As our 2024/25 students gear up for their American adventure, it’s the perfect time to prepare and ensure they have all the tools for a successful year! Our 2023/24 students just returned home after an amazing school year with their host families and shared tips to help the next batch of exchange students have a great time. Their knowledge can help you – our 2024/25 students – make the most of your upcoming school year in the United States. Stay tuned for future posts with more essential tips to help you navigate your time abroad!
Expect the unexpected! Try not to have expectations because everything will be different from what you know. Embrace the differences and try to learn from them. Also record your exchange year in some way, whether on a camera, film, or journal – trust me you’ll want it so much later in life!
– Matilda from Sweden
Be positive, and be excited to try new things! Make as many friends as you can. Be nice and grateful while keeping yourself busy. Make as many plans as possible. Be happy and acknowledge that you’re living a great experience that not everyone can experience, so enjoy and have fun!
– Matteo from Spain
Always say yes to your host parents! Go to the grocery store, have lunch, or watch a game with them. There are a lot of opportunities out there and you have to make use of it!
– Saffa from Sierra Leone with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State
Just talk to people and don’t be scared – it’ll be okay! If the first person you talked to wasn’t very nice, then try again. Get out of your comfort zone and take advantage of this great opportunity that you’re living right now. Communicate any struggles you might have, even if it’s scary. I promise, if you talk about it, you will get help and it will get better!
– Ines from Spain
Always say yes to experiences you are proposed to! Don’t be shy and get along with your host family!
– Giorgia from Italy
Do some research before you come here. For example, go to your school’s website and learn about the events they have during the school year, figure out what classes you can take, and what kind of activities you can participate in. Just be ready, so that way you won’t miss any opportunities. Also, try to improve your English as much as you can before you come here so you won’t have a hard time making friends. It will make your exchange easier and more fun!
– Yanjin from Mongolia with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State
Go for it because it’s an amazing experience with memories that you will remember forever. It’s something completely different than anything you have probably done before.
– Stella from Brazil
Play a sport! It’s the best way to make friends, so don’t be shy. Start talking to people and try not to care about what others might think of you because you never know what might happen. Maybe you’ll become friends with them, and if not, you may never see them again, so there’s no need to worry!
– Vittorio from Italy
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!
