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

Tips for Your Exchange Year – Part Two

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Round two! Following up on Part One, our 2024-25 students have more fun tips and ideas to help our 2025-26 exchange students explore, connect, and make their exchange year truly amazing. From trying new activities to saying yes to opportunities, these tips will help students make the most of every moment!

Isaure from Belgium supporting Ria from Japan in her debut on stage in Texas

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. People in the U.S., especially, love to help you. Even if someone seems shy or unfriendly when you first meet, don’t give up on making new friends. Be proud of yourself and your choice to come to the U.S. and learn new things.

Always respect other people and their cultures, even if their behavior is different compared to your country. If you’re Japanese, be especially mindful. Don’t be afraid of culture shocks or of learning about beliefs different from your own. Be curious about everything. Keep sharing your country and culture, and be proud of it. If you want to make true friends, they will love learning about your culture.

– Ria from Japan

Do everything and say yes to every opportunity, as long as you’re comfortable with it. Going everywhere is the best way to feel at home, and it’s a great way to create more bonding moments with your host family.

– Gabriel from Brazil

Sara from Norway (left) and Dilnora from Uzbekistan (right) making happy memories together in Washington State

Include yourself and say yes when people invite you to join them. Make time to spend with your host family because it makes the year so much better.

– Sara from Norway

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or feel embarrassed when it happens. Always give things a try, whether it’s a new activity or talking to someone new. Go for it. You might end up doing something amazing, and if not, at least you won’t regret it. And remember, nobody cares about your mistakes except you.

– Alice from Italy

Smiles all around! Jony from Egypt (right) and Adriel from Ghana (second from left) meeting their host parents in Washington State

Be very grateful to your host family. Don’t expect your year to go perfectly and be open-minded. And in the long run stick to your moral values.

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

Don’t expect people to want to be friends with you right away. Everyone has their own friend groups, and they don’t always need new friends. But show them how amazing you are and it will work out. Never give up. You’ll meet the right people even if it takes time.

– Lola from France

Viarm from Thailand (center) exploring the San Diego Zoo with her host mom (left) and friend (right)

Be open-minded, stay curious, and join clubs or sports teams. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try new things.

– Viarm from Thailand with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US 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!