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 … Continue reading
Today we hear from host dad Marshall from Texas, who, along with his family, welcomed Suvd from Mongolia and Liza from Ukraine into their home during the 2025-26 school year with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State! Marshall adds, “This being my first year hosting exchange students, I didn’t … Continue reading
Cheers to Thank You Thursday! Today we’re sharing a thoughtful thank-you letter written by Haby from Mali, who is spending the 2025–26 school year in Utah with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Haby expresses her gratitude to her host family, International Coordinator, and the YES Program … Continue reading
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