Words From Students
I just wanted to thank you for an amazing year and to say that you guys have changed me for the better. I am student leader in my school and I have been doing well in my studies. This all thanks to you guys especially my coordinator Val who has made me believe in myself. I can still remember her last words before I took the plane to Washington: "Lesh you are the brightest girl in the world." I hope to be attached to ACES in one way or another because you will remain my first step to my bright future ahead. Leah T., Kenya
Being with a host family is like having that trust and faith just like it is your own family. Despite being on the other side of the globe and in a different culture, I have been blessed with a great family. It is a great feeling to know that someone has my back in every circumstance. The trust and love start building once you start spending time together. And once you build that trust you no longer feel like you are in a different country.
There are many practical reasons for living with a host family as well. Firstly, we are here to have an American experience and living with American people is the best way to do that. It is impossible to get a total American experience living in the dorm with the people from your own origin. Secondly, living with a host family provides that discipline factor in the life which helps deal with peer pressure and realize our priorities. And lastly, host family is a relationship that lasts forever and you know that you will always have people who care for you even are away.
Due to these benefits, living with a host family is definitely a decision worth making.Amol, India
“I learned a lot about the American culture, the language and a lot of other stuff. My host family was so good to me, and they opened my eyes in a really good way.”E.O. Turkey
“I was so excited and happy to meet my host family at the airport. I had tears in my eyes when I hugged them!!!”Pankti, India
“I’ve gained lots of different experience which changed me to a responsible and independent man and helped me grow faster.”Zhangshui, China
Hello, I want to send this letter to you after we met for the last time. It was an unforgettable experience to be in the USA, to meet new people, to make awesome friends, to see amazing placed and cities, to speak in different language, to attend a completely different school and to learn as much as possible about this culture. You know that there were some days when I cried and felt terribly homesick but on the other hand there were some days which were the best in my life. I am writing this letter because I would really like to thank you. You did an excellent job being my local coordinator, you took a great care of me and you gave me really important advice for my life. It was a great feeling when you came to see me to the airport when I came here- because I knew that there was someone that will try to be my friend for the rest of this semester and try to help me. I can’t imagine being here without you! All the nights I spend in your house, all the time when you drove me to Ann Arbor, and all those fantastic parties that ACES had. Now I think that ACES is the best exchange organization ever and I will recommend it to all my friends in Slovakia. Once again (the last time), thank you for everything!
Thank you, your exchange student,Sonia
Varun is scheduled to return to India on 12th of May after completing the one year Cultural program. I would be failing in my duty if I do not thank you and your organization for Varun's transformation into a man from a kid during his one year's stay in Arkansas. The arrangements made were perfect and every individual he came across in USA made him feel absolutely at home. It is a tribute to the people of USA and our gratitude may kindly be conveyed to his host family, his Local Coordinator, his teachers, his Principal, school staff and every one in your organization. Varun will of course carry fond memories of his stay that will remain with him all his life.Father of Varun, India