As the sun shines bright, it’s the perfect time to turn our attention to Mirja from Germany for a student spotlight! Mirja spent her 2023-24 school year in St. George, Utah. She cherished every moment spent with her host family, whether it was lounging on the couch to watch a movie together or hitting the snowy slopes of Utah! Mirja adds, “I really love my host family. They are so easygoing and they support me all the time. I’m so grateful to have them in my life and to have a second home I can go back to.”
Why did you want to spend a year in America as an exchange student?
I wanted to experience a different culture, improve my English, and see how life is lived in a place that I’ve always seen in movies and TV shows. There is so much to see and it’s a great place to experience something new!
What has it been like living with your host family as a teenager in America?
My host family has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. We have a lot of fun together and I love spending time with them. We went hiking, shopping, or just enjoying time at home. We love playing board games – it’s just all about spending time together. My favorite memory is when we went to a cabin up in the mountains. We spent a whole weekend just snowboarding, talking, and playing board games. We had so much fun!
One thing that surprised me about being a teenager in America is how involved students are in school activities. Almost everybody is involved in sports, clubs, or other activities, which I think is really cool. I was a part of the girls’ soccer team and theater tech. I made so many friends and had so many experiences after school.
Do you have advice for students coming next school year as exchange students?
Be open-minded and flexible! Stepping out of the comfort zone is hard but worth it! Building relationships takes time, so be patient and try to go up to people you don’t know. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it – your host family, teachers, and new friends are there to support you.
Are you interested in making a student like Mirja 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!
