By Ainoor Gudgud (YES 2019–2020, Libya, placed with AFS-USA in Urbandale, IA) 

When I think of my exchange year, I think of sitting with my host family eating chili and watching “Star Wars” on the weekends. I recall ice skating with my best friends as we held on to one another for balance. I remember gathering around the Christmas tree with my extended host family. I think of making new friends throughout the whole year, I think of travel, and I think of happiness. All these memories have turned into stories and lessons that I will always cherish. 

My exchange year has changed my perspective on the world, as I’ve learned about different cultures and shared my own culture with others. As much as the YES program taught me about the United States, it also taught me even more about myself. This experience taught me about my role in the community, what I wish to participate in, and what I want to encourage in the world. 

During my year in the United States, I had great opportunities to learn about the things I love. Since acting was always something I wanted to do, I tried theater and participated in the school play. I took a woodworking class and was surprisingly not bad at all at it. I joined the school concert band and learned how to play the bass clarinet. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to be around people who appreciated music as much as I do. Taking guitar lessons with my teacher also helped me form close bonds. When it came to sports, I also tried out for the basketball team. To promote different cultures, I started an international club in my school. For community service, I got to volunteer with my friends and family. To take a closer look at the United States, I got to travel and see different parts of the country. 

All these experiences are more than just a list of activities. These are memories that I participated in and experienced, surrounded by great companions that have developed into lifelong relationships.

I’d like to think of an exchange year as a rollercoaster. Like any exchange student, I faced some ups and downs throughout my year that shaped me into the person I am today and taught me how to grow. During these hard times I had a supportive host family, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support.

So when I think of my exchange year, I not only think of my memories, but also all of the future YES students who will experience their own unique journey. Then a year later, these students will be sharing their own reflections on their exchange year. Perhaps you could be one of them!