Aspect Foundation’s inbox is flooded with notes of gratitude for all who participate in cultural youth exchange. Today, Lisa from Kosovo studying in Washington with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program expresses appreciation for everyone who has made her exchange year the best one yet! 

So far this has been the best year of my life! I’ve experienced a lot of new things and my life has taken a turn for the better.  I now have about 2 months left in the States and I don’t really know how to feel about it. On one hand, I miss my family and friends back home and I can’t wait until I see them. On the other hand, I know I’m gonna start missing this place the second I step foot in Kosovo. 

I have made so many good memories here, I got to meet so many amazing people and I know that I’m not ready to say goodbye… I’ll probably never be. But May 20th is approaching and I can already feel my heart being torn into two pieces, one wants to go back today and the other wants to stay here forever.

Rather than thinking about that, I like focusing on the good things around me instead. A big crowded high school, like the ones you see in movies, with great teachers and friendly students. I have made so many good friends! I’m sure we’ll keep on being friends even after I go back.

A big group of exchange students as well, supervised by an amazing coordinator, it feels like we’re all a family and I’m so honored that I got to meet so many kids just like me from different countries around the world.

And last but definitely not least, an amazing host family, that has treated me like one of them since day one. They’re always there for me and I’m so thankful for everything they’ve done. With them around me, it truly feels like home, which explains why I rarely ever get homesick. I can’t even begin to describe how much they mean to me. They have a big place in my heart and they always will. I can not thank them enough for opening their home and accepting me as a part of the family.

At the end of the day, all the sad thoughts go away when I focus on the bright side of my exchange year. I am so lucky to have friends all over the world, to have attended an American school, and to have two families.

Add a member to your family this upcoming school year by hosting an exchange student like Lisa! Fill out a host family inquiry form today by clicking on the image below: