To kick off this Thank You Thursday, we’re sharing a heartfelt letter from Augustina from Ghana, who is spending the 2025-26 school year in Washington State, with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State. Augustina reflects on a new meaning of family and the people and moments that made her … Continue reading
Hosting an exchange student can turn a house into a home, and Nicole from Arizona knows this firsthand! Community Manager Nicole and her family welcomed Elsa from Sweden, and from day one, Elsa became part of the family. Even after returning to Sweden, Elsa comes back to visit for holidays and special occasions, keeping the … Continue reading
Ever wondered what makes Spanish culture so vibrant? Hosting a student from Spain lets your family experience it every day, from delicious food and holiday traditions to friendships that last long after the school year. Today, we’re sharing five reasons why American host families loved welcoming a Spanish exchange student! #1 Learn about Spain’s rich … Continue reading
“Building bridges.”“Opening hearts and homes.”“Changing the world.” You’ve probably heard these phrases before. They sound inspiring, but what does it take to turn words like these into real action? At Aspect, we believe it’s through everyday moments and steady relationships created through cultural exchange and guided by International Coordinators who show up for students and … Continue reading
We’re excited to spotlight Hana from Japan, who is spending her 2025–26 school year in Arizona. She’s embracing school life, trying new sports, and making the most of every experience with her host family. Read on to hear Hana’s invaluable advice for future exchange students! What inspired you to become an exchange student? I wanted … Continue reading
Sometimes, hosting an exchange student becomes something far bigger than a single school year. Today, we hear from Sharon, a host mom and International Coordinator in Texas, as she reflects on welcoming her very first exchange student, Diego from Spain. What began as a nervous first step into hosting quickly turned into a lifelong bond, … Continue reading
The holiday season brings a special kind of magic for our 2025-26 exchange students! Our fantastic International Coordinators share just how much the students are enjoying the season across the U.S. From decorating gingerbread houses to sharing favorite dishes from home, students are celebrating familiar holidays in new ways while adding their own cultural touches, … Continue reading
This festive season, we’re shining the spotlight on Jacobo from Spain! Spending his 2025–26 school year in Nebraska, he’s discovering new traditions and cherishing every moment. From the very first day, his host family made him feel like a true part of the family, turning every moment into a lasting memory! What motivated you to … Continue reading
This holiday season, we’re kicking off our first Thank You Thursday of the school year by sharing a letter written by Gulzhan from Kazakhstan with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State. Gulzhan, who is spending the 2025–26 school year in Texas, shares how grateful she is for her host family, who … Continue reading
Thank you to all of our students who submitted entries in our 2025 International Education Scavenger Hunt! It was a VERY close competition, but what matters most is the international education you all helped spread and the passion you shared for cultural youth exchange. Well done! Below are the winners who went above and beyond. … Continue reading