Why Living Abroad Forces You Out of Your Comfort Zone — Kyle's Story

In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross speaks with Kyle Tew, a 16-year-old CBYX scholarship recipient from Michigan currently living in Germany. Kyle shares his journey from applying to the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program to adjusting to life abroad—language barriers, homesickness, and all.Kyle opens up about the support he received from his host family and classmates, the cultural differences he encountered, and the personal growth he’s experienced. From playing soccer and cello to navigating German school life and discovering new foods (yes, including the famous German bread), Kyle reflects on how exchange has shaped his future goals and confidence.Whether you're a student considering exchange or simply curious about life abroad, Kyle’s story is full of insight, encouragement, and heart.Keywords: CBYX, YFU, exchange student, Germany, study abroad, cultural exchange, international education, host family, teen travel, Kyle Tew, Life Exchanged podcastFollow Kyle on Instagram: @therealkyletewFor more info on YFU USA: ⁠https://yfuusa.org/Chapters:0:00 – Arrival & First Impressions0:25 – Meet Kyle & CBYX Journey4:08 – Preparing for Germany5:46 – Host Family & Settling In7:06 – Language Camp & School Life8:38 – Exploring Germany & Soccer Culture10:33 – Making Friends & Cultural Adjustment12:55 – School Differences & Learning Style16:00 – Challenges & Personal Growth17:26 – Holidays & Homesickness19:49 – Confidence & Language Skills21:44 – Food & Cultural Exchange22:53 – Changing Perspectives24:01 – Academic & Career Impact25:09 – Advice to Future Students26:14 – Passions & Future Plans30:42 – Final Reflections31:16 – ClosingHost & Producer: Kelsey RossEditor & Producer: Mel DyjakDirector: Megan Michels