Today we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Samuel from Mozambique, who is spending his 2024-25 school year with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State in Washington State! He shares how meaningful it is to exchange cultures and make connections with the people around him. Whether he’s joining clubs, volunteering, or spending time with his host family, Samuel is making every day of his exchange year an adventure!
Right image: Samuel (left) is gearing up for a strike with his host dad and host siblings at a bowling alley
Tell us about your life with your host family! How is life in America different from your home country?
My experience with my American host family has been great! I have tried new things, such as meeting new people, cultures, and habits, as well as new ways to enjoy life and my youth. I have also learned many things, and we are engaged in church.
America is wonderful! I love being here and seeing the world from another perspective, sharing my culture, and learning from my host family. I’ve experienced a lot of differences, like the food, school system, public transportation (which we do not have), church and school buildings, and the weather. Washington State is much colder than my home country!
As a recipient of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) scholarship, what does the program mean to you?
It’s a program where teenagers can study for a year in America and develop lasting bonds with their host families, friends, and community while learning about American culture, habits, and lifestyle. To me, this means I have the responsibility to create connections with people and my host family, making lasting relationships, while making sure that my exchange year is successful and enjoyable.
What clubs, sports, or volunteer work have you been a part of?
I have been volunteering and doing service projects for the church, school, and a food bank called Second Harvest. At school, I have joined the Just Serve Club, and I am looking to join the Math Club, French Club, as well as the Diplomatic Club. Unfortunately, I’m not doing sports because all the school sports are outside, and my skin is very sensitive to sun exposure because of my Albinism. Maybe in the future, I’ll try wrestling or another one that is inside.
Do you have advice for future exchange students?
Exchange can be one of the best things in the world if you’re willing to do it with your heart, discovering the best ways to share love, meet new friends, and create a strong connection with a host family that will always live in your heart.
Are you interested in making a student like Samuel a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2025-26 school year! Check out the profiles of our wonderful students! New profiles go online every Thursday!
