A student story: An adventure across the ocean

Just a few years after the end of the Second World War, Lisa Störiko was selected to participate in an exchange program in the United States, an opportunity that would shape the rest of her life. In 1953, she traveled by ship across the Atlantic as part of a program organized by the Michigan Council of Churches, already known at the time as “Youth for Understanding.” Today, more than 70 years later, Lisa still considers that year one of the most important experiences of her life.

Her journey itself was an adventure. After traveling by train through Europe, she boarded the Andrea Doria in Genoa and crossed the ocean to New York before spending time with the Andresen family near Ann Arbor, Michigan. Eventually, she moved in with her host family in Owosso, a small town in Michigan, where she experienced everyday American life for the first time. From television sets in every home to brightly colored cars and modern kitchens, many things felt completely new to her. But what stayed with her most was the warmth of her host family and the many conversations that broadened her view of the world.

Looking back, Lisa says the exchange taught her to understand different perspectives and to trust herself. These lessons later influenced both her personal and professional life. After returning to Germany, she became actively involved in building the newly founded YFU organization in Germany, helping organize exchanges for future students. She later studied to become a teacher and used her intercultural experience to support refugee children arriving in Germany, helping them not only learn the language but also adjust to a new culture and society.

Even decades later, Lisa sees her exchange year as a turning point. It shaped the way she raised her family, influenced her career, and inspired future generations, including some of her own grandchildren, to experience the world through exchange.