Life in the U.S. / Thank You Thursdays

Thank You Thursday – Juod from West Bank

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For our first Thank You Thursday of 2023, we are featuring Juod from West Bank, who spent the previous 2022/23 school year in Wisconsin with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State. Her kind words show the immense gratitude she feels towards her community, host family, and International Coordinator.

Juod gives a presentation to young students during International Education Week in Wittenberg, Wisconsin.

I would really like to thank every person that has been a part of my experience here. This year has been hard, but thanks to my friends and my host family, I was able to enjoy every minute of it and have fun doing whatever I am doing. I also would like to say thank you to my local coordinator since if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have been placed in this wonderful community. I am very thankful for everyone and I will never forget the memories we made together and all the new things we learned and tried and did together. 

Juod was nominated and crowned Prom Queen at her high school in Wittenberg, Wisconsin.

My personality grew a lot, I feel more responsible and I feel like I could manage on my own. I didn’t realize how hard working I was until I came here. I am very glad that I had the chance to be here and meet all these amazing people and learn everything about living outside of my hometown. Even when you don’t realize how much knowledge you have gained this year has been a great chance to learn and thrive. I have really grew a lot and I can’t be more grateful for the chances I got. 

Juod and her welcoming host family in Wisconsin.

I am very happy that Cathy is my coordinator. She is amazing and she put her heart into helping us throughout our year here. My coordinator is one of the people I will never forget because she had a very big impact on me during my year here. I love Cathy with my whole heart. 

Are you interested in making a student like Juod part of your family for the upcoming year? We are still looking for American host families to welcome a student in the fall! Check out the profiles of our wonderful students for the upcoming 23/24 year!