By Abdul Basit (YES 2019-2020, Pakistan, hosted by AYUSA in Crofton, MD)

Ever since the time I met my host family, I was guided and unconditionally loved by them. I don’t think the start of my exchange year would have ever been so amazing without this wonderful host family, especially my host mom. She did all she could to get me settled and adjusted in this new family, thousands of miles away from home. She enrolled me in one of the best high schools in the county with wonderful teachers who not only helped me adjust to the new school but also introduced me to other students. She made it easy for me to immerse in American culture and get to know about it, and she helps me to do the best at school and to find volunteer opportunities. She taught me how to be a better decision maker and to be optimistic and to open myself to the world of opportunities.

My host siblings are almost like my real siblings. Spending time with them is really enjoyable and fun. My host brother Murat is a blessing in the form of a host brother. He helped me and my double placement exchange brother from Tanzania to get better at many American outdoor games in a matter of a week. He offered to take us every day to a place where we can play almost every outdoor game. He wants us to be perfect in physical well-being and fitness, so he taught us tennis, basketball, American football, and soccer. He was also very eager to learn about cricket from me, which is a popular sport played in my country of Pakistan. Apart from sports he also is an amazing cook. He cooks for us some delicious food whenever he is not at work.

Before I came here to the United States, I didn’t have many expectations. I just hoped that my host family would be kind and nice, but saying that they are nice is an understatement. Being here never gives me a feeling of homesickness or being away from home and why would it? I have two extremely cute and adorable pet dogs named Sophie and Clovey! I take them on a walk during the evenings. Sophie always sleeps in my room and it is really enjoyable to play with her.

I did not know that my host family would have such a big and open heart. My mom, despite her busy work schedule, does all she can to help us learn more and more about the United States and enjoy our time.  She, after knowing about my love for reading, gave me some of the best books she ever read that are beneficial and constructive for me and my character. She also got me a library pass for a nearby library in case I ever wanted to read a book of my choice. She also brought some nature documentaries for me as she knew that I am a nature-lover and very eager to learn more and more about nature. She also knows about my interest in history and she is very open to answer all my questions regarding history.

Family time is very valued in my host family just like my family at home. We eat together at the dinner table and we talk to each other on topics of cross-culture learning and understanding. She helps me with the problems I face at school and offers me the best advice. It is a lot of fun to play video games with my host brother on weekends and we really enjoy it. Mom also takes us to the museums in Washington DC, especially on weekends. The latest we went to was the Museum of Natural History, which added a lot to my knowledge of the early life on planet and fossils. Having in my mind my love for nature she took us to Great Falls in Maryland. Recently, we went to the national park and did biking on the tracks which we really enjoyed. I believe that host families are an integral part of the exchange year and I am so grateful to have such an incredible host family.