This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Viktoria from Bulgaria, who is spending the 2025-26 school year in Arizona, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State. She has made a remarkable impact through school clubs, volunteering, and other activities. Recently recognized by her school district, Viktoria’s dedication, positive spirit, and engagement in and out of the classroom have impressed everyone around her. Read on to see what her host mom, Rachael, and International Coordinator, Nicole, shared about her accomplishments.
What motivated you to become an exchange student?
Ever since I was a little girl, maybe around nine years old, I knew that I wanted to be an exchange student. Of course, I had not imagined that I would have the honor to do it for a whole year in no other place than the United States of America, but I was very certain that this was my calling. I love travelling, I love exploring new cultures and places, and beyond all, I love the idea of being able to “create a new life,” which is exactly what an exchange year is.
When I received a message from our school’s administrator with information about an exchange program called the Kennedy-Lugar YES (Youth Exchange and Study) Program, I immediately jumped on the opportunity with hopes of participating, and now, six months in, I’m enjoying the most beautiful and exciting adventure of my life.
What is life like with your host family?
I got extremely lucky, as I like to think there was no better fit for me than my current host family. We hit it off the second I sent the very first email introducing myself to my host mother, Rachael, and ever since then, we have grown extremely close. Life with them is one filled with a ton of laughter, love, happy memories, and excitement. With their help, even the most boring of days can turn into one full of fun. They have also been very open to learning about Bulgarian culture, letting me cook for them and showing interest in learning more about our traditions.
About a month into my exchange year, we also got a new family member, Nina, an exchange student from France, who became my new double placement. Having an incredible host family is what makes your exchange year unforgettable, but getting to meet the most beautiful human being, inside and out, in the form of your new sister, that is what makes your exchange year magical. Now, not only do I have a very supportive foundation built on trust, happiness, and love, but I also have a built-in best friend who understands exactly what I am going through and is beyond supportive.
So, to sum it up, living with my host family is like a dream come true, and I am beyond thankful for this opportunity.
You were recently recognized by your school district for your achievements. Tell us about this honor!
On December 18th, I received a letter from our school district inviting me to their office to receive the MUSD Student Spotlight Award. The award is presented to one student from every school in the district, and somehow, not only did I get nominated, but I won. Reading the letter felt like I was dreaming, but getting ready for the actual award ceremony was even more surreal.
The process itself was very formal and a little nerve-wracking. When we arrived at the district office, I was instructed to go to the front of the room, where I was surrounded by all the other winners. After starting the meeting with a formal welcome, we jumped straight into the awards. Once my name was called, I got to walk up and be greeted by all of the members of the board, and then I was taken to a room backstage to take a picture with all of the winners.
The whole night was absolutely incredible, and as I was walking up to get my award, I kept thinking, “Wow, I cannot believe I get to do this 11,000 kilometres away from my small country!” There is something really special about the fact that someone decided that I deserve this title, and that many people agreed, leading to this experience. It truly was an honor for me, and I am so beyond excited to see what my exchange year has in store for me further down the line.
Viktoria’s dedication and positive spirit have not gone unnoticed by those around her. Below are reflections from her host mom, Rachael, and her International Coordinator, Nicole, sharing their thoughts on Viktoria and her recent recognition.
“As first-time host parents, Viktoria has been such a breath of fresh air and exactly what our empty-nesting hearts needed! She commits herself entirely to everything she sets out to do and makes it look effortless. Viktoria is wholeheartedly engaged in groups and events both at and outside of school, truly making the very best of her exchange year. We couldn’t help but feel anything but pride when she was recognized by our school district in such a short period of time. She’s too humble to say it, but she is a rockstar, and we feel so honored and privileged to be a part of this experience with her!”
– Host mom, Rachael, from Arizona
“Viktoria has been such a fun student to supervise. She participates in Unity Club through volunteer work, Yearbook Club, Student Council, and D&D Club, as well as serving as the soccer manager and working on the high school’s Rampage News. She continues to blow me away with all of her accomplishments, and I have no doubt why she was nominated as a spotlight student. She is an excellent role model and mentor and is making the absolute best of her YES (Youth Exchange and Study Program) year with Aspect Foundation in Arizona.”
– Community Manager, Nicole, from Arizona
Are you interested in making a student like Viktoria a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Check out the profiles of our wonderful students. New student profiles go online every Thursday!
