The holiday season is a time for tradition in the United States, so it makes perfect sense that Local Coordinator Kelly B. in Kansas would continue hers. Each year, Kelly takes AYA exchange students to Chicago, Illinois. Sweta, a YES student from India living with her host family in Kansas, was one of the lucky ones to go on this three-day adventure and was kind enough to share her thoughts on this experience:
Kelly, our Local Coordinator, took us to Chicago for three days at the end of November. It was so much fun that I never realized where the three days went away.
We went to the Lincoln Park and the Christmas lights were just awe-inspiring. We also went to the Science and Industry Museum, where we all found Christmas trees from our respective countries.
The next day, we saw the Giant Bean and had fun ice skating. This was the first ever time skating in the sixteen years of my life.
And then, the Willis Tower! I do not have words to express my feelings about that gigantic thing. While standing on the 103rd floor, I felt like I’m on top of the world!
So to sum it up, the whole Chicago trip was really so fun, and we learned the “busy city life of America” as well. I also learned that Chicago is a whole world in a nutshell where there are many different people from different countries. And I am very thankful to AYA for this fantabulous year full with life changing opportunities.
Thanks for sharing this great trip, Sweta! We are so grateful to Local Coordinators, like Kelly, who make it their mission to expose students like you to different parts of our diverse culture and country. We appreciate all of you for your participation and commitment to cultural exchange. Thanks for helping us continue to bring the world together.
Are you interested in making a difference? Learn more about becoming an AYA Local Coordinator.
Are you interested in bringing the world to your home and community by hosting an international exchange student like Sweta? Visit our website today!
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