It’s an exciting time of year! Many of our exchange students are arriving, eager to meet their host families and see the place they’ll call home for the next year! Snapping a photo or taking a video of that initial ‘meet and greet’ at the airport is a great way to preserve your first memory … Continue reading
Jodi joined Aspect in 2004 as a coordinator. Since then, she’s helped over 600 students find caring host families and create lasting memories. Now a Team Manager, Jodi is like family to many students! We asked a few to share what she means to them and here’s what they said. Mama Jodi, Looking back on … 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
With summer in full swing this July, it’s the perfect time for another Thank You Thursday. Today, Elena from Spain, Alessio from Italy, and Julie from Norway share their heartfelt thanks to their host families for making their 2024-25 exchange year so special and full of unforgettable moments. I would like to thank everyone who … Continue reading
This summer, we’re excited to highlight Tayeba from Bangladesh, who spent her 2024–25 school year in Arizona with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. From bringing a community garden to life with help from the Hershey Heartwarming Grant to laughing in the kitchen with her host family, … Continue reading
Ashley from Texas welcomed two students, Seio from Japan and Irakli (Ika) from Georgia, with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State, into her family for the 2024-25 school year. Read Ashley’s letter below, along with Irakli’s sweet response to see what she means to them and discover the love hosting can … Continue reading
As our 2024–25 students begin to head home, today’s Thank You Thursday features Maria from Italy, Alejandro from Spain, and Valia from Greece with the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program sponsored by the Department of State. Each of them wrote heartfelt notes to their host families, reflecting on the unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and love they experienced … Continue reading
Following Adele’s recent spotlight on our blog, we invited some of her former students to reflect on what she meant to them during their exchange year. Below are a few messages that show how much Adele made them feel welcomed, cared for, and part of something truly special! “Ten years ago, Adele was the first … Continue reading
Meet Adele, one of our incredible Community Managers in Utah who brings warmth, heart, and years of experience to the Aspect team. With a background in fostering, adopting, and working with teens in her church, Adele has always had a passion for supporting young people. Since joining Aspect, she has built unforgettable connections with her … 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