Life in the U.S.

100 Hours of Giving Back – Part Two

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In Part Two of our series, we’re celebrating more amazing exchange students who spent 100 hours giving back. From wrapping gifts for kids in need to supporting veterans and more, these students found meaningful ways to connect with their communities and make a difference. Their time, energy, and heart continue to leave a lasting impact. Stay tuned for Part Three!

Ghita from Morocco (front left) joined other Aspect students to help clear invasive bushes at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge in Washington

Volunteering has been a huge part of my exchange year and my life in general. I started volunteering back home, and when I came to the U.S., I was excited to volunteer more and develop my skills. I started volunteering in my second month here when I joined the JBLM Children’s Museum. There, I had the chance to learn how to manage a variety of kids’ activities, plan them, and make sure the kids had fun. I also met many new people and made great friends, as I volunteered almost every weekend for at least four hours.

I also participated in other volunteer activities, like a weekly online teen council, where we discussed different topics and helped organize events for local libraries. I earned a few more hours by joining Key Club and taking part in some of their service projects.

Volunteering has helped me grow as a person. It taught me to appreciate the little things, become more aware of the world and its challenges, and build strong friendships along the way.

– Ghita from Morocco, part of the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State

Bijai from India wraps gifts for children and families in need at Kaleigh’s Sleigh in Texas

One of the places I volunteered at was Kaleigh’s Sleigh. During the Christmas season, we collected toys from all over our community and helped parents pick gifts for their kids.

– Bijai from India, part of the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State

Tayeba from Bangladesh shared her love of nature while volunteering with the Girl Scouts in Arizona, teaching kids about different kinds of plants

I believe that everyone has the ability to make good changes through their work, and I want to take full advantage of that power. I want to see a peaceful world where every human gets the chance to explore their full potential. One of the main reasons behind me wanting to do an exchange year was to see how community service works in the USA so I can take those ideas home and make a difference in my home community.

By doing more than 125 hours of community service and arranging multiple community events by myself in my host community, I have had the chance to enhance my communication skills and meet so many new people. I love to see people’s faces light up when you do something good for them, and that’s why I continued doing community service.

– Tayeba from Bangladesh, part of the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State

Alinur from Kyrgyzstan helping veterans while volunteering at VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) in Texas


Being an exchange student and knowing my time in the United States is temporary, I decided to spend most of my volunteering hours with veteran-founded communities to show my appreciation and respect for their service. By volunteering with them, I learned a lot about American society, history, and culture. I’m thankful to Aspect and my host family for providing opportunities to volunteer and for helping me become part of such a huge and supportive community.

– Alinur from Kyrgyzstan, part of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State

In case you missed it, check out Part 1. Then keep reading with Part 3!

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!