Exchange Year 101 / Hear it from our students / Life in the U.S.

Advice from Former Exchange Students – Part Two

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The advice continues! In Part Two, our 2025-26 students share even more tips to help the 2026-27 class make the most of every opportunity. From stepping outside your comfort zone to building new friendships and embracing everyday moments, their experiences offer valuable reminders that an exchange year is about personal growth, connection, and trying new things. Read on to discover their best advice!

Augustina from Ghana (left) enjoying a snow day with her host dad and little host sister in Washington State

Your exchange is going to be one of the best years of your life, so enjoy every moment. Always say yes and try every new thing that comes your way. For instance, I didn’t really know how good cinnamon rolls were until I tried them, and they became one of my favorite desserts. Also, join clubs and sports. It helps you make friends and connect with others. And don’t forget to celebrate the little wins.

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

Paula from Germany (wearing jersey #19) with her teammates in Oregon

Join a club or a sport. It will really help you make friends. And be open to trying new things.

– Paula from Germany

Jacobo from Spain smiling with his happy host parents in Nebraska

Enjoy each day and try not to focus on how much you might miss your habits, family, and friends, because experiences like this only happen once, and before you know it, it’s over.

– Jacobo from Spain

Nawar from Bahrain (second from left) supporting her friends at their high school celebration in Utah

Embrace every opportunity and never take the people around you for granted, especially your host parents. They welcome you into their family, care for you as their own, and do so out of kindness and a desire to learn more about you and your culture rather than for any financial benefit.

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

Charlotte from Germany (back row, left) alongside her high school swim teammates in Utah

If you are scared that you won’t be able to find any friends this year, join clubs or sports. It will help you a lot with making friends!

– Charlotte from Germany

Butter from Thailand (left) and David from Kenya (right) after their first-ever trick-or-treating experience in Washington State

Be open-minded and say “yes” to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, especially with English, that’s how you improve. It’s normal to feel homesick sometimes, but try to focus on the opportunities around you. Talk to people, ask questions, and step out of your comfort zone. This year goes by faster than you think, so make the most of every moment.

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

Hana from Japan (front, left) making memories with her swim team in Arizona

Have the courage to start conversations on your own! When I first arrived, I didn’t have enough courage. Even though we could choose our seats freely in class, I ended up sitting alone. I also ate lunch by myself at the beginning. Looking back, I wish I had talked to people more at that time. I could have had more chances to practice English and make more friends. I really hope future exchange students will try to take that first step and talk to others!

– Hana from Japan

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 2027 spring semester and the upcoming 2027-28 school year. Submit an inquiry, and you’ll be the first to hear when profiles of our students go online!