Volunteering not only allows students to give back to their community, but it also provides them a chance to learn more about American culture, build friendships, and develop a sense of empathy and social responsibility. From cleaning school buses to helping non-profit thrift stores and sorting shoes for children in need, volunteering gives the opportunity …
Meet Julie, one of our amazing International Coordinators from Nebraska! She first got involved after answering an ad to supervise a student and has been dedicated ever since. Over the years, Julie has gained new perspectives, made countless memories, and grown her circle of friends while becoming a part of the Aspect family. Her passion …
Are you enjoying retirement? Consider hosting an Aspect student! Today we hear from Sheri and Frank, who opened their home to exchange students from all over the world and tell us how it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience. Over the years, they’ve hosted 10 students and just welcomed two more this school year! If you’re …
By opening your home to an exchange student, you’re not just gaining a new family member – you’re welcoming a whole new world of experiences! Brazil is known for its warm and loving culture, unique customs, delicious cuisine, and so much more! You’ll have the opportunity to share your own traditions and learn about theirs, …
Hosting can be a great experience each and every time! We recently spoke with two wonderful host families from Utah to learn why they chose to host again. Host mom Danielle shared the experience of hosting Diego from Spain, highlighting the energy and joy he brought into their lives. Host mom Whitney talked about the …
Today, we had the wonderful opportunity to hear from Heather, who shares the joy that she, her wife Beth, and their children have experienced in hosting an exchange student! After coming across the profile of Wencke from the Netherlands on the Aspect website, they were excited to make her part of their family for the …
It’s truly incredible how swiftly time has passed. It seems like just yesterday when our 2023/24 students first set foot in their American host families’ homes, filled with anticipation and excitement for the experiences that lay ahead. Now, as they find themselves more than halfway through their American adventure, we took the opportunity to ask …
As February kicks off, we’re thrilled to feature Constance from Ghana for our student spotlight! Constance is currently spending the 2023/24 school year in Utah, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State! Constance tells us how she competed for the opportunity to come to the United States and live …
For this week’s Thank You Thursday, we continue to share the heartfelt thank you notes from our 2023/24 Aspect students as they convey their appreciation to their American host families for welcoming them to their homes and hearts. Mandy from the Netherlands expresses her gratitude for her unforgettable year, while Patricia from Moldova, who is …
Meet Sherri from Texas, a remarkable host mom whose warm and welcoming nature has brought countless students from around the world into her family’s home. Not only has Sherri and her family hosted over 20 students, but she has also dedicated 15 years to serving as an Aspect Manager and International Coordinator! One of the …
Meet one of our International Coordinators, Brittani from Texas! After her family hosted their first exchange student during the previous 2022/23 school year, Brittani joined the Aspect team as an International Coordinator in early 2023. Since then, she has been doing an outstanding job supervising 16 students. In addition to her role as an International …
Hosting an exchange student can turn a house into a home, and Nicole from Arizona knows this firsthand! Community Manager Nicole and her family welcomed Elsa from Sweden, and from day one, Elsa became part of the family. Even after returning to Sweden, Elsa comes back to visit for holidays and special occasions, keeping the … Continue reading
Ever wondered what makes Spanish culture so vibrant? Hosting a student from Spain lets your family experience it every day, from delicious food and holiday traditions to friendships that last long after the school year. Today, we’re sharing five reasons why American host families loved welcoming a Spanish exchange student! #1 Learn about Spain’s rich … Continue reading
“Building bridges.”“Opening hearts and homes.”“Changing the world.” You’ve probably heard these phrases before. They sound inspiring, but what does it take to turn words like these into real action? At Aspect, we believe it’s through everyday moments and steady relationships created through cultural exchange and guided by International Coordinators who show up for students and … Continue reading
We’re excited to spotlight Hana from Japan, who is spending her 2025–26 school year in Arizona. She’s embracing school life, trying new sports, and making the most of every experience with her host family. Read on to hear Hana’s invaluable advice for future exchange students! What inspired you to become an exchange student? I wanted … Continue reading
Sometimes, hosting an exchange student becomes something far bigger than a single school year. Today, we hear from Sharon, a host mom and International Coordinator in Texas, as she reflects on welcoming her very first exchange student, Diego from Spain. What began as a nervous first step into hosting quickly turned into a lifelong bond, … Continue reading
The holiday season brings a special kind of magic for our 2025-26 exchange students! Our fantastic International Coordinators share just how much the students are enjoying the season across the U.S. From decorating gingerbread houses to sharing favorite dishes from home, students are celebrating familiar holidays in new ways while adding their own cultural touches, … Continue reading
This festive season, we’re shining the spotlight on Jacobo from Spain! Spending his 2025–26 school year in Nebraska, he’s discovering new traditions and cherishing every moment. From the very first day, his host family made him feel like a true part of the family, turning every moment into a lasting memory! What motivated you to … Continue reading
This holiday season, we’re kicking off our first Thank You Thursday of the school year by sharing a letter written by Gulzhan from Kazakhstan with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State. Gulzhan, who is spending the 2025–26 school year in Texas, shares how grateful she is for her host family, who … Continue reading
Thank you to all of our students who submitted entries in our 2025 International Education Scavenger Hunt! It was a VERY close competition, but what matters most is the international education you all helped spread and the passion you shared for cultural youth exchange. Well done! Below are the winners who went above and beyond. … Continue reading
Thanksgiving is always a fun and meaningful time for our exchange students. They enjoy experiencing and learning about an American holiday, trying new traditions, and spending time with their host families, other students, and their International Coordinators. Many even shared a bit of their own culture by making dishes from home! Here’s a look at … Continue reading