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
Round two! Following up on Part One, our 2024-25 students have more fun tips and ideas to help our 2025-26 exchange students explore, connect, and make their exchange year truly amazing. From trying new activities to saying yes to opportunities, these tips will help students make the most of every moment! Don’t hesitate to ask … Continue reading
Now that our 2025-26 exchange students are settling in, it’s the perfect time to share advice from the 2024-25 students. Their tips are packed with fun ideas and helpful reminders to make your exchange year unforgettable. Stay tuned for Part Two! Don’t overthink small details. Make the friends you can and make the best of … Continue reading
Today we hear from Sarah from France, who spent the 2018-2019 school year as an exchange student in Texas. Now, seven years later, she’s back visiting her American host family and friends. Sarah shares how her exchange experience helped shape her future, opened new opportunities, and led her to where she is today, all thanks … Continue reading
One of our favorite questions to ask students at the end of their exchange year is simple: How have you grown? Their answers are always thoughtful, honest, and often inspiring. From gaining independence and learning to adapt, to becoming more open-minded and confident, here’s what our 2024-25 students had to say about the ways exchange … Continue reading
In the final part of our series, we’re celebrating the last group of incredible exchange students who reached 100 hours of volunteer service. Their commitment, compassion, and connection to their host communities show just how much of a difference one student can make! I have become actively engaged in the local community, managing to get … Continue reading
What does it look like to spend 100 hours helping others? For these incredible exchange students, it meant caring for animals, supporting seniors, volunteering at church, and more. Their kindness and dedication brought them closer to their host communities and left a lasting impact with every hour. Stay tuned for Part Two! One of the … Continue reading
A host school can become more than just a place to learn! Rajeshwari from India, who is spending the 2024-25 school year with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State in Washington, shares the special moments that have made her year unforgettable at her host school. Are you interested in … Continue reading
Exchange isn’t just about new places, it’s about the people who make it feel like home. In this video, Tayeba from Bangladesh, who is spending the school year with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State in Arizona, shares why her host family means so much to her and the unforgettable … Continue reading
While we embrace the holiday spirit, we wanted to shine a light on our 2024-25 students who are giving back to their community through volunteering. Our students loved volunteering at animal shelters, making goodie bags for the homeless, and wrapping gifts for toy drives! I volunteered for 45 hours starting August. It was and it … Continue reading