Life in the U.S.

Thank You Thursday – Maria, Alejandro, Valia

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As our 2024–25 students begin to head home, today’s Thank You Thursday features Maria from Italy, Alejandro from Spain, and Valia from Greece with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State. Each of them wrote heartfelt notes to their host families, reflecting on the unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and love they experienced during their year in the U.S.

Maria from Italy (third from right) visiting Everglades National Park in Florida with her host family

My biggest thank you goes to my host family. You made me feel like I was part of your family from the very beginning, and I always felt comfortable with you. I will always remember the experiences we had together and all the places we’ve seen.

I also want to say thank you to my whole school community for making all the memories at school and with friends possible.

Last but not least, thank you to my coordinator, Kevin, and Aspect Foundation for making this all possible and for always being there to help.

– Maria from Italy

Alejandro from Spain (second from left) smiling with his host family in Texas

Thanks to everyone and thanks to my host family for making me have such an amazing time. I’ll always have y’all in my heart. It’s been amazing and I really appreciate it.

Thanks to all the people at my school for making me feel like I was at home. You made me have an amazing time and took care of me even though you hardly even knew me. All of y’all have such huge hearts. Thanks to all the teachers too. They have taught me a lot of things, not only from the subjects but also about life.

I’m going to miss every single one of y’all. Love you.

– Alejandro from Spain (Click here to read his host family’s experience and the impact he made during his exchange year)

Valia from Greece (right) meeting her excited host family in Washington State

I sincerely want to say thank you to my host family. I honestly have nothing to complain about. They are amazing people and they made my experience perfect. I feel so blessed that they chose me and that I got to spend a year with them and love them. I always felt that they cared for me and wanted to make me happy and that is something I am so grateful for.

Our match was a perfect one. I loved every place they took me and I enjoyed every moment we spent together from going to the gym, playing cards, or washing the car to hockey games and camping trips. They taught me so many things and introduced me to so many new experiences. I can’t thank them enough for giving me this opportunity to be here and for giving me all their love.

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

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!