Hear it from our students / Life in the U.S.

Find Out What Makes Being an Exchange Student Awesome!

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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 them what they love most about being an exchange student!

Noor from Pakistan (second from the right) with her happy host family in Olympia, Washington!

Everything! I have been loving it. Literally everything. I love it. I go for walks after school even in this cold. I love my beautiful neighborhood. I love the people here, my friends, my family, and all the amazing people I met and unbreakable bonds I made. 

– Noor from Pakistan, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State

Everything that I’ve learned. My vision of the world and people has changed so much and I love meeting people and hearing other stories. Before coming here, I was an insecure person but now that I’ve seen many things, I have succeeded just because of my effort and way of being really happy with who I am and my objectives in life. I believe in myself and my future, and I’m so excited to continue living experiences, I value everything much more.

– Inés from Spain

Aleeya from the Philippines greeted by her excited host family in Price, Utah!

The best part of my exchange year is being a part of my American family. They have introduced me to the real beauty of American lifestyle, values, and culture. I’ve learned a lot from them hence they are one of the most impactful people in my life. Moreover, another best part is being exposed to a whole different culture. It taught me the beauty of diversity and learn to appreciate our differences.

– Aleeya from the Phillippines, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State

I’m loving my family so much and I’m really sad to think about leaving them. I enjoy every moment with them at our house or at fun activities. I also really enjoy watching the sport games at school with my friends. And having people who are actually good friends.

– Minke from the Netherlands

Gabrielle from France with her host family as they visit a beach in San Diego, California!

Meeting amazing people, seeing different landscapes, and meeting new cultures.

– Gabrielle from France

Maximilian from Germany (left) with his friends before attending a school dance in Park City, Utah!

Creating a new life on the other side of the world. Finding friends that accept me and help me with my new life.

– Maximilian from Germany

The independence and getting out of my comfort zone every day, which is making me a better and more prepared person. The food is really good too.

– Julia from Brazil

Roberta from Estonia (second from the left) with her host family at a baseball game in Houston, Texas!

My host family!!! I could have never hoped for a better family than them, I feel like I have been their daughter and sister for way longer than 4 months.

– Roberta from Estonia, with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State

Improving my English, learning to be more independent and meeting new people.

– Dominique from the Netherlands

Are you interested in making a student a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2024-25 school year! Check out the profiles of our wonderful students! New profiles go online every Thursday!