For our first student spotlight of the 2025-26 school year, we’re excited to introduce Domingos from Mozambique! He’s spending the school year in Texas with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State! From the moment he arrived, Domingos has been excited to explore new customs, food, and ways of life. His host family has welcomed him warmly, and he’s already giving back through volunteer work while making unforgettable memories!
What was it like to land in America for the very first time? Have you noticed any cultural differences since arriving?
It was incredible and unbelievable. I was very excited to arrive here and start my journey, and I am still excited for what is coming next. I’ve noticed many cultural and environmental differences here, beginning with the way people live and behave, the way they dress, what they eat, and even the natural air!
As a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program scholarship recipient, why did you apply and what does being an exchange student mean to you?
I applied for the YES program because I saw the opportunities the program would give me, in terms of academic growth and also in terms of cultural and personal growth. Nowadays, I have this opportunity to develop my English, build my network, meet new and different people, learn more about other cultures, share mine too, create unforgettable memories, and gain a lot of knowledge and experiences that I will use in my country and community back home to help with its development.
To be an exchange student for me means to be an ambassador of my country and also to be a person with curiosity and an open mind to learn about a new lifestyle. It is not better or worse, just different. It means a lot in my life.
What was it like to finally meet your host family?
It was incredible and officialized the beginning of my journey. I really enjoy my host family, and let me tell you, the family I felt in Mozambique, I found here too. They are incredible, amazing, fun, always ready to teach me what I don’t know, help me improve my English, and they also have curiosity about my country.
Are you doing any community service during your exchange? If so, what have you done?
I plan to do at least 30 hours of volunteer work, but my goal is to complete 100 hours to thank the community for hosting me and, of course, to earn a certificate! I have already completed about 5 hours in the community garden.
Do you have any advice for someone considering becoming an exchange student?
Before you become an exchange student, you have to know who you are so you can be a great ambassador of your country. And never look at a new culture only through the eyes of your own culture. Be open-minded and remember: There is no bad or good, it’s just different.
Are you interested in making a student like Domingos 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!
