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.
This week’s letter is from Meriem from Morocco. Meriem was a YES student and spent her high school exchange living with a host family in Ohio.
To the AYA class of 2017–2018,
Hello and welcome to your exchange experience in the USA. My name is Meriem, and I am an AYA alumni from Morocco who was placed in Wadsworth, OH. I’m going to tell you a little bit about what’s waiting for you in the next few months.
First of all, I’d like to congratulate you for your decision. This year is surely going to be memorable in more ways that I could name. It’ll change you, and if you do what you’re supposed to do and follow AYA’s rules, it’ll hopefully change you for the best.
As you’ve probably heard, America isn’t completely like what you might’ve seen in the movies. Although I have witnessed people breaking randomly into song in the cafeteria a few times—that’s only on special occasions. But jokes aside, you’ll get to experience America in your own way.
The truth is that every town, city and state are different, yet they remain similar in some ways. Therefore, your experience will be very different from other students’ experiences and whatever you do, never compare with each other.
If I only had one advice to give to whomever was committing to this program, it would be to do as many things as possible, have fun, open up to new possibilities and be active in creative ways—all within the organization’s rules of course. And speaking of organization, AYA does a really good job of supervising the student’s throughout the year and supplying them with an accessible and efficient support system. Therefore, you must be respectful to AYA’s representatives at all times, including your LCs.
Last but not least, one of the most important things you, young exchange student, must keep in mind is to respect your host family. They are sacrificing time, money, space and much more to help you with your experience. So make sure to shower them with the love and kindness they deserve every day. Don’t be afraid to cook up a little something on special occasions throughout the year like Christmas, Sibling’s Day or Mother’s Day.
Finally, congratulations for being chosen to be a part of the AYA class of 2017-2018! You are handed a once in a lifetime opportunity. Enjoy it and make the most out of it. Make sure you represent your country the best way you can and through everything you do.
Have a wonderful year in the United States of America.
Good luck!
MeriemP.S.: If by any chance you’re placed in the North-East Ohio area, make sure you stop by Cedar Point sometime during your year. Also, never underestimate the power of a good Chipotle burrito—just make sure you don’t have anything planned after having one.
Learn more about opportunities for cultural exchange with Academic Year in America.
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