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 Sharib from the Philippines. Sharib was a YES student and spent his high school exchange living with a host family in Ohio.
Dear next year’s exchange student,
Soon, you will arrive here in the U.S. for the 2017-2018 year. I’m pretty sure that you can’t wait to step on the land of the free and home of the brave, meet your host family, and start your new life in a different way—different from what you are used to. I wrote his letter seven days before I left the United States, so that I can really tell you guys how’s the feeling and what advice a soon-to-be former exchange student like me could give to an upcoming exchange student like you.
Ten months ago, I landed in the U.S. full of unanswered thoughts and “what ifs” that even the former exchange students can’t answer for me. I can’t describe how happy yet scared I was when I flew to the U.S. If you are feeling too this way, it’s normal. Don’t worry. Don’t overthink too much, because you know what? Those thoughts will hold you back from enjoying the start of your journey.
I understand if you can’t avoid thinking about how your exchange year is going to be; I’ve been through that too. But what I learned from that is to not overthink too much stuff. Remember, it’s alright not to know the answers. They will come to you when you least expect it.
I know we are screened rigorously before we will be accepted as exchange students. Our open mindedness, independence, and ability is tested. It depends on you, but I guarantee you’ll probably have struggles somehow in the beginning of this journey. It’s the nature of it, and I’m pretty sure you’ll overcome it. You might be struggling in adjusting with your host family’s way of living, making friends, food, school, language and specially HOMESICKNESS.
If you’re wondering how to overcome this, simply, be certain of your problem and figure it out as soon as possible. Troubleshooting those problems is a big help. You are more than welcome to ask for help from your host parents or your Local Coordinator. They are the people who’ll help you a lot. They guide you in this journey, and they’ve got your back throughout the year by all means.
Communication is really important. Don’t be afraid to speak to other people. Talking to someone about how you feel does really help. Don’t worry about your accent or vocabulary, as long as you can get across your thought to the person you’re talking to, it’s fine. Sharing your feelings and being open about it will help you feel better and overcome small or big issues that might arise throughout the year.
And remember also to be yourself. That’s one of the ways to enjoy and make your exchange year worth it. Don’t forget to take pictures and videos, because these will remind you of the memories during your exchange year when you go back home.
Don’t compare your exchange year to another’s exchange year; comparison is the thief of joy. No one is in charge of your happiness, except you. Exchange year is not a year only filled up with happiness and joy, there will be ups and downs. It’s like the yin and yang philosophy, you won’t get the good when there’s no bad. Life should have balance for it to be called life.
You might wish at the first couple months of your exchange year that the time will go fast but then you’ll realize at the end of your exchange year that a simple hello will end with a complicated good bye. You’ll see how everybody loves you and how you made a relationship with the people you didn’t grow up with. At the end of the year, you’ll not be the same person who left ten months ago, personal will really hit you to its finest.
Good luck and make Academic Year in America 2017-2018 a blast!Best wishes,
Sharib
Learn more about opportunities for cultural exchange with Academic Year in America.
Beautifully written and very resourceful. I shared it with my nephew who is a 2017-2018 exchange student.