One of our favorite questions to ask students at the end of their exchange year is simple: How have you grown? Their answers are always thoughtful, honest, and often inspiring. From gaining independence and learning to adapt, to becoming more open-minded and confident, here’s what our 2024-25 students had to say about the ways exchange has shaped who they are today.
I am more sociable. I adapt easily to others and to new environments. I am not afraid to be alone because I know I can have fun by myself. I understand the value of true friends.
– Alice from Belgium
Since August, I’ve completely changed. I’m braver, and I’m more open to doing things without needing to know every little detail beforehand. I’ve also realized that I want to travel and see the world. I’ve discovered that even people who were strangers to me, like my host family, can come to hold a special place in my heart.
I’ve had lots of time to read, go for walks, paint, and do pilates, and I’ve learned that I truly love those things. Overall, I feel more confident and more ready to face life. I’ve realized that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Deep down, I already knew it, but I didn’t really believe it, not until I started taking risks, like with this experience.
– Greta from Italy
I am more mature overall. I believe I am a better person with stronger morals and life skills.
– Davide from Italy
I have become actively engaged in the local community, managing to complete over 200 hours of community service during my exchange year in the United States. Every minute I spent helping others, whether in Gatesville or beyond, taught me a lot about American society, its values, traditions, beliefs, and challenges. I gained invaluable experience and a deeper understanding of the diverse world we live in. These achievements have strengthened my leadership skills and my ability to work as part of a big team.
– Anastasia from Georgia, part of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State
I think I’ve grown a lot in independence. I’ve learned to make decisions and choose for myself. I stopped relying on my parents for the most part and started figuring out how to do things on my own. I’ve learned to adapt quickly to new situations and how to communicate better.
– Nika from the Netherlands
I feel like I gained a lot socially, especially in understanding the people around me.
– Louis from France
I’ve grown the most in independence and flexibility!
– Fernando from Spain
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!
