By Zhanet Velkova (YES 2018-2019, Bulgaria, placed by ACES in Oregon, OH)

Sesil Ivanova’s exchange year did not end when she boarded the plane to return home from the U.S. Rather, the connections she built in the U.S. will last a lifetime, as exhibited by her recent trip to Lorsch, Germany, where she reunited with her host family. Her host family, the Frys, visited Germany for a wedding but decided to extend their stay to organize a host family reunion.

With over 30 years of hosting experience, the Frys have hosted over 25 exchange students from all around the world. According to the Frys, they enjoy hosting international students because they have always been interested in learning more about the cultures and traditions of the students they’ve hosted. While Sesil was in Germany with her host family, she inquired about what the Frys have learned from hosting many kids from different backgrounds. Mr. Fry shared, “The biggest thing we have learned is that people are the same at their core. They all want the same things, and we love having them.”

Sesil’s host family inspired her to not only one day host an exchange student herself, but also continue exchanging her culture. Sesil hopes to help more people realize that Bulgaria has a lot to offer to the world, as a country that has preserved its traditions throughout historical hardships and boasts delicious cuisine.

Sesil shares that while she gained a lot from her exchange year, the most valuable lesson she learned was that being vulnerable is a strength. Therefore, she is grateful for the opportunities from the YES program, the Frys, and she believes in the importance of young people opening themselves to the world, its wonders, and its people. Sesil asserts that “this is the only way to fall in love with diversity and become a global citizen.”

Sesil Ivanova (YES 2021-22, Bulgaria, placed by YFU in Richland Center, WI)