With answers ranging from food to seasons, YES exchange students share what they love about living in Iowa. 

Seasons

Nearly all the students agreed that they fell in love with the fall leaves, but Loujayn Masrouje from the West Bank can’t get enough of the scenary. 

 “The nature is really pretty here, sometimes I just stare out the window because the view is breath taking. The people are really friendly here, they don't care if they know you or not, they will smile and wave at you. The food is good. The education and the high school are amazing. The way students treat each other, the acceptance and how fast they open up to you, I love it.” 

YES student Erza Mendrofa from Indonesia loves the peace that Iowa has. 

“I love the nature, we can see the sunset everyday. In my country there’s too many buildings and traffic jams. Here it is very peaceful, and the people are very nice. I love the cornfield, the Hawkeyes, it’s like my own home, so I guess I have two homes in the world. 

Community

YES students Shania Rehmudin from Tanzania and Andi Jashari from Kosovo love the small-town kindness they have experienced. 

 “I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and its fun,” Shania said. 

Andi said, “It’s just you get to know more people and you are a part of a community.” 

Hashim Jambi from Saudi Arabia, even loves the opportunities provided to him through volunteering. 

“People are amazing, everyone is nice and welcoming. When you do any volunteer activity, you'll feel good about yourself, plus you meet more friends,” Hashim said. 

Exchange experience 

YES student Dian Puspitaningrum from Indonesia summarizes her exchange experience into something worth noting. 

“Iowa is special. What people outside America, won't ever think about the United States is the way Iowans live. It is amazing to be here, in Iowa. I am so glad to live in a small town; I like when people come to me and ask, “Why are you smiling” and I can answer, "because I want to make you happy.” They just hug me and it's a warm hug. I love my family here, and it's just warm, you can't find this warmness in another place in the United States. I'm glad I'm in Iowa. I see cows everyday, on the way to school; I see the cornfield beside my house. I think I will miss the cows and the corns the most.” 

Hosting a student provides them with opportunities beyond their wildest imagination. To find out why hosting really matters, contact YES today.