What it’s really like to host an exchange student comes to life through three perspectives in this story! We first hear from Laura, a host mom from Nevada, her husband David, and their 2025-26 exchange student Terolin from India, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, as they reflect … Continue reading
With the school year coming to a close, we’re excited to feature Junis from Germany in this month’s student spotlight! During her 2025–26 exchange year in Washington State, she has fully embraced life in the US, from getting involved in school activities to building meaningful friendships and becoming part of her host family’s everyday life. … Continue reading
For this week’s Thank You Thursday, we are sharing a sweet letter written by Kanykei from Kyrgyzstan, who is spending her 2025-26 school year in Washington with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State! Kanykei reflects on the people and moments that made her exchange year feel like home. … Continue reading
Nicklas from Denmark spent his exchange year in 2002–03 in the United States, where he became part of a warm community that stayed with him long after he returned home! In 2023, he returned for his 20-year high school reunion, joyfully reconnecting with the people and place that made his exchange experience so special. As … Continue reading
Can you imagine your family cooking pasta together or enjoying a homemade tiramisu while sharing stories from across the ocean? Hosting an Italian exchange student brings food, culture, and friendship right into your home! Italian students are excited to explore your world while sharing their own traditions. Here are five reasons why hosting an Italian … Continue reading
Happy Thank You Thursday! We’re celebrating by sharing a sweet letter written by Ajia from Pakistan, who is spending the 2025-26 school year in Utah, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State. Ajia tells us about her life-changing experience with a host family who became her second home. I … Continue reading
What does a birthday look like when a community comes together to celebrate a child? Today, we hear from Brittani, a Community Manager and host mom, who encourages her exchange students to give back during their time in the U.S. This school year, that spirit of service came to life through Birthday Boxes, a project … Continue reading
Today we hear from Elsa from Sweden, who spent her 2023–24 school year in Arizona. While her exchange year brought new experiences, growth, and unforgettable moments, it was the connections she made that truly defined her time abroad, leaving a lasting impact on both her and the people she met along the way. From her … Continue reading
Spring is in the air, and we’re excited to celebrate Kadiatu from Sierra Leone in this month’s student spotlight! She is spending the 2025-26 school year in the Nebraska, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Read on to see how she is going above and beyond … Continue reading
What better way to experience a country than by staying with a local family? Becky, a Community Manager and host mom from Utah, discovered that the real heart of Spain isn’t found in tourist attractions but in exploring villages side by side, laughing late into the night, and celebrating the sweet moments of everyday life. … Continue reading