The diversity of students studying abroad with Aspect is as rich as the world around us. Hear about exceptional students and the life they bring to their host communities.
When Sebastian from Norway financed his own trip back to the United States to be there for his host sister Anna who was anxiously awaiting a lung donor, and stood by what became a 6-hour long surgery alongside the rest of the family, he was no exchange student. He was just another member of the family, … Continue reading
August is the month of arrivals. Airport pick ups, new school years, sports practices, and the hints of a new season. This August, Olivia from Pennsylvania will be making her own arrival – to Norway, a new host family and a semester studying abroad. “I have been practicing my Norwegian a lot, which is hard … Continue reading
Claudia, Aspect student featured in the video, returned home to Italy this past June after finishing her exchange year in Illinois. Carol and Joe, her host parents, wrote to us then about how much of a blessing it was to have her. You can find the post here: http://aspectblog.org/2015/06/29/new-daughters-and-sisters-in-illinois/ In honor of this we have rediscovered … Continue reading
A blanket of stars illuminates the Washington night sky as Jasmin makes footprints in the soft sand. Walking along the water’s edge, net in hand, she and her host father keep an eye out for the crabs as big as their palms. “It was just amazing,” Jasmin explained. “I’ve never done that at home. It … Continue reading
High school classes, new brothers and sisters, local festivals, sporting events and holiday traditions. A group of exchange students in North Carolina had already lived much of the “American experience” when they had the opportunity to travel last month right to the heart of it: Washington D.C. Aspect Foundation host mom Andrea organized a trip … Continue reading
I don’t know how long I’ve dreamed about going abroad. I’d seen so many movies and TV-series from America and heard of other exchange students going, that I couldn’t wait to travel myself. Was High School really like in the movies? What about School Spirit? Or School Sports? Did Americans really eat that much fast food? … Continue reading
Sara from Germany and her host sister Eileen in Illinois put together a wonderful account of their experience this fall attending the National Future Farmers of America Convention together and what they’ve learned from each other: The road to the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention and Expo provided a unique opportunity for cultural learning to one … Continue reading
Since I was young, I knew that my family’s plan was to send me to the United States as an exchange student. My uncle lived in Iowa for 8 years and he wanted me to do the same. I cried in the airport because it’s impossible not to cry when you leave the people who … Continue reading
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Mark Twain I found this quote at the beginning of my exchange … Continue reading
Lucie from France and her host sister Amanda filmed this touching reflection and thank you video as their group’s exchange year comes to a close. We wish you well, we hope we see you again soon, and keep in touch! Thank you for a fantastic year, Aspect 2013-14 students. We will remember it forever! Continue reading