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The YES Abroad in Malaysia students recently visited a cultural center in Johor to learn about the region’s unique heritage. They enjoyed the local cuisine, learned the steps to the lively Zapin dance, and tried on traditional Johor attire. Such a colorful experience for all!

Genevieve, hosted in Türkiye, recently visited her host grandparents’ rural farm. She learned about the social ties of the local village, centered around the community bread oven, growing and preserving produce with her host grandmother, and goat-herding from her host grandfather. Genevieve was honored when her host grandparents named a new baby goat after her!

"Curiosity is not only seeking answers, but being willing to ask compelling questions, to listen with an open mind, and to engage with the world in ways that allow us to grow as individuals."

We recently sat down with Deena (#YESAbroad Jordan alum) to talk about what skills one gains on a 10-month cultural exchange. Her answer blew us away. Here's an overview, full article linked in bio.

"The value of going abroad does not lie solely in resume building or academic experiences, but in the multitude of opportunities to learn through real-world experiences. In Jordan, I quickly learned that navigating the unexpected challenges and moments of discomfort were, in fact, the most valuable lessons. The discomfort I initially felt transformed into an asset, helping me embrace the idea that growth is nonlinear and comes from navigating uncertainty and that the experiences that shape us are often the ones that push us past our limits and challenge our preconceived notions.

I came back to the U.S. with a unique perspective and a new skill set—curiosity, empathy, and adaptability—that standardized tests cannot measure and that continue to deeply impact my academic success. Going abroad did not pull me away from my academic track; rather it helped me see that track from a wider perspective. It encouraged me to be open to new ideas, to step outside of my comfort zone, and to approach life with a sense of curiosity that remains at the core of everything I do."

Hi, my name is Lily and I’m from Kansas, currently participating in the YES Abroad program to Indonesia! I live in Bogor with my host mom, dad, brother, and sister, who share with me new parts of Indonesian culture every day. Living here is ineffably different from life in Kansas, and I find it so lovely and rewarding – especially meeting new people! I'm super excited to share a little about my life with you here.

One of the ways my host family has helped me experience Indonesian culture is by introducing me to so many different kinds of Indonesian food. Sometimes, we have dinner at local markets, one of which is included here. Markets like this one get very busy at night --sometimes there is live music, and the atmosphere is always super fun and inviting.

I also love to play tennis, and luckily there is a tennis court close to our home. My host dad and I do drills and play matches with friends and neighbors. It has been a great way to stay active while getting to know people here in Bogor.