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
Category Archives: Thank You Thursdays
Aspect Foundation’s inbox is flooded with notes from students expressing their gratitude for the experience they have had on student exchange. Every Thursday, we post one of these notes, sharing the “warm fuzzies” with all of you!
Thank You Thursday – Ajia from Pakistan
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
Thank You Thursday – Helga from Spain
Thank You Thursday is here and we’re featuring Helga from Spain, who is spending the 2025-26 school year in Utah! Helga tells us how her host family and daily experiences have turned her exchange adventure into something truly memorable. From the first day, you made me feel like I was part of your family, and … Continue reading
Thank You Thursday – Augustina from Ghana
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
Thank You Thursday – Gulzhan from Kazakhstan
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 Thursday – Angelina from Germany
As we welcome our new exchange students for the 2025–26 school year, we also want to take a moment to look back and share one last sweet reflection from last year. Angelina from Germany spent her 2024-25 exchange year in Utah with her host family. Before heading home, she wrote this heartfelt thank-you letter to … Continue reading
Thank You Thursday – Elena, Alessio, Julie
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
What Our Coordinator Meant to Us – Adele from Utah
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
Thank You Thursday – Isaure from Belgium
Mother’s Day has just passed, and Isaure from Belgium, who is spending her 2024–25 school year in Texas, wanted to share something truly special. She wrote the sweetest thank-you letter to her host mom, reflecting on the love, support, and unforgettable memories they’ve created together! Dear Sharon, Today is Mother’s Day, and I wanted to … Continue reading
Thank You Thursday – Puck, Viarm, Alessandro
An exchange year isn’t just about traveling to a new country—it’s about becoming part of a new family. This Thank You Thursday, Puck from the Netherlands, Viarm from Thailand, and Alessandro from Italy are taking a moment to reflect on their 2024-25 school year and the incredible host families who have welcomed them with open … Continue reading