What can a school year as an exchange student teach you? Today, we hear from Suvd from Mongolia, who spent the 2025–26 school year in Texas with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State. From navigating a new school to experiencing everyday life in America, Suvd reflects on a year full of discovery. Suvd adds, “My exchange year was truly one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It helped me grow in ways I never expected, challenged my perspective, and taught me so much about myself, other people, and the world around me.”
Being an exchange student had been a dream of mine for years. As a FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange program) student, I had always imagined what it would be like to live in another country, experience a different culture, and meet people who would change the way I see the world. But nothing could have fully prepared me for how meaningful that year would become.
One of the most beautiful parts of my exchange experience was my host family. From the beginning, they welcomed me as their daughter and loved me in a way that made me feel truly at home, even thousands of miles away from Mongolia. They reminded me that family is not defined by where you come from, but by the love you share. Having people who embraced me as one of their own made my exchange year even more special, and I will always be grateful for the love they gave me.
Another experience that surprised me was American high school. It was so different from what I had known back home in Mongolia. The school environment, the opportunities, and the everyday experiences introduced me to a completely different way of learning and connecting with people. Adjusting to a new environment came with challenges, but looking back, every bit of it was worth it. I got to make so many friends, experience things I had only imagined before, and create memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
More importantly, my exchange year changed the way I see myself and the world. I became more open-minded and learned to embrace differences rather than simply observe them. I realized that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead you to opportunities you never knew existed. This experience also gave me a new passion for taking risks and pursuing my dream of continuing my education abroad. It helped me understand that sometimes, the biggest opportunities in life begin with the courage to take that first step.
At the end of my exchange year, I felt incredibly proud of myself. I was proud that I had pursued a dream I had held for years, stepped into an unfamiliar world, and allowed myself to experience every moment of it. I hadn’t just spent a year in another country; I had grown as a person, built meaningful relationships, and discovered new possibilities for my future.
If there is one thing I would tell future exchange students, it would be this: enjoy every moment and have the time of your life. Don’t spend your exchange year worrying about what comes next or being afraid of what feels unfamiliar. Say yes to new experiences, make friends, learn from the people around you, and appreciate even the little moments. You might not realize how special they are until you look back.
Your exchange year will eventually come to an end, but the person you become and the memories you make will stay with you long after you return home.
Are you interested in making a student like Suvd 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!
