Hear from our students!
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Angelica
Australia
“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.”
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Renato
France
“I’ve been in France for four months and it’s been incredible!
From day one, I made some great friends who have helped me a lot to improve my French. I feel confident in saying that I now understand French very well. Speaking it is the hardest part, but I’ve made very good progress in the four months I’ve been here.
There were times when I didn’t feel confident about myself, making new friends, learning a new language, etc.
And honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about my experience in France. I think that both the good and the bad have taught me a lot and helped me grow as a person.
What else can I say? I’m very happy to be able to live this experience, and now all that’s left is to enjoy the next few months and continue learning.Thank you, ASSE, for making my dreams come true: to live, study, and learn about the culture and traditions of France. I highly recommend it.”
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Akari
Germany
“Since I arrived in Germany, I have felt truly welcome. My host family is incredible, and I feel very comfortable with them. I have noticed that I understand and speak the language better than when I first started my exchange. It’s amazing how quickly time flies, and when I think about everything I’ve experienced and learned in this country, I don’t regret deciding to spend these 10 months of my life here, facing new challenges, meeting new people, and above all, getting to know myself better.
One piece of advice I would give to those considering applying for an exchange program is to be patient with others and with yourselves. It is a very different culture from your own, and perhaps not everything will work out as it does at home, but adapting and becoming part of it will not be a problem if you have a positive attitude. 🙂
The stay is not eternal, so all that remains is to make the most of it.“
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Alix
Japan
“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!”
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Raul
Denmark
“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.”
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Charlotte
France
What has my experience in France been like?
To begin with, I don’t have the words to describe how incredible it has been. It’s not just about learning a language, it’s a way of life, a culture, a year of continuous learning that in the long run makes you mature and refine your skills, a year where you make unique friendships. My family has welcomed me and treated me like one of their own. Over the months, they went from being “my host sister” or “my host cousin” to my sister and my cousin. I don’t mean to say that they have replaced my family in Mexico, but they have become an increasingly important part of it. This year, I learned to appreciate and enjoy situations because everything has its time and you have to live in the moment. The reasons I came here are definitely not the same as the reasons I want to stay.
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Hanna
Germany
Hanna shares her experience from Germany, the country she chose for her school, cultural, and language exchange.
“Hello! I am already halfway through my exchange year, and I cannot believe how quickly time is passing!
At first it was difficult, because I had problems with my life being on hold, but my friends and family at home had continued as normal.
That, and not being able to speak or understand the language, were some of the problems I had at the beginning. Then Christmas, New Year, and snow arrived!!! I began to understand and speak the language more fluently and make new friends.
Now I’m at a point where I think I don’t have as much time left here as I did at the beginning, but I’m really grateful for all my experiences and achievements (which I hope will be many more!). I hope that in the time I have left, I can master the language and continue to learn about the beautiful culture, delicious food, and kind German people ??❤️”
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Kenya Cristina
French Canada
Hello, my name is Kenya Cristina, I am 17 years old, and I spent a school year as an exchange student in Quebec, Canada, to learn French.
It’s true that studying in another country is an experience like no other. Not only does it give you new knowledge, but it also fills you with new friends, helps you grow personally and professionally, and allows you to learn about a new culture, its languages, its way of thinking, acting, its food, its traditions, and above all, its climate.
It was the first time I saw snow, and I fell in love with Canada’s beautiful landscapes. Personally, it was difficult for me to adapt to the climate, but not impossible, and being away from my family, but thanks to technology, I was able to talk to them.
I was sure that the moment we decided to take a trip like this, my life would change completely. I got to know myself, my way of acting, my decisions, and my thoughts changed. I even realized what I am capable of when I am away from my family.My experience as an exchange student was amazing. I met people from other countries that I never imagined I would meet. I have many friends who invited me to join their volleyball and basketball teams. The teachers were also very kind to me and helped me a lot to learn the languages. They even invited me to participate in an activity called “Forum For Young Canadians,” where only 12 students from the entire school can participate. It consists of learning how the Canadian government works. I got to see all of its facilities and even gave a short speech about my city in the House of Commons. Forum pour Jeunes Canadiens,” where only 12 students from the entire school can go. It consists of learning how the Canadian government works. I got to see all of its facilities and even gave a short speech about my city in the House of Commons in Ottawa. Thanks to this experience, I learned French, with a lot of hard work and effort. Today, I can say that I speak three languages, which is very important for getting ahead personally and professionally.
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Hasibi
Italy
“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!”
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Diego
South Korea
What motivated Diego to become an international exchange student?
“I chose South Korea and decided to become an exchange student because I wanted something new. I really wanted to make a change in my life and break out of my routine. It has been my dream since I was a child to experience what it was like to live in another part of the world. I always wondered how people from different cultures lived. From a very young age, I decided to stop just thinking about it and actually discover it for myself. I want to live and learn from another culture and make as many friends and memories as I can.”
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Jangmin
USA
“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.”
