Several of last year’s AYA students took some time to write letters to the upcoming class of high school exchange students, which we will continue to share throughout the summer months. They wrote about their reflections, advice and best wishes to help next year’s group get the best start on making the most of their upcoming exchange experience.
The messages in these letters are valuable—to all participants in Academic Year in America programs. Host families and Local Coordinators can read these letters to understand the student’s perspective, and they can share these letters with upcoming students to help them get prepared.
Today’s letter is from Jana from Germany. Jana spent her high school exchange living with a host family in North Carolina.
Hello to all new exchange students!
I am Jana from Germany, and I’ve been living in North Carolina over nine months now. I still remember how I felt one year ago when I was in the same situation as you are now. I already had my family and was so excited.
It seemed so long until I would actually leave for the U.S., but time went by so fast! Enjoy your time and make sure you actually have enough time to say goodbye to everybody, because summer comes faster than you might think.
Once you are in the U.S., everything is new and exciting. You meet so many new people and have the opportunity to try so many things. Join clubs at school, do sports, play theater—there are so many things you can do here and just have a great time.
Even if a day is not going well and you are having a hard time, just remember that you have people in the U.S. and at home that love you, and you are learning and growing so much!
I wish you all the best for your exchange year. Have a great time!
Good luck,
Jana
Learn more about opportunities for cultural exchange with Academic Year in America.
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