Ross

Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding is a podcast by YFU USA sharing real stories from exchange students, host families, alumni, and volunteers. Each episode explores the impact of hosting, studying abroad, and volunteering through cultural exchange. Discover how global experiences build empathy, connection, and lifelong growth across borders.

Episode

In this special Podcasthon edition of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Scott Messing — President & CEO of Youth For Understanding USA — to explore the life-changing power of cultural exchange.

 

Scott shares his journey from growing up surrounded by global influences, to studying abroad in Germany, to eventually leading one of the most impactful exchange organizations in the world.

 

Hear stories of cold showers, fireworks gone wrong, unexpected family connections in East Germany, hosting international students, and what it truly means to build global understanding.

 

Scott also reflects on YFU’s 75-year legacy, why exchange matters now more than ever, and how listeners can help shape the next generation of global citizens.

 

Learn more or get involved:

Donate to YFU: https://yfuusa.org/give

Volunteer: https://yfuusa.org/volunteer

Become a Local Coordinator: https://yfuusa.org/become-a-coordinator

Host a Student: https://yfuusa.org/host

Study Abroad: https://yfuusa.org/study

 

 

Part of Podcasthon: highlighting charities making a difference.

https://podcasthon.org/

The charity and its cause

association image

Youth For Understanding USA

Youth For Understanding (YFU) is a global non-profit organization committed to intercultural exchange. Driven by the mission to help people develop mutual respect and understanding through sharing and experiencing different cultures and languages, YFU strives to shape a more interconnected and peaceable world.