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 …
Hana, an exchange student from Japan, was recently featured by her local news outlet, InMaricopa, in an article highlighting her exchange experience in Maricopa, Arizona. The story was originally published in the July issue of InMaricopa and written by Monica D. Spencer, Associate Editor. When Hana arrived in Maricopa last August, she thought she was … Continue reading
The advice continues! In Part Two, our 2025-26 students share even more tips to help the 2026-27 class make the most of every opportunity. From stepping outside your comfort zone to building new friendships and embracing everyday moments, their experiences offer valuable reminders that an exchange year is about personal growth, connection, and trying new … Continue reading
It’s an exciting time of year! Our 2026-27 students are arriving, eager to meet their host families and see the place they’ll call home for the next year! Snapping a photo or taking a video of that initial ‘meet and greet’ at the airport is a great way to preserve your first memory together. Make … Continue reading
For Lisa and her family, opening their home to exchange students has always been about welcoming others and learning from the people they meet along the way. After years of fostering, Lisa and her husband, Carlos, knew they wanted to continue making room for new connections. During the 2025-26 school year, their family welcomed two … Continue reading
As our 2026-27 exchange students prepare to depart for the United States, who better to offer advice than students who have just completed the same experience? Our 2025-26 students are sharing the lessons they learned, memories they made, and tips they wish they had known before arriving. Whether you’re preparing to meet your host family … Continue reading
Sometimes the greatest gift of hosting is not what you give, but the person you gain. We hear from host dad Derek from Utah, who welcomed Ajia from Pakistan into his family during the 2025-26 school year with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State. As he reflects on their … Continue reading
When Kathleen and her family decided to host an exchange student, they weren’t sure if it was the “right” time, but they chose to take a chance. What started as welcoming a student from Italy into their Texas home became something much more. During the 2025-26 school year, Giulio formed a special bond with their … Continue reading
Tahia from Bangladesh spent the 2025-26 school year in Utah with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, where she found more than just a host family, she found a second home. In her sweet thank-you letter, Tahia shares how her experience began with stepping into the unknown and grew … Continue reading
Today we hear from host dad Marshall from Texas, who, along with his family, welcomed Suvd from Mongolia and Liza from Ukraine into their home during the 2025-26 school year with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State! Marshall adds, “This being my first year hosting exchange students, I didn’t … Continue reading
Cheers to Thank You Thursday! Today we’re sharing a thoughtful thank-you letter written by Haby from Mali, who is spending the 2025–26 school year in Utah with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Haby expresses her gratitude to her host family, International Coordinator, and the YES Program … Continue reading