An exchange year can shape a high school student’s life in lasting ways. For Maya, an exchange student from Germany spending her year in Tennessee, that journey has been filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, and moments that have pushed her to grow. Between settling in with her host family, becoming part of her local community, and being named Student of the Month, Maya has embraced each part of the experience with openness and curiosity.
Keep reading to follow Maya’s journey as a high school exchange student from Germany and see how her time in Tennessee has shaped her exchange year in the United States.
Why did you want to do an exchange year in the United States?
“Because I wanted to experience high school spirit and wanted to see if it is like in the movies!”
Tell us about your host family and why you appreciate them.
“My host family includes my host parents, my host sister who is my age and my host brother who is 9. I travel a lot with them around the US and our weekends are always planned with fun activities and if we have nothing to do. We end up watching a movie together or we are baking or cooking. I really appreciate my host family because they are doing a lot for me and giving me the feeling of comfort and love.”
What have you learned about American culture and how have you shared your culture with Americans?
“I learned a lot about the school system here in America because it is much different than in Germany. I learned the southern hospitality and appreciate all the friendly people here. I got to know Thanksgiving and tried turkey! I’m living in Tennessee, so did line dancing and bought cowboy boots, which is very popular in Tennessee.
I shared my culture by doing a presentation about how we celebrate Christmas in Germany and I baked typical German recipes for my host family and friends and family.”
Did you know you can host an exchange student like Maya from Germany?
Host families from across the United States come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’d like to host for a full school year, a semester, or just for a few weeks as Welcome Family, you can make an impact on an exchange student’s life by hosting!
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