All across the country, AYA exchange students get a lot of support from Local Coordinators. These folks work hard to help students and host families make meaningful connections and enjoy their participation in international high school exchange.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are some wonderful messages several of our students shared to show their appreciation for everything that their Local Coordinators have done for them.
To: Kelly B., LC in Kansas
The reason my Local Coordinator has my love is because she is always there for all of us exchange students. She answers whatever you ask her, and she contacts you at least once a month, usually by visiting. Additionally, she organizes exchange student activities each month, such as skiing, making blankets and donating them, going bowling, and in November she even organized a trip to Chicago.
Love: Ella T., exchange student from Germany
To: Kelli L., LC in South Carolina
Kelli is so nice. The day I arrived I was very homesick, but then I met Kelli, and because of her I felt better. She welcomed me with a hug and a big smile. And it was like I knew her longer than only two minutes. She often asks me how I am and how my family is (they are great!).
Love: Maxime H., exchange student from Germany
To: Lindsay B., LC in New York
Lindsay is amazing. When I was still in Germany, she helped me to get in the particular school I wanted to go to. It was a long process, but she did it and now I’m so thankful to be in this school. She is very caring and friendly. When I first met her, we laughed a lot and I was so glad to meet her. She is so funny and also very cool. She plans cool trips with her exchange students. She knows ALL her exchange students very well and is always there for them. She is just the coolest Local Coordinator and the nicest one, too! I love her!
Love: Henrike V., exchange student from Germany
To: Jackie W., LC in Pennsylvania
I absolutely adore Jackie. I was so lucky to meet her for the first time when I arrived at the “soft landing” camp in NYC. She immediately came up to me and gave me a hug. It was within the first two or so hours of me arriving in the States, and she made me feel welcome and safe at once. From day one she has been nothing but supportive and kind. She makes sure that all the students under her supervision are feeling good, and she does what she can to help us if we have issues. She takes us on trips together and makes sure that we have someone to talk to if we ever need it. She truly is an amazing Local Coordinator.
Love: Sofie R., exchange student from Norway
To: Hugh M., LC in Pennsylvania
I am so thankful that Hugh is my LC, because he does so much more than he actually has to do. If I have a problem, I can always talk to him, and he tries his best to help me and doesn’t judge me. And in general, he does so much for his exchange students. For example, we went to the mall and then we slept at his house. By the way, he is the funniest person so that I always have to laugh. I couldn’t even imagine a better LC, and he and his whole family are such nice people.
Love: Paula E., exchange student from Germany
To: Theresa R., LC in New York
Before I came to United States, everyone who already has been in America said that the whole year basically will depend on your coordinator. I got so lucky with my Local Coordinator. I would never ask for a better one. She is so kind, lovely, funny, supportive and understanding. I can call Terri any time and she will text, call or drive to see me and help. She is the one I can tell my problems and just talk about everything. She is really open minded and knows a lot. I cannot skip the part of all the activities that we do together as a group. The reason why all students in our group are so close is because of our LC. Terri does a lot for us, and I would never thank her enough. She has a lot of experience behind her shoulders. I love her so much and appreciate everything she does for us. She is an awesome LC, amazing mom, best friend, good speaker, outstanding listener and best human being! I love her.
Love: Aiym M., exchange student from Kazakhstan
To: Brittany J., LC in Georgia
Brittany has my love, because she is such an amazing person. She’s funny, nice and had a lot of funny stories and good advice for me! I know that she will always be there for me if I need help, and I’m really glad about that. Happy Valentine’s Day Brittany!
Love: Hannah C., exchange student from Germany
To: Sheri S., LC in Idaho
Sheri has my love, because she is always there for me. Her trips are always fun and exciting. Sheri is doing so much for me and the other foreign exchange students. And I love her for that. Sheri you are the BEST!
Love: Lara P., exchange student from Germany
To: Tony B., LC in Washington
My Local Coordinator has my love, because he is always there for me whenever I need him. He shows interest in all the exchange students and takes care of us. You are able to tell that he does his job with all his heart. We meet at least once a month and plan fun things together with all the other exchange students, which contributes to an unforgettable experience. In a nutshell, he is handmade for this job as a Local Coordinator.
Love: Stefanie B., exchange student from Germany
To: Cynthia J., LC in Missouri
Cindy has always an open ear for you, and she is always there for you. She tries to organize a lot of fun things for the international students, and she gives us many possibilities to try new stuff. Currently I have a health issue and Cindy tries every time to do something good for me to support me, and that is something I appreciate! She is the most wonderful Local Coordinator I could imagine!
Love: Hannah T., exchange student from Germany
To: Kelly B., LC in Kansas
I love my Local Coordinator, because she is hard working and caring. Above all she is like a mother to me, and she is always there when I need her. And she is ready to work very hard so my exchange year will be great. She also encourages me to do things that I think I cannot do. She always checks on my grades and tells me to work hard so I can improve them. I love Kelly so much; she is my friend, my mother, and above all my Local Coordinator. Kelly, I love you.
Kelly loves me, because I am ready to make the difference and work hard on my grades. Above all, she loves me because I made her laugh a lot, and I am very strong and courageous in my doings. Kelly, thanks for loving me.
Love: Alice S., exchange student from Sierra Leone
To: Hugh M., LC in Pennsylvania
My LC has my love, because he is always here for me when I have a problem, and I really can tell him everything. He would never judge me, even when my problems are sometimes stupid. These are the main reasons why I think my LC is the best one.
Love: Nina K., exchange student from Germany
Learn more about opportunities to host an international high school student through AYA exchange.
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