“Leaving for Australia meant leaving all my persuasions behind. Immediately after the first day, I felt like part of the family and a group of wonderful friends.

Getting to know a new culture and new people made me ask myself questions I had about myself. I am definitely a different person from the one who boarded the plane three months ago: I feel more confident and see many opportunities ahead of me.

I am also sure that I have many friends and a family in Australia who support me, love me, and can’t wait for me to return to their beautiful country.”

“The 10 months I spent in Japan were by far the best months of my life.

At first, I was a little scared thinking that I might not be able to make friends or get along with my family, but as time went by, I realized that there was nothing to worry about, as everyone was very kind to me and I made many friends. I am also very happy to have been able to learn about Japanese culture and traditions, as it is a wonderful country that made me fall in love with it!

It was probably one of the best decisions I ever made. I would definitely do it again without hesitation.

Thank you, ASSE!”

“So far, my experience in Denmark has been fantastic. The school is a great place and my classmates are amazing people who always help me to make my stay at school as comfortable as possible. I have formed a strong bond with my host family. Each member has a different personality, but that makes everything more interesting and much more fun. They do everything they can to make my stay here in Aalborg, Denmark, as pleasant as possible, and I am very grateful to them.

For me, a normal weekday starts at 7:25 a.m. I get all my things ready for school and eat the breakfast my mom made. Around 7:55-8:00 a.m., I get on my bike and head to school, which is 12 minutes away from my house. When I get to school, I check my schedule to see if it will be a long or short day and find my classroom. School usually ends at 3:10 pm, but some days it may end earlier or start later than usual. When my school day is over, I take my bike and go home. some days I go running with my brothers or we exercise at home, we rest and help make dinner, at dinner time the whole family is together and we share our day and talk about any topic of interest or I tell them more about my country. To end the day we sit in the living room, some do homework while others watch TV and after a while we go to rest, each in our own room.

To date, I have had the opportunity to present a little bit about my country and my state in several classes at my school and to share a little bit about the traditions and customs. I was also invited by my younger sister’s school to talk to the students about what it is like to be an exchange student, answer some questions they had prepared for me, and share my experience in Denmark so far.

During my first month, I visited some important cities such as Aarhus and also an island a little southeast of Denmark called Samsø, where I went with my host mother’s whole family and spent a weekend touring and eating typical Danish food. I have also visited other small towns near Aalborg, I have been fascinated by every place I have visited and the people who live there. Each place has something that makes it special. Although they are somewhat small, they have many places to visit and many things to do. All the places are incredibly beautiful, and the people are so friendly. They always respond with a smile and make your stay in that place much better.”

“I think this experience has helped me grow as a person. My advice is that if you have the opportunity to do it, don’t turn it down because it’s a wonderful experience.

ASSE helps you discover different places during your exchange because they organize trips where you meet many more people of different nationalities who are also participating in the exchange. This is really cool because it helps you become more open-minded, and it’s really cool to interact with so many different nationalities at the same time.

An exchange not only changes your location, it transforms your perspective and your life!”

“A Meaningful Turning Point in My Life: My Exchange Student Experience

As I looked at a map, the sound of an airplane to an unfamiliar land echoed in my mind. That moment marked my firm decision to participate in an exchange program. In this letter, I would like to share how I came to join the program, what my school life in the U.S. was like, and how my time with my host family became a transformative chapter in my life.

My decision to become an exchange student stemmed from a desire for new experiences and challenges. I’ve always been interested in learning about different cultures and people, and I’ve dreamed of gaining diverse experiences around the world. The opportunity to study in a foreign school and make new friends through the exchange program was truly a priceless and sparkling experience for me.

When I arrived at Walton-Verona Independent School in Kentucky, I was deeply moved by the diversity and energy that define the U.S. There was a strong sense of academic enthusiasm at school, and I could feel the passion and vibrancy of American students through various clubs and sports events. Working and growing alongside them motivated me greatly and gave me the confidence that I can now take on any challenge without fear.

My time with my host family also had a significant impact on me. They welcomed me warmly as though I were part of their own family and made a sincere effort to understand my culture. Through this, I developed the ability to respect and understand different values and ways of life. I also learned the importance of open communication and cooperation based on mutual respect. The time I spent with my host family broadened my worldview and helped me develop an open-minded heart.

The exchange program gave me a chance to discover and develop my potential. Communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds helped me grow as a person and prepared me to face the challenges of the future with greater confidence. I personally experienced the importance of embracing diversity and respecting different perspectives.

Participating in this exchange program became a deeply meaningful turning point in my life. The challenges and growth I experienced in a new environment made me a stronger and more confident individual. Now, I am ready to face the future without fear and fulfill my role as a global citizen who understands and respects cultural diversity.

The exchange program offered me a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the personal transformation it brought about is a lasting gift that will continue to shape who I am. Moving forward, I will always embrace new challenges with courage and strive to create a more peaceful world by respecting the diversity around us.

To those who are preparing to become exchange students, I have some advice to share on how to make the most of this life-changing journey.

First, keep an open mind. An exchange experience is all about meeting new people and immersing yourself in a new culture. By approaching unexpected situations with flexibility and a respectful attitude toward different values, you’ll broaden your perspective and enrich your life. Embrace each experience with curiosity and openness.

Second, be proactive. Being an exchange student goes beyond attending classes — it’s about fully engaging in life abroad. Join clubs, participate in sports, and get involved in your local community. Through these activities, you’ll make new friends and create unforgettable memories. Even when faced with challenges, don’t give up — keep pushing forward with a spirit of resilience.

Third, focus on language and communication. Language is a key part of your exchange experience. Use the English skills you learned back home, and strive to improve them through real-life conversations. Language will not only help you build deeper relationships but also enable you to understand the local culture more thoroughly. Practice speaking and listening consistently and stay enthusiastic about learning.

Fourth, value your relationship with your host family. They are your strongest support system during your time abroad. Communicate openly and frequently, and make an effort to share and learn about each other’s cultures. A strong bond with your host family can turn into a lifelong connection and give you a second home across the globe.

Lastly, be thankful and let yourself grow. Your exchange year is a special and precious time. Embrace each moment with gratitude, and grow from every experience — even the difficult ones. With a positive mindset and patience, you’ll overcome challenges and discover just how much you’re capable of. When you look back, you’ll see how valuable this experience was and how much it changed your life for the better.

To all future exchange students, I hope this advice helps you enjoy your time to the fullest. As you step beyond your comfort zone and seek new experiences, you’ll begin to see the world through a more peaceful, understanding lens. I sincerely support each one of you in your journey and wish you a truly successful and happy exchange year.”