He Left Philadelphia for France at 16—What Happened Changed His Life - Tyler’s Story

Описание: What happens when a high school student from Philadelphia follows a dream sparked by a newspaper article? In this episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Tyler McCamley, a YFU France alumnus, to explore his unforgettable journey from the U.S. to France—and beyond.

Tyler shares the highs and lows of his exchange year, including navigating cultural expectations, switching host families, and having his experience cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. But his story doesn’t end there. Tyler’s exchange year inspired a lifelong passion for travel, language, and connection—leading him to study in the Netherlands, volunteer with YFU France, and even inspire his parents to move to France!

In this episode, you’ll hear about:
How Tyler’s exchange year began with a bookmark and changed his life
The emotional challenges of cultural adaptation and host family dynamics
The impact of COVID-19 on exchange students
Why Tyler continues to volunteer with YFU
His advice for future exchange students and host families
His global adventures in Japan, the Netherlands, and beyond

Tags: #ExchangeStudent #StudyAbroad #YFU #France #CulturalExchange #StudentTravel #HostFamily #COVID19 #YouthForUnderstanding #TylerMcCamley #LifeExchangedPodcast #KelseyRoss #GlobalCitizen #InternationalEducation

Follow Tyler on Instagram: @‌tyler.mccamley

For more info on YFU USA: Home - Youth For Understanding USA

Chapters:
00:00 – Deciding to Study Abroad
00:29 – Meet Tyler & His Background
01:37 – Why France & Early Motivation
03:57 – Family Support & Visa Challenges
09:02 – YFU Support & Host Family Assignment
11:26 – Early Host Family Experiences
14:19 – Expectations vs. Reality in France
18:46 – Host Family Conflict & Changing Families
23:00 – Advice for Future Exchange Students
32:35 – Adjusting in Second Host Family
33:07 – School Life in France
42:44 – COVID Cuts the Exchange Short
49:12 – Why Tyler Volunteers with YFU
56:27 – Returning to France & Rebuilding Connection
58:59 – Tyler’s Parents Move to France
01:23:16 – What’s Next for Tyler
01:30:20 – Finding Tyler Online & Closing

Host & Producer: Kelsey Ross
Editor & Producer: Mel Dyjak
Director: Megan Michels