By Fatima Jahangir (YES 2022-2023, Pakistan, placed by AFS-USA in St. Louis, MO)

I spent a lot of time in Florida with my host family during winter break. On the first day, we went to a beach where we had dinner with the beautiful sunset. The next day we all enjoyed our time at the swimming pool with beautiful warm weather and relaxing views of the beach. We went to a lot of different restaurants and for the first time I tried the key lime pie, which was really great and such a speciality!

We stayed at Duck Key for a few days and then we went boating and explored Key West to enjoy the southern part of the U.S. My host family likes to spend Christmas on vacation or a big gathering to have family time. My first Christmas was really memorable. I got to meet Santa Claus for the first time at our resort on Christmas Eve!

By Shahjan Munir (YES 2022-2023, Pakistan, placed by AIFS/AYA in Veneta, OR)

My host family and I had a Christmas Eve party together and enjoyed watching Christmas movies. I enjoyed myself the night before Christmas. Thanks to my family who shared their traditions and customs with me. It was one of the best moments that I have ever come across. My host family narrated the story to me about Christmas and how they have been celebrating it. I am hoping for the best experience to have in my life through the help of this exchange year.

My host family took me to watch the Nutcracker, which they  watch every year. My host family told me a lot about Christmas;  They told me all the stories about Santa Claus and the  importance of this celebration. I have had so many experiences in my last few days which I am grateful for.