This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Jony from Egypt, who is spending the 2024–25 school year with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State in Washington State! Since arriving, he’s become a true part of his host family, loving every moment with them and with his exchange brother Adriel from Ghana. Jony recently helped his host mom create a special video. Take a look below to watch the video and see how far the love of hosting can go!
What inspired me the most to come to America as an exchange student was the chance to experience a different culture and see another side of the world. It is amazing how many things are different and yet there are also small similarities.
Since I arrived, I felt like part of a family. I love them and they love me. I love every moment we spend together and every memory we make. With my exchange brother, Adriel from Ghana, it is really interesting to have someone from another country and have another culture in the house. It’s nice to see the diversity, because even with different backgrounds, we are friends and like brothers. We are different, but that’s what makes it good. My favorite memory so far was Christmas time when we decorated the house and went to see the Christmas lights.
Making the video with my host mom was an unforgettable moment in my year. It showed me how many students she has hosted over the years and being a part of it was amazing. It is like being part of a big family that has no borders and grows across the world over the years.
The most important advice I can give to future exchange students is to come with no expectations. That really helps you live in the moment and enjoy everything as it comes!
Are you interested in making a student like Jony 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!
