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When Sidra first considered studying abroad, it wasn’t part of a long-term plan. It started with a simple suggestion from her mom.
“My mom was like, ‘You should try it, you should try something new,’” Sidra recalls. “And I was like, ‘Okay, let me apply. I know I’m not going to get in.’ And then I got in!”
That moment, equal parts surprise and excitement, set Sidra on a path that would take her from Saudi Arabia to an American high school, where she would experience not just a new education system, but a new sense of connection, belonging, and family.
Taking a Leap Into Something New
For many exchange students, applying to a program feels like a long shot. Sidra didn’t expect much when she applied, but being accepted opened the door to an experience she now describes with deep gratitude.
“I can’t thank God enough for the amazing host family that I have and the amazing friends that I’ve met,” she says.
From the very beginning, it was clear that her host family would play a central role in shaping her year in the U.S.
A Host Family That Made All the Difference
When Sidra talks about her exchange experience, she keeps coming back to one thing: how supported she felt at home.
“If I didn’t have my host family, my exchange year would have been so different”
Her host family didn’t just welcome her into their home; they took the time to understand what would help her feel comfortable, confident, and connected. Knowing how important faith and community were to Sidra, they helped enroll her in a Muslim educational school so she could connect with people who shared similar values and experiences.
“That made it easier to settle in,” Sidra says.
This kind of care matters so much more to exchange students than having a big bedroom while they’re living overseas. For host families, it’s about listening, asking questions, and being thoughtful about what a student might need to feel at home in a new country. Small decisions, like school placement, routines, or open conversations, can make a big difference.
Experiencing American High School
One of the most exciting parts of Sidra’s exchange year was discovering how different school felt in the U.S.
“It’s so different,” she says. “Back in Saudi Arabia, we stay in one class and our schedule is set in stone; we don’t have electives.”
In contrast, American high school offered something new: choice.
“That’s something I really love about America – the ability to choose classes.”
For many exchange students, electives offer a chance to explore interests, meet new people, and feel more invested in school life. That flexibility often helps students feel more independent and confident, especially when navigating a new culture.
Friendships That Feel Like Family and Difficult Goodbyes
As Sidra’s program began to come to an end, her emotions reflected just how meaningful her connections had become.
“My host sister really is my sister, you know? And my friends that I’ve made, I love them so much. I couldn’t be more grateful to have them.”
What started as an exchange placement grew into something deeper. Friendships formed through shared experiences, everyday moments, and the simple act of living life together.
Like many exchange students, Sidra hopes the relationships she’s built will continue long after she returns home.
“I really hope that we can continue with this connection when I go back to Saudi Arabia,” she says. “And hopefully I can come back to America one day to visit them, hopefully for graduation.” Many exchange students, host families, and friends stay in touch for years and meet up again, whether in the U.S. or in the student’s home country.
AYUSA Host Families: The Heart of Study Abroad Programs
Stories like Sidra’s highlight how meaningful exchange can be when students and host families feel supported along the way, and how pivotal a host family can be for an exchange student’s success.
At AYUSA, we work closely with students, families, and schools to help create experiences rooted in understanding, communication, and care. From thoughtful placements to ongoing guidance throughout the year, the goal is to make sure everyone feels prepared (and never alone) in the process.
That support allows host families to focus on what matters most: welcoming a student into their home and helping them feel like they belong.
Considering Hosting an Exchange Student?
When Sidra talks about her year, she doesn’t focus on milestones or achievements. She talks about people: Her host family, her host sister, and the friends who helped her feel at home.
For host families, that’s often where the experience lives too. In casual conversations in the car, through in-jokes at the dinner table, and relationships that blossom over time.
If you’re interested in hosting an exchange student, start an AYUSA application today. We already know there’s an exchange student patiently waiting to light up your life and bring new joy into your home!
