Hear it from our students / Life in the U.S.

Tips for Your Exchange Year – Part One

Posted on by

Now that our 2025-26 exchange students are settling in, it’s the perfect time to share advice from the 2024-25 students. Their tips are packed with fun ideas and helpful reminders to make your exchange year unforgettable. Stay tuned for Part Two!

Elena from Spain (second from left) meeting her excited host family in Oregon

Don’t overthink small details. Make the friends you can and make the best of it. For some people, homesickness isn’t easy, but in the end you know you’ll go back, so enjoy every moment from day one because it goes by soooo fast. Always keep a good attitude; perspective is important as an exchange student. Be kind and grateful to your host family. But most importantly, have fun and take as many opportunities as you can.

– Elena from Spain

Be open-minded toward new people and not expect best friends right away, because friendships take time to build. Don’t come to the U.S. for travel, but to experience a year at an American high school.

  – Paul from Germany

Miu from Japan (right) with her host sisters and a fluffy new friend at a festival in Texas

Before coming to the U.S., you should strengthen your positive attitude and study English diligently. Focus on learning useful, everyday English, not just grammar.

– Miu from Japan

Don’t be afraid of ‘no’ or feeling disappointed, because that’s not what you’ll remember at the end of the year. Try everything, talk to people, be curious, join clubs, and most importantly, do a sport. Even if you don’t like sports, be a manager. You’ll meet more people and get to go to games and meets, which will make your experience a thousand times better. You can join a team now, even if it’s a spring sport, so don’t wait!

– Alice from Belgium

Saadan from Pakistan (center, back row) with Aspect students, all set for a fun night at a high school dance in Utah

Focus on your own experience and don’t compare your year to others. Everyone has their own journey, so enjoy every moment and get involved in sports.

  – Saadan from Pakistan with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State

I think the best advice is to try everything you can, even if you’ve never done it before. You’ll learn so much and discover a whole new world.

– Edoardo from Italy

Anastasia from Georgia giving back to her community while volunteering at a toy drive in Texas

Don’t be afraid to try something completely new. This year is all about personal growth and cultural integration, so step out of your comfort zone and explore your American community! Trust me, if it weren’t for community service, I would never have made so many friends or discovered the uniqueness of this culture. Time flies, and the year will be over in the blink of an eye. So think outside the box and make the most of this opportunity!

– Anastasia from Georgia with 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 Spring semester and the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Check out the profiles of our wonderful students. New student profiles go online every Thursday!


–