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 …
Can you imagine your family cooking pasta together or enjoying a homemade tiramisu while sharing stories from across the ocean? Hosting an Italian exchange student brings food, culture, and friendship right into your home! Italian students are excited to explore your world while sharing their own traditions. Here are five reasons why hosting an Italian … Continue reading
Happy Thank You Thursday! We’re celebrating by sharing a sweet letter written by Ajia from Pakistan, who is spending the 2025-26 school year in Utah, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State. Ajia tells us about her life-changing experience with a host family who became her second home. I … Continue reading
What does a birthday look like when a community comes together to celebrate a child? Today, we hear from Brittani, a Community Manager and host mom, who encourages her exchange students to give back during their time in the U.S. This school year, that spirit of service came to life through Birthday Boxes, a project … Continue reading
Today we hear from Elsa from Sweden, who spent her 2023–24 school year in Arizona. While her exchange year brought new experiences, growth, and unforgettable moments, it was the connections she made that truly defined her time abroad, leaving a lasting impact on both her and the people she met along the way. From her … Continue reading
Spring is in the air, and we’re excited to celebrate Kadiatu from Sierra Leone in this month’s student spotlight! She is spending the 2025-26 school year in the Nebraska, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Read on to see how she is going above and beyond … Continue reading
What better way to experience a country than by staying with a local family? Becky, a Community Manager and host mom from Utah, discovered that the real heart of Spain isn’t found in tourist attractions but in exploring villages side by side, laughing late into the night, and celebrating the sweet moments of everyday life. … Continue reading
Sharmi from Utah thought her family’s hosting days were over once their own kids were grown. But when she saw students still hoping for a chance to come to the United States, she and her husband decided to help by welcoming two girls into their empty nest. What they quickly discovered was that hosting two … Continue reading
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Butter from Thailand, who is spending the 2025-26 school year in Washington State, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Butter shares what has surprised him about life in America, the biggest differences between his home and here, and why … Continue reading
When families decide to host an exchange student, they often think about the impact it will have on the student. But sometimes, the person whose life changes the most is already living at home. Becky, a Community Manager and host mom from Utah, shares how hosting exchange students transformed life for her daughter, Juliette. What … Continue reading
Thank You Thursday is here and we’re featuring Helga from Spain, who is spending the 2025-26 school year in Utah! Helga tells us how her host family and daily experiences have turned her exchange adventure into something truly memorable. From the first day, you made me feel like I was part of your family, and … Continue reading