Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through the month of September? Time flies when you’re having fun… and Academic Year in America (AYA) students know this firsthand!
Since arriving in the United States in August, our high school exchange students have been traveling, joining sports teams, volunteering in their community, making new friends, and creating unforgettable memories.
We asked a few students how acclimating to life in a new country and culture has been so far. Here is what they told us:
Jule from Germany, hosted in Virginia
“Everything is bigger than in Germany. The cars, the stores, the houses… but it’s great and everybody is very kind to me.
I went to an African wedding on two days, that was very fun. Also, me and my host sister do a lot of fun stuff together…she did my makeup the worst she could… We played soccer… We also went to Washington D.C. to a German event where we did a lot of karaoke – including some German songs which were very funny.”
Sarah from Morocco, a YES Student Hosted in Arizona
“I joined the soccer team and it’s amazing. All the girls were waiting for me, they were so happy to see me. At the beginning, it was kind of hard for me to practice every day because it’s something I’m not used to back home, but now it’s just amazing and I’m getting used to it. We had a lot of fun, everyone is nice, and I can’t wait to experience more.
My host family is the best. I just feel so lucky to have them.”
Ayesha from Pakistan, a YES Student hosted in Illinois
“It is totally something beyond my vision. My host family has literally become my family to me.
The best part about the USA is the high school which gives me the platform to prove myself. I can participate in clubs which I couldn’t have back home, including the arts club and chess club.
I am having many opportunities for volunteering and I am proving myself with all my might. I have been volunteering in a restaurant and soon planning to work for some other organization as well.
Loving the USA with the cores of my heart.”
Are you an AYA host family, Local Coordinator, or student? Share your story with us to be featured on our blog!
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