Homecoming is an intrinsically American social event that originally started as a celebration of alumni returning back to their alma maters. For Ardian, a YES student from Kosovo, and Issac, a YES Abroad 2023-2024 alum, their homecoming experiences were special moments for their personal journeys.

Since arriving in the US, Ardian has been adjusting to living in his host community. He's attending US high school for the very first time, trying new activities, and making new friends. He is excited to learn new things about American culture. He explains, "Back home we don't have many formal events that are school related so getting to experience that with my closest friends in the US was an amazing experience."

On the other hand, Issac is adjusting to being back in the US after returning from such a life changing experience in Malaysia during his YES Abroad year. Issac had been experiencing nervousness getting re-acclimated to socializing with peers after living in a different cultural context. "Returning to the U.S. for my senior year, Homecoming feels like a testament to my overcoming of reverse culture-shock," Issac shares.

Sharing this experience with their friends from different parts of the globe, many of whom were in the US participating in cultural exchange programs, made the experience even more special. Issac says, "My Thai date knew more song lyrics than I could ever fathom; my friend from Kosovo was more hyped than anyone else around; and my Lebanese friend could bust a move like no other. I was surrounded by both American peers I’d known for over a decade, and friends from all over the world I’d made during this school year alone."

The goal of the YES Program is to foster mutual understanding between cultures, but it also pushes students to overcome the discomfort of engaging with something new. For Ardian and Issac, two global citizens, making the choice to face new experiences can lead to wonderful moments of joy. Happy Homecoming!