Life in the U.S. / Thank You Thursdays

Thank You Thursday – Tahia from Bangladesh

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Tahia from Bangladesh spent the 2025-26 school year in Utah with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, where she found more than just a host family, she found a second home. In her sweet thank-you letter, Tahia shares how her experience began with stepping into the unknown and grew into a year filled with laughter, new adventures, family traditions, and memories she will carry with her forever.

Tahia from Bangladesh (center) enjoying a beautiful hike in Utah with her exchange sister, Sarra from Tunisia (right), and their happy host parents

When I boarded my plane to America, I was prepared to move in with complete strangers and step into the unknown. I didn’t know what to expect, but from the very beginning, everything just clicked. Our sense of humor matched, we laughed together constantly, and before I knew it, your house felt like home.

My host mom is an amazing cook, and every meal was something I looked forward to. The food was incredible, and it’s something I’ll miss so much. Living with you guys helped me discover new hobbies and parts of myself I never knew existed. I hiked more than I ever had in my life, rode my bike more than I ever thought possible, and fell in love with exploring the outdoors.

All smiles on a fun family hike! Tahia from Bangladesh (right) making memories with her exchange sister, Sarra from Tunisia (second from left), and their host parents in Utah

Some of my favorite memories are the bike rides with my host dad. No matter how many times I crashed or fell behind, he always had my back. He was always there to make sure I was okay, encourage me to keep going, and turn every ride into an adventure. Those moments meant so much more than just riding bikes, they showed me what it feels like to have someone genuinely looking out for you.

Thank you for always encouraging me to try new things, supporting me no matter what, and motivating me to step outside my comfort zone. Whether it was a small everyday moment or a big adventure, you were always there for me.

Tahia from Bangladesh (second from right) and her exchange sister Sarra from Tunisia (second from left) sharing their cultures during a presentation in Utah

You introduced me to so many American traditions. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween, and made sure I experienced them not as a visitor, but as a member of the family. Along the way, we even created traditions of our own. From road trips and adventures to visiting national parks and sharing countless laughs, you guys gave me experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

What started as living with strangers became something so much more. By the time it was time to leave, we were family. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. There were tears, hugs, and a lot of emotions because leaving meant leaving people who had become such an important part of my life.

Tahia from Bangladesh (second from right) and her exchange sister Sarra from Tunisia (second from left) celebrating a special moment with their host parents in Utah

Thank you for opening your home, your hearts, and your lives to me. Thank you for making America feel like home. I will always be grateful for every memory, every adventure, every laugh, and every moment we shared. I love you and miss you more than words can express.

Are you interested in making a student like Tahia 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 profiles go online every Thursday!