Stories from Academic Year in America

  • Volunteers
  • Host Families
  • Students
  • About AYA
  • Contact Us

How a German Teen and a Kansas Resident Became International Sisters

May 2, 2019 AYA 1 Comment

Jess from Germany Poses at Volleyball Match with Kansas Host Sister | Academic Year in America (AYA)

Jess from Germany describes impact of being an international sister

Hosting an exchange student can have a major impact on American children – in the best way. When your family hosts an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA), your children gain an international sister or brother whom they can rely on, learn from, and grow with. In the same way, exchange students form invaluable bonds with American sisters or brothers.

Jess, an AYA exchange student from Germany hosted in Kansas, describes her experience as an international sibling below:

I love to be an international sibling! I learned a lot in America in general and my host mom and host sister have contributed a lot. I learned to be more confident and to be responsible. I also learned to be even more sociable and to talk to a lot more people, because we are really open-minded in my host family.

Jess, right, with her host sister in Kansas

I taught [my host sister] what it’s like to have a sister and to share things, because she doesn’t have siblings here. I loved this role a lot and I love to be her sister. We support each other in school and also in sports.

I played volleyball in summer, bowling in the winter, and now I am a member of the swimming team. My host sister plays volleyball in the club. We always went to the games and meets of the other one and supported each other. We both love volleyball and often play at home in our backyard.

Jess and her host sister posing with “Welcome to Kansas” posters

I’ve also learned not to take everything too seriously, even if we sometimes argue – that’s what happens between siblings. She has also helped me a lot to improve my English skills. With every little conversation my English has grown, and of course I taught her a bit of German. We always have so much fun and we love to hang out.

We learn so much from each other – we have always fun and new crazy ideas.

There are millions of amazing stories and memories we share, and we will never forget. We will be family forever, and that’s so awesome!

Give an exchange student – and your own children – the priceless gift of an international sibling! Learn more about hosting an exchange student with Academic Year in America (AYA).

Host Families, News, Students, Uncategorized cultural exchange, exchange students, host families, hosting an exchange student, international siblings, why host, why hosting matters

Comments

  1. Diana says

    March 10, 2021 at 10:31 am

    That is awesome how you both learned and taught each other things and grew from each other in such a positive way! What a great experience for you both!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About AYA

AYA logo

AYA is sponsored by the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1967. Its mission is to promote worldwide understanding through cultural exchange. Learn more >

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Follow blog via email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

  • FAQs
  • Host Families
  • LC of the Month
  • LC of the Quarter
  • Local Coordinators
  • News
  • Students
  • Uncategorized
  • Volunteers

Recent Posts

  • What is a Local Coordinator?
  • German Exchange Student Shares Gratitude for Host Family in Oregon
  • Host Family FAQs: Who Can Host a High School Exchange Student?
  • Why Host an Exchange Student: 5 Major Benefits 
  • 5 Things You Need to Host an Exchange Student

LC of the month

Local Coordinator volunteer academic year in america AYA cultural exchange high school exchange year

We love to recognize our field staff every month by asking … [Read More...]

Search

Copyright © 2023 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in