A Year Filled with Family, Friendship, and Volleyball
For Eva, studying abroad in the United States wasn’t just a goal, it was a childhood dream. Growing up in Switzerland, she imagined what it would be like to fully immerse herself in another culture and build meaningful relationships across the world. When she finally arrived to Florida for her high school exchange year, she was ready to step outside her comfort zone and embrace every opportunity that came her way.
“I’ve always been someone who loves discovering new places, meeting new people, and embracing new challenges.” – Eva
Describing herself as open-minded, outgoing, and genuine, Eva quickly settled into her new life. She found connection in her two host sisters and quickly felt her host house turning into a home. From sharing dinners and laughing about cultural differences, those daily interactions built a strong bond with her American family.
Her host family, which includes her host mom Cindy, host dad Jose, and host sister Jayleigh, self identify as a busy, active household. They are often traveling, attending sporting events, or spending time on their boat. For them, hosting was an opportunity to learn about another culture while sharing their own. “Hosting Eva has been amazing,” they shared. “She fits right in. She’s down to try new foods or do new things”. They are also hosting another exchange student and the three 17 year-old girls get along like sisters.
Finding Belonging Through Everyday Life
Living with a host family provided Eva with a deeper understanding of American culture and everyday life. “I connect with my host family through the small, everyday moments that slowly build a real bond. We spend time together at dinner, talk about our days, laugh about cultural differences, and share stories about our lives,” Eva shares. She discovered that routines and traditions may differ, but the core values of family remain universal.
“No matter where you are in the world, family means care, support, and sharing life together. That realization made this experience even more meaningful for me.” – Eva
Of course, adjusting to a new culture also came with challenges. Speaking English all day, navigating a different school system, and adapting to unfamiliar routines were some of them, and Eva embraced those challenges, perceiving them as opportunities for growth. Over time, confidence replaced uncertainty, and what once felt intimidating became part of her daily life.
The host family also recognized growth. They saw Eva become more confident and willing to speak up, noting that she developed strong communication skills and the ability to connect with others.
Getting Involved and Joining a Team
One of the most impactful parts of Eva’s experience was joining the Varsity volleyball team. From her very first game, she felt the excitement of American school spirit. The crowd, the energy, and the team comradery were electrifying. Eva shares, “It (being on the team) gave me an immediate sense of belonging and allowed me to connect with so many people right away.” Eva became great friends with her teammates and they spent a lot of time together as a team. “Before games, we would go get food and just enjoy being around each other. Those moments, laughing and getting ready together, were just as important as the games themselves,” she reflects.
“From the very first time I stepped onto the court, with the crowd in the stands and the energy in the gym, I felt something special. Experiencing American volleyball at that level, the intensity, the team spirit, the atmosphere, was something I had always imagined, and living it was even better.” – Eva
“What I will carry with me most are the connections I built. The friendships, the shared emotions on and off the court those bonds are something that will stay with me forever.” – Eva
Beyond sports, Eva enjoyed traditions she had only seen in movies, like attending Homecoming, which is another memory she will cherish. “Getting ready with friends and experiencing such a big American school tradition felt like something I had only seen in movies before. The same goes for the pep rallies, the music, the cheering, the school spirit, and everyone coming together in the gym created such an incredible atmosphere.” The big events were memorable, but so were the small ones. Eva loved seeing familiar faces in the hallways each day. These everyday interactions helped create a strong sense of community and made school something she genuinely looked forward to.
Memories That Will Last a Lifetime
From traveling to Orlando and visiting SeaWorld to spending time at the beach or simply hanging out together, Eva and her host family created countless memories. One memorable experience for the family was a Spring Break cruise they went on together.
For Eva, it was often the small moments that meant the most: dinners together, laughter, and hugs from friends in the school hallways. Those everyday experiences became the foundation of her second home.
A Second Daughter, A Second Home
When asked about the most rewarding part of hosting, the family shared that it was gaining another daughter. “We will miss her quirkiness and spending time with her,” they share.
Eva feels the same way. She knows that while her exchange year will come to an end, the relationships she built with her host family, teammates, and friends will last far beyond her time in the United States.
“This year became special because of the people who made me feel welcome, supported, and appreciated. I will carry that gratitude with me forever.” – Eva
The host family shares these words of encouragement for Eva:
“Never give up on your dreams. Never let anyone try to change you. Always stay the amazing, beautiful soul you are.”
Written by Lauren Lunt