June is perhaps the most bittersweet month in the exchange year calendar. It marks not only the close of schools for summer, but also the end of a chapter for exchange students who have spent the better part of the last year living and learning in houses, schools and cities situated oceans away from their native countries. It seems like just yesterday they were nervously stepping off the plane into a strange and foreign country that is now referred to as a second home. Although most of them only have a few short days America left, the memories and relationships these students established over the last ten months are sure to withstand the test of time. In an end of the year survey, Aspect Foundation asked students to write a short message of gratitude to anyone who positively influenced their time here in the U.S.; from host parents to friends to coordinators to teachers. We received so many beautiful responses that we couldn’t keep them to ourselves.  Keep reading to see some of their heartfelt messages.

This year has by far been the most exciting, eventful and amazing year of my life. I have met so many awesome people; from my host family to my friends, my coordinator and my teachers. You all made this year perfect, and I don’t regret coming to America one bit. My host family is simply perfect. They opened their home to me, a complete stranger, and made me part of their family. I don’t think I can ever thank them enough for being so generous, loving, and awesome. I have learned so much this year and I am so grateful for everything. Everyone I’ve met has been part of making California my second home, and I will always remember this year as the most amazing year of my life. I can’t wait to come back!

Ingrid from Norway

Lisa from Germany with friends in Colorado

Dear Doug and Jane,

You are the best (host) parents I could have ever imagined for me. I know that in the beginning you did not really know what to do with me because your kids are already in their thirties but we worked it out. You are such great people and I’m thankful and blessed to God that He path my life way through you. When I first got the message that I would go to Colorado, I never imagined that I would end up on a farm in the middle of nowhere, but really we had a blast. It will be so hard for me to leave, and I think that it will be hard for you too. I will see you soon, and remember: Although the days we last saw each other increase, the days until we will see each other will count down as well. I love you. I’m the happiest girl in the world.

Your daughter,

Lisa from Germany

First I’d love to thank you Aspect Foundation that gave me a chance to be an exchange student. I love to gain a new experience from another country like United States of America. It’s really changed my life and this means to me a lot. And I’d love to thank my host family so for letting me stay with them and letting me have a great experience in United States. If not for them, I would not have a new good experience in my life today. I love my host family so much. I work hard and I am always thinking of them. They’re my second family in my heart and will be forever. I’d love to thank my High School that filled my life until today. This is the best high school of my life. They teach me everything I know today. I thank you to all the teachers that always teach us to be a good person. And my all my friends who always be with me and love me from who I am, Thank you so much I love you guys. And I can’t thanks enough to everyone for everything they do to change my whole life. It was a best experience that I ever had. Thank you.

Sirawath from Thailand

Be sure to watch this space in the coming weeks as we continue to post thank you messages from this year’s exchange students!