Every August a talented group of YES Alumni volunteer as instructors at Arrival Orientations. These talented young people dedicate weeks of their lives to instructing the next year's YES students on what it takes to have a successful exchange year in America. Thanks to these stellar teachers, many YES students are prepared to take on new challenges and adventures with their host families.

We wanted to reflect on what impact host families have beyond just an exchange year, so we asked some of the YES alumni instructors from this year to share what their host families and communities meant to them.

For a tree to reach heaven, its roots must delve deep into the earth, which is helps grow the deepest connections in the most difficult times. It is daunting to travel alone at the age of 15 to the other side of the world. I was living with people whom I didn’t know, being a part of a community that was the farthest thing from a sense of familiarity and comfort; embarking on a journey that held infinite uncertainties. Why would someone take such risks? For me, it was curiosity and fascination with the unknown. Day after day, I was getting introduced to something new and gradually, necessarily, and happily navigating my way through uncharted waters. New people, new places, new ideas, new beliefs; there was always a quest for understanding, an opportunity to explore, and knowledge to be claimed.

Before you know it, what was once strange becomes family, friends, and home. You form ties that fuel a fire in you to fight the thousands of miles separating you, to fight life’s tough conditions for them again, and again, and again to spend more time with your loved ones. Although going on exchange was one of the hardest decisions in my life, it was, without doubt, the best decision of my life. My host family and community provided me with an experience that was, is, and will always be a cornerstone experience.

They taught me a profound life lesson, a lesson that signaled the start of a life-long endeavor: accepting, embracing, and thriving through the uncertainties of the world. Empowered by their exchange experiences, YES alumni march ahead, leading and accomplishing remarkable achievements that ought to leave eternal footprints and a legacy of a better world. A world that is more certain and less uncertain; one that is more understanding, more knowledgeable, and more empathetic. All those acts of kindness and caring share the same source of inspiration: host families and communities.

My host family and community in Rockledge, Florida during my 2014-2015 exchange year hold a very special place in my heart. They opened their hearts and home to me, welcoming me as one of their own, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. The experience of becoming a part of their family was truly transformative, and we shared many wonderful moments together. Their kindness, support, and openness helped me grow, adapt, and feel at home, even though I was miles away from my own family. The bond we created remains strong, and they will always be a meaningful part of my life.

My host family is an integral part of my family, and I don't see a separation between them and my biological family. Although I lived with them for less than a year, it had a profound impact on me, and I will always feel at home whenever I return. That community gave me so much; it was the first place where I learned to live independently and truly thrive. If my life were a chart of personal growth, my time with my host family and community would be at the top. That period of my life formed me as a person in ways I never anticipated, and it was because of the support and environment my host family and community provided. It was a time of immense growth, and without a doubt, it stands out as one of the most defining experiences in shaping who I am today.

My host community welcomed me like the misty mornings of Washington—quietly, subtly, but with a warmth that settled into my bones. In a place where the rain often lingers and outsiders are few, I expected to feel like a stranger under perpetually gray skies. Yet, in the familiar drizzle, I found something unexpected: a sense of belonging. I became not just a visitor passing through, but the school’s bear mascot, a figure of pride and laughter. The small, daily rituals—grabbing coffee at the local shop, strolling through the rain-soaked streets, greeting neighbors—became part of my life’s rhythm. In these interactions, I felt myself growing closer to the people who had welcomed me. Now, I walk these streets as one of their own, deeply grateful for the bonds that have transformed this once-foreign place into a home I never knew I needed.

"I have always wondered if living with people from other nationality, religion and race would ever be possible, but not until I got to experience it firsthand as a YES student from Nigeria living in Redding, California with an American host family. I was welcomed with so much love and affection that made me stop addressing them to others as my host family but rather my second family. My second family have played a huge role in shaping me into the ambitious person I am today. My public speaking couldn't have gotten better if I did not learn from my host mom on how she delivered Public speeches and this motivated me to use my voice to help the voiceless.

My host family were ever supportive of me participating in community service events in the community, this experience I have taken back with me to Nigeria as I have led and organized several community service projects, secured a YES grant in 2023 as well as a Professional Development grant this year as a YES Alumna. I cherish memories spent bike riding with my host family, the family trips, lake visits, birthday parties and back to school dance nights. My entire host community were my second support system during my YES year as I learnt how to uphold the culture of positivity in a community. In science, we say man cannot survive alone and that is because humans are social creatures; we truly can't do without one another. I really can't go off without acknowledging my host community in terms of recognizing hardworking community members by organizing social events and presenting them with outstanding community service awards. I truly love my host family and community. I am also grateful for the overall experience as I consider it invaluable in my life. Thank you!"

Throughout my exchange experience, my host family was more than just a temporary home; they were the cornerstones of my development. Before starting the YES Program, I was a 16-year-old girl who had never been outside of her comfort zone. My host family and community became the supportive environment where I grew in ways I never imagined. Living with them taught me the meaning of connection beyond borders. They welcomed me with open arms, sharing not just their home, but their customs, values, and love. They helped me find my voice as I stood in front of hundreds, confidently presenting my culture, and celebrating our differences. They encouraged me and celebrated my small victories, whether it was running a cross-country race for the first time or volunteering at Helpline House.

They were my home away from home, and they showed me that you can find beautiful things by stepping outside the familiar, and continuously pushing yourself to improve. For this, I am forever grateful.