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Thank Your Local Coordinator

Mirsela waves from a parade float

By Mirsela Gorani (YES 2013-2014, Albania, placed by AYA/AIFS in Pamplico, SC)  

As a YES student, you get to take part in an experience that changes your life and perspective forever. You grow, become more independent, learn about American culture, values, and everyday life, and become part of a community different from what you are used to in your home country. 

Through this experience, I not only learned about American culture and society, but I learned about other cultures and countries when meeting fellow exchange students. 

There are a lot of people who impacted my exchange experience, and one of the people that impacted this "American Dream" experience for me was my local coordinator.

Mirsela Gorani And Dina Berg at Disney World 1

I was the first Albanian YES student hosted in South Carolina, and I felt like I had an important duty to represent myself and my country in the best way possible. 

I was a bit worried about adapting to a new life at the beginning of my exchange experience; in fact, I was quite self-conscious about how others would see me. But thanks to my wonderful host family and local coordinator, the process of adapting to life in South Carolina went smoothly. 

My local coordinator, Dina Bergs, who we would sometimes call “Mom Dina” (because she was like a mother to all of us placed in SC), was the best local coordinator that we could have asked for. 

From the very first moment I met her and her family, I felt welcomed and loved. 

Miss Dina and the rest of the Bergs were like family to us all. She was hardworking, kind, and made sure that we all participated in activities that gave us the chance to live the American experience to the fullest. 

Exchange students pose at Disney World

When an exchange student thinks about their American experience, they might recall town parades, Halloween celebrations, Christmas parties, sleepovers, volunteer work, fundraising activities, rollercoasters, traveling, prom, amazing bonds, friendships, and lovely new families. I experienced all of that thanks to Miss Dina. I also got to visit Dollywood, Disney World, the Bahamas, and more. 

Miss Dina guided and helped me and the rest of the exchange students throughout the year, always supporting us, giving us advice, and so much more. 

Looking back at my experience, I cannot express in words how amazing my exchange experience was and how important Miss Dina was to me. She was an inspiration when dealing with difficult moments and overcoming obstacles. Her positivity and kindness were like sunshine on a rainy day. 


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