The relationships between Academic Year in America (AYA) exchange students and host families are filled with love. Not only do host families learn life-changing lessons by hosting exchange students, but they also create life-long bonds.
A few AYA exchange students shared what they love the most about their host families in heartwarming “love-notes” below.
Raghad, AYA Student from Jordan (YES Program) Hosted in South Carolina:
“The thing I love most about my host family is my host siblings because they make me feel like I’m home. They make me feel at home because back home I have siblings their age so I don’t really find it different at my host family’s house. I mean, like, they really are close to me like my real siblings are and that is one of the things that help me not to feel homesickness. We watch movies together and play together and talk a lot! I really do love them and they’re going to be missed!”
Batoor, AYA Student from Pakistan (YES Program) Hosted in New York:
“I love that my host family is always there to involve in me stuff so I don’t get homesick, and they also make sure I get the best experience out of everything. I love them to the moon and back!”
Neele, AYA Student from Germany Hosted in Colorado:
“[My host family is] always there for me no matter what. I can always talk to them, about how I feel and everything. They took me to so many amazing places – like camping in Utah and to Mount Rushmore – and made me have a nice experience in this year. They treat me as their child and I really feel like I am a part of the family.”
Natalya, AYA Student from Ukraine (FLEX Program) Hosted in New York:
“I can’t call my family as ‘host-family’. They became more than just ‘host’. I like how my sister says, ‘You are always cold,’ but she always gives me her sweatshirt. I really like how my mom explains to me life… and calls me sweetheart. And I really like to eat with my grandpa our favorite cake!”
Host families like the four mentioned above truly make the world a better place. Spread the love – learn more about hosting with AYA!
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