For our student spotlight of the month, we’re excited to feature Laura from Spain! Laura is spending her 2023/24 school year in Texas with her American host family. She tells us how this experience has made her grow thanks to the incredible people who made this dream become a reality. From preparing delicious Spanish dishes for her host family to joining and competing in a new sport, Laura is truly making the most of her year!
Why did you want to spend a year in America as an exchange student?
Since I was little, I always watched all the Disney shows about teenagers in high school and it was my dream to be a part of it. So, when I found out that it was possible to come, I immediately told my mom and began to convince her. During the last three years, I have been watching videos of people who had also come. It made me want to come more and more. I loved the idea of the American high school since it is so different than the Spanish one.
Have you joined any new clubs or activities in America?
My main activity here is Track and Field. I have Track as a class on my schedule and I train every day at 7th period. Being in Track is the best decision I’ve ever made! It helped me to meet new people when I first arrived, and it also made me try things and experiences I had never done before. Joining a sport was an important part of my goal of coming to the US, and it definitely takes a big part in my high school experience.
Could you tell us about your life with your host family and friends?
My host family is the best family I could have ever expected. I have a sister, a year older than me, and we became friends since my first week here. We love spending time together and we always help each other. My relationship with my host parents is also really good. I love talking with my mom, and she is always available for anything I need. My host dad spends most of his day working, but he always tries to get to know me better, and we have cooked “Paella” together for the rest of the family.
What’s your favorite memory with your host family? Has anything surprised you about being a teenager in America?
My favorite memory with my family is our trip to Las Vegas; we had an incredible time. We went to The Sphere to see U2 in concert, and it was amazing. I couldn’t be more grateful to them for the opportunity they gave me.
Being a teenager in America is definitely different from being one in Spain. The thing that surprised me the most was the fact that teenagers can drive!
Do you have any advice for someone considering becoming an exchange student?
If I could say something to the next exchange students, I will tell them: if you really want to come, do it. You are not going to regret it. It is a huge experience that will make you grow and it will give you incredible people and experiences that you will have for the rest of your life!
Are you interested in making a student like Laura 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!