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Javier
France
“When my older sister went on an exchange program to study abroad, neither my brother nor I thought we wanted to do the same. When my sister returned, my brother decided to do it too, but I still had my doubts. I didn’t want to do exactly the same thing as my two siblings, but then I saw that they had had a great time, made lots of friends, and learned to speak French. I decided that I was going to do it too, even if I had the same experience as my siblings… but I didn’t.
My experience was unique because the people were different, the city was different, and of course, the family was different too. I’m in the second half of my stay, and not a single day has gone by where I haven’t been glad I made the decision to come abroad.
I love my family here, I’ve made lots of friends, and I’ve learned French. Plus, it’s always enriching to get to know a different culture. Don’t get me wrong. Of course, there are times when I miss my country, my friends, or my family, but I assure you, it’s worth it.”
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Dafne
France
Dafne shares her experience in France with us. She tells us that it was difficult at first, but now she is happy and enjoying her experience to the fullest.
“My exchange experience: I made the decision to go on an exchange a long time ago. When I arrived in France, it was very difficult for me to adapt, since being on another continent with another family, another school, and different friends was a radical change for me. Before, I couldn’t measure what I was going to face on my exchange. However, my experience has made me appreciate Mexico and everything I have, such as my family, friends, home, food, etc.
Despite everything I’ve been through, I’m really happy now! I don’t regret coming on exchange and I never will. Rarely in life do you get this opportunity to go and live in another country. I was lucky enough to be able to have this experience, and I will make the most of it.
Everyone has been very kind and made me feel at home, despite what happened during the first few weeks, which were difficult because I realized I was far from everything I love. But I know it’s for my own good, to learn about another culture, another language, new cuisine, and new adventures.”
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Shanti
Italy
Shanti shares her experience of her academic and cultural year in Italy.
I would describe this experience as the best year of my life, a unique and unforgettable year. From the beginning, I changed my mindset to make this exchange happen and was ready to give it my all. I remember the first day I arrived, I couldn’t stop smiling. I learned so much in these last few months that it even changed the way I think and relate to people. I have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime.In terms of Italian and school, I am making a lot of progress. The first few months were undoubtedly the most difficult in terms of communication, but nothing that couldn’t be overcome. I have been in Italy for about seven months, and I can say with certainty that my Italian is almost perfect.
My relationships with both families are excellent. I never imagined I would have such a connection.
I am very happy to be living this experience because I have grown as a person, and this experience has taught me to see life differently.
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Isabel
Italy
It’s been almost eight months since I boarded a plane and embarked on an experience that is changing my life.
I arrived in Italy feeling very excited and a little nervous, but in the end everything turned out great. I was welcomed by an incredible family who were very patient and kind to me. These months have been filled with thousands of new emotions, lessons, and experiences.
I live in a small town and thanks to that I have made some wonderful friends who have helped me adapt, learn the language and, above all, enjoy my stay in Italy. I have a sister who is almost the same age as me and she has been my biggest support since the day I arrived. We are very close and although we are quite different, we have a wonderful relationship.
If you asked me what I like most about Italy, I would say everything!
The food is delicious, it is a country with beautiful places, full of incredible artistic influence, it has a very interesting culture, and its people are very cheerful, fun, and honest.
Making the decision to do an exchange in the middle of a pandemic was difficult. I remember being a little scared, but now I know it was 100% worth it. Being in another country in the midst of adversity opens your eyes in an impressive way, and the truth is that I have enjoyed it much more than I expected. You just need to adapt and be open to everything.
Thanks to my family, I have also had incredible experiences. Despite everything, we always find ways to have fun and enjoy ourselves.
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Diego
France
Hi, I’m Diego, I’m 16 years old, I came to France for 10 months, and I’ll tell you a little about my experience: it’s really great, although it’s a little difficult at first because you don’t know the family you’re staying with, but after the first month you start to feel affection for them and you feel better and more comfortable. That’s what happened to me, and now I feel really good about the family I’m staying with; Three months after I arrived in France, I started to speak French more fluently, and from then on, I understood more of what people were saying to me and could express myself well. From then on, time flew by. I did well at school, made friends quickly, and also joined a soccer club, which helped me with my French and soccer. I also have friends there. so it’s more fun. Now I’m about to go back, and I’m happy but also sad to leave my second family.
“We don’t live one year in a lifetime, but a lifetime in one year.” -
Farid
Denmark
Farid is spending his exchange year in Denmark, where, in addition to his school, cultural, and language activities, he is also developing and improving one of his hobbies, playing guitar in a band, which has already performed in concert.
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Juan Matias
Italy
“I visited places such as Bologna, Rome, Florence, Venice, and others. But I can tell you that I learned that Italy is a very beautiful country, very diverse, full of culture and different places. If you go to Rome and Florence, you will see that they are very different.
Thanks to this experience, I learned many things that will undoubtedly help me grow and develop as a person.“
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Fernanda
France
I am in Dole, France, and I live on a farm 30 minutes from Dole in Germigney. I am very happy with the family I was assigned to. I had a great time with Clèmence, my sister here, and I feel completely at home with my family. We had a fantastic time together. Although it is always difficult to adapt to a new culture and new customs in the family, my family has made me feel welcome from the start and has helped me learn the language and culture with great patience.
