For this week’s Thank You Thursday, we continue to share the thank you notes that keep pouring in from our 2021/22 Aspect students as they reflect on the past 10 months and the many, many truly wonderful people they’ve met along the way!
Shokran( شكرًا) this is the Arabic word for thank you, this has truly been the best year of my life. I can’t believe it’s already over but everything must come to an end. Although this year was full of ups and downs the experience was most definitely worth it. I have met so many wonderful people that I am so grateful for. Whether it was my host family that made this experience a perfect one or my local coordinator who has helped me get through a lot or my friends that have truly made this experience one of a kind. Thank you to everyone that made this experience something I would never forget. My teachers, friends and my second family. I have learnt so much not only about myself but also about different cultures. I have met so many people from different backgrounds and cultures from all around the world. I taught people about mine and in exchange learnt so much about the United States of America. Seeing how people are eager to learn about my culture and making my experience 100 times better. I am truly thankful to every single one of you for making this year the best decision of my life.
– Zainah from Jordan staying with the Rafn family in Washington as part of the 2021/22 Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State
Dear Family, This past year has been amazing! My time in your beautiful family went by so quickly and I just do not realize that my stay in Alabama has come to an end already. I wanted to take some time to write a letter to tell how grateful I am for everything you have done for me. Opening your home to a total stranger may be scary and I thank you for trusting me and making me feel as if I was one of yours. Arriving in Alabama by myself was not easy but you definitely helped me and made me feel less homesick and stressed. Thank you for all the things you taught me and the advice you gave me! You allowed me to live the British life I wanted to experience once in my lifetime! I will forever be grateful and thankful for the moments we spent together!
– Paula from Spain staying with the Fisher family in Alabama
I want to say a big thank you to all the amazing people I have met during this exchange year and to everyone who made this year possible. I want to thank my host family for taking me in and making this the best experience for me, I am so happy I got to live with you guys and I truly felt at home with all of you. This year has taught me so much and I am so thankful that I made the decision to come here and meet all these people that made me grow in so many ways.
– Cleo from Germany staying with the Eberling family in Colorado
I remember the day when I got my placement. Spanish Fork, Utah. At this time the only thing on my mind was the trip on the plane, packing my suitcase, and that I wouldn’t see my friends and family for an entire school year… I didn’t know that Spanish Fork would become my home, that I was gonna make friends and family for life, and that leaving would be so hard. Throughout this year, I got to meet so many people that had a big impact on my life and on who I am now and I got to discover magical places and foods. There is not enough words to state how grateful I am. For my host family that welcomed me in their house and treated me like their daughter. For my school, ALA, where everybody was always so nice to me. For my friends with whom I shared the best movie nights, dances, late night drives, parties, and adventures. Thank you to everyone of you that made this experience amazing for me. I am going to miss all of you.
– Lucie from Belgium staying with the Cardoza family in Utah
Are you interested in making a student part of your family this upcoming school year? We are still looking for wonderful American host families to welcome a student in the fall! Check out the profiles of our amazing 2022/23 students!
