An exchange year isn’t just about traveling to a new country—it’s about becoming part of a new family. This Thank You Thursday, Puck from the Netherlands, Viarm from Thailand, and Alessandro from Italy are taking a moment to reflect on their 2024-25 school year and the incredible host families who have welcomed them with open arms. Their gratitude is a reminder of the life-changing connections that hosting creates!
I’m thankful for my host family! They do everything to make me feel at home and make this the best exchange year ever. We do a lot of things together, and I’m really thankful that they let me into their family. I’m also thankful for my amazing friends, school, and teachers, who have helped me feel like a real American high schooler. I also want to thank Aspect Foundation for helping me with my placement, and of course, my parents, who helped me figure this all out and let me leave home for 10 months at 16 years old to live the American life.
– Puck from the Netherlands
There will never be enough words to show my appreciation for all that you’ve done. Thank you to my host mom for everything you’ve done for me and my friends. Also, thank you to Aspect Foundation and my coordinator, Jodi, for choosing me and accepting me into this incredible program. I can’t believe this was my dream five years ago—that little girl who wanted to be an exchange student in the U.S., meet new people, and learn new things in a different country. I can’t thank you enough.
– Viarm from Thailand
I love my host family, and I am so grateful for this awesome experience. I actually think my host family is really perfect. I absolutely love everything about them (their hobbies, their behavior, how they treat me).
– Alessandro 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 2025-26 school year! Check out the profiles of our wonderful students! New profiles go online every Thursday!