Photo: My brother, my dad, me, and my mom in Normandy.
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Pia
Germany
Pia describes a typical day in Germany
My day usually goes like this:
I wake up and go to school, sometimes walking with my sister. At school, if we have a long break, we go to a friend’s house and make pasta (it’s become a tradition with my friends). After school, I accompany my friends if they need to buy something, and if not, I go home. When I get home, we eat together as a family, then I go to my room to do my homework and then play or watch a little Netflix with my sister. I take a bath and later in the evening, we have dinner, chat for a while, and then I go to sleep. -
Eduardo
Italy
Eduardo shares his experience in Italy with us. – In the blink of an eye, six months have already passed…
Six months in which I have had an absolutely fantastic experience…I have to say that I arrived feeling uncertain, that is, new school, family, culture, etc. I didn’t know what to expect, I was a little nervous. But after a short time, that feeling disappeared.
My host family is extraordinary, and I am very grateful. The school is also great. Regarding the language, when I arrived, I felt that I knew it better, but I was wrong, haha. It was very difficult for me to understand and to make myself understood. It was with practice and patience that I soon began to get the hang of it, and before I knew it, I knew it much better.
Without a doubt, this has been a spectacular year. I have met many people, discovered new ways of seeing our surroundings, and learned a lot.
One piece of advice I could give to those thinking of going on an exchange is to always look on the bright side of things.Italy is an incredible and spectacular country, full of art, culture, traditions, and cheerful, hard-working, and kind people. It is a country that I have grown very fond of.
Grazie per avermi accolto a braccia aperte Italia!
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Daniela
France
My exchange in France was simply incredible. The changing seasons, the food, my friends, and the experience itself are things I will always cherish as wonderful memories. I stayed in a small town called Gex near the Jura mountains and close to Geneva. My school was in a town called Saint Denis, where I met the best French teacher I have ever had and made many friends of different nationalities and backgrounds.
I was lucky because my host family took me to Mauritius for the first vacation in October, and later when I returned, I discovered that it had started snowing. I learned how to cross-country ski and spent a lot of time feeling the snowflakes fall on my face.
My host mother sometimes took me to Dijon, where her parents live, and I went to Lyon a couple of times just to explore and visit.
I often went to Geneva and visited museums, art galleries, photography exhibitions, and much more. The year went by so quickly, and I discovered so much about myself and my independence. I made some very good friends, and above all, I don’t regret a single thing.
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Borja
France
Borja shares his experience in France with us. –
To be honest, when my father told me about the idea of going abroad, I was thrilled, but that was more than two years ago, and time passed and I forgot about it, until the day came when everything was ready, the ticket, the exchange family, everything. The closer the date got, the more doubts I had: my family, my friends, the food… How was I going to manage? Little by little, I calmed down and started packing my bags. I’ve been here for about nine months now, and I’m in the home stretch, as my father would say, with one month to go. The experience I’ve had so far has been great. I don’t regret it for a second, not only because of everything I’ve learned, but culturally speaking, it’s an experience like no other. It’s not just about speaking the language; here you learn about the culture, everyday life, the way of thinking and living, the cuisine—things you could look up on the Internet, but theory will never be the same as practice. It’s an experience like no other in the world, and it’s totally worth it.
YOU WILL ONLY SUCCEED IF YOU TRY!
DON’T BE AFRAID, JUST DO IT.
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Silvia
France
My experience in France has been wonderful. I have learned a lot about the culture and language, and I have truly enjoyed the three months I have been here. I have made many friends, cooked food, and shared my culture and country at school. I have spent time and traveled with my host sisters and mother, and above all, I have had a great time! Now it’s time to enjoy what’s left of my stay in this beautiful country 😁💗
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Alexa
Italy
A typical day in my life during this exchange year in Italy begins like this:
I wake up at 6:30 a.m. and my exchange sister (Rebecca) and I get ready for school and have a chocolate croissant for breakfast before leaving the house. Then my mom drives us to school, which starts at 8:00 a.m. I go to a language school. We have two 10-minute breaks.
We finish at 2:00 pm and walk to the nearest bus station to go eat at my family’s restaurant. They have a pizzeria near the school. Rebecca and I eat together while our parents rush to serve all the customers. After we finish eating, the restaurant closes (around 3:00 pm) and my mom drives me to the gym. I work out there from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Then I take the bus home. I take a shower, have dinner with my family, we talk and spend time together, and after doing my homework, Rebecca and I talk in our room until we fall asleep.
On weekends, we get up around 9:00-10:00 a.m. (depending on how tired we are) and after breakfast, we go out with friends to eat or they come to our house. At night we also go out, but to the city center where you can meet lots of people your age. It also depends on the season, whether it’s cold or hot, but for now that would be a “normal” day for me.
