By Patty Chung, SHARE! National Office
“Unprecedented”. We’ve heard this word used over and over throughout 2020 and although it’s been applied to extraordinary events around the world, SHARE! international exchange students have a different perspective on their 2019-2020 academic year in the United States. Here’s what some of them want to SHARE! about their unprecedented year of exchange—
It's beyond what I dreamt of. I absolutely love it. I love my teachers and classes and I think that the high school activities are really fun. Here is a picture of me at Danny's (a school dance). The theme was Jersey Jam so I got to wear the jersey of my city's hockey team, the Montreal Canadians. I had a great time ice skating at our group date and dancing at the school dance.
—Rose from Canada, 2019-2020
My best memories must be going to a concert with my best friend and her mom, going to a horse back riding camp with my host mom, going to Florida, going to San Antonio, watching my school’s first football game of the season and going to the opera in downtown Houston. My advice to future exchange students is enjoy it while it lasts! You might think 10 months is a long time, but it’s really not when you’re on exchange. Try to live life to the fullest and don’t be scared to make friends; Americans are usually very friendly and open minded.
—Alina from Germany, 2019-2020
What I learned about Americans is how their school system actually works, lots of traditions (both religious and non), they have a strong Holidays Spirit, especially during Christmas and Easter. Participating in school events like football and basketball games, cheering for my friends in their sports, and generally hanging out with my friends are what I’ll remember most. Thank you for letting us stay in the US during these difficult times.
—Riccardo from Italy, 2019-2020
I learned about small things that you wouldn't notice if you're just on vacation. Making memories with friends & family are what I will remember the most. I advise future students is to not expect anything, go with an empty mind and make memories. I'm glad I got the opportunity to stay. It made my bond with my host family even stronger.
—Wina from Belgium, 2019-2020
I had a really nice and good trip opportunities even if I couldn’t do mine because of the coronavirus. American hobbies are different than in Belgium, how the school works, their dishes, their thoughts about the rest of the world, their relationship with their friends. What I will remember most is the sports at school (team spirit), the air show about Pearl Harbour in Dallas, the road trip across the country to Canada, the family spirit at church, Santa Wonderland. I recommend to other students who want to do exchange to remove all your stereotypes because it’s never going to be like what you think it would be.
—Aurore from Belgium, 2019-2020
It’s been the greatest time of my life. I have good classes and everyone is very nice and comforting. I was shown around and introduced to people, also my age, and got to spend time with them and in general everyone was very nice and kind.
—Lucie from Germany, 2019-2020
We thank all of our brave students, host families and schools for persevering under unusual circumstances and for upholding our mission in providing Heart & Home to every exchange experience!