Çisem Kaço from Türkiye is the YES Student of the Month
By Amer Mahmutovic (YES 2023-2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina, placed by AFS-USA in Silver Spring, Maryland)
While still in America, my host family graciously accepted my family's invitation to visit us in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They booked their tickets for September 13, 2024, flying from Washington, D.C., to Istanbul, and then to Sarajevo, where we greeted them at the airport. Seeing them again filled me with joy, and both my host and natural parents were equally excited.
Before meeting my parents, my host mom and dad asked how to say hello in Bosnian, as language was the only barrier—my parents don’t speak English. My mom was initially nervous about hosting them, especially introducing Bosnian cuisine, since my host parents are pescatarians, and our family loves meat. However, their meeting turned out to be warm and delightful. We even prepared a welcome sign for them at the airport.
We spent our first evening in Sarajevo, strolling through the city. The next morning, we had traditional Bosnian pies, zeljanica (spinach) and krompiruša (potato), for breakfast in Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s historic old town. We explored landmarks like the Gazi-Husrev Beg Mosque, museums, and the cable car. We also visited Sarajevo City Hall and Inat Kuća, a historic house. After lunch, we set off for Mostar, where we reached the Old Bridge before dark, enjoyed dinner, admired the Crooked Bridge, and relaxed by the Neretva River.
The following day, we had breakfast at Fortica Hill, crossed Podveležje to the Buna River, visited the picturesque tekija (a dervish monastery), and captured the beauty of the Buna canals. From there, we explored Počitelj, the Kravice waterfalls, and Međugorje, collecting souvenirs at every stop. It was a joy to showcase the natural and cultural wonders of our country, and my host parents thoroughly enjoyed it.
We spent another night in Mostar before heading back home. Along the way, we stopped at Bijambare Cave for a short hike and visited the Potočari village. I took on the role of their guide, sharing stories and history about Bosnia and Herzegovina. That evening, we arrived at my aunt and uncle’s house, where we enjoyed a traditional Bosnian sofra dinner with dishes like pies, maslanica, presnac, stuffed peppers, pršulja, and hurmašice. My host parents also had fish dishes to accommodate their preferences.
When we finally arrived home, my parents had prepared a private room and bathroom for my host family. The next day, we showed them around our town, visiting the old fortress and my second aunt’s home. In the evening, my mother taught my host mom how to make a Bosnian pie, while the rest of us played board games. My father and Chase—my host dad—bonded over chess, and later, we all played cards together.
One night, we treated them to dinner and an overnight stay at Hotel La More. After breakfast, my brother and I picked them up and took them to Gradačac. The next day, we explored Travnik and Jajce, introducing them to another beautiful part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On their final day, my siblings, who spoke English with my host family, took them to Zoo Tuzla, Etno Village Mačkovac, and the traditional Kiseljak festival. My host family enjoyed the amusement park, bought gifts, and packed for their journey home.
On their departure day, my brother and I drove them to the airport. It was a week filled with unforgettable memories for all of us. We exchanged gifts with symbols of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while my host parents brought thoughtful presents from America for my family.
I am deeply grateful to the YES program, which continues to provide incredible opportunities even after my exchange year. I believe this visit has forged unbreakable bonds between our families, and I’m certain these won’t be our last trips—whether to America or back to Bosnia and Herzegovina.