As our 2026-27 exchange students prepare to depart for the United States, who better to offer advice than students who have just completed the same experience? Our 2025-26 students are sharing the lessons they learned, memories they made, and tips they wish they had known before arriving. Whether you’re preparing to meet your host family or counting down the days until your arrival, their advice will help you begin your exchange adventure with confidence. Stay tuned for Part Two!
Whenever you’re invited to do something, try to say yes. It will help you make more friends and have new experiences. Also, always express your gratitude in person. People will be more willing to help and support you when they know you appreciate them.
– Rintaro from Japan
Something that really changed my whole school year was the following quote: “An exchange year can be a year in a lifetime or a lifetime in a year. Only one is memorable and makes an impact, and the choice is fully yours!” It motivated me to say yes to as many things as possible, try new things, leave something behind, and be a positive change in my host and home communities.
– Viktoria from Bulgaria with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State
Learn to say “yes.” Say yes to conversations, yes to trips, yes to family dinners, yes to new friendships, and yes to experiences that may seem intimidating at first. An exchange year rewards those who are willing to live with an open heart. But always remember to make wise decisions.
– Domingos from Mozambique with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State
Get as much as you can from your exchange experience because, later, everything will become memories.
– Alina from Estonia with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State
Always be open to new experiences and people, and to try to make this year a time where you explore new things. At the same time, don’t stress about making the year perfect. Enjoy it and make it perfect for you. In the end, you will never be able to be “done”; there will always be something, and that is okay. Have fun!
– Junis from Germany
My advice would be to be open to new experiences and not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. An exchange program is a chance to learn not only about another culture but also about yourself. There may be challenges at times, but those challenges help you grow stronger and more confident. Most importantly, take every opportunity to meet new people, try new things, and enjoy the experience because it goes by very quickly.
– Kadiatu from Sierra Leone 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 the upcoming 2026-27 school year! Check out the profiles of our wonderful students!
