Real Stories

Real Stories

If you are part of the P.I.E. family (a student, host family member, a representative, coordinator or a school official), please share a brief description of a memorable experience you had. You can add your story here. You may also attactch a digital photograph (we only accept jpegs or gifs at a maximum file size of 50k). Your entry will be validated before being posted to the Web site.

Thank You From a Natural Father from Russia
Dear Emily, Everything about the flight of Alyona into Ekaterinburg is clear, thank you! It’s very nice that that this letter came from you, since you prepared and sent use. You were absolutely right, that we wouldn’t even recognize our children after they study for a year in the USA ! We already sense this when we have talked with our daughter these past months…she has become independent and adult in her activities. I can add that we’ve noticed that Alyona and probably some of the other children now while they are in their last days in the U.S. are having a quite noticeable shock. She really wants to come home, but really doesn’t want to leave the U.S. She’s made many friends there and adapted to the environment… She even talks about her desire to return for a couple weeks this fall… She liked everything in your country, and even says that she was really lucky: she has really good host parents and a good school. And this even with the quite modest conditions in comparison with the other students… I think that this is in some ways this is a very high estimation of the professional activities of FLEX. A huge thank you to you and your FLEX colleagues for good work! It’s too bad that you moved to Novosibirsk and we can’t show our gratitude in person. With great respect, Viktor Petrov ********* Эмили, здравствуйте! По инфо о времени перелета Алены в Екатеринбург все понятно, спасибо! Очень приятно, что письмо пришло именно от Вас, ведь Вы нас готовили и отправляли. Вы были абсолютно правы, что мы не узнаем своих детей после года учебы в США! мы это уже чувствем по общению с дочерью последние месяцы... Она стала самостоятельней и взрослей в своих делах. Добавить могу, что у Алены, да и наверное у других детей, сейчас в последние дни пребывания в США наблюдается довольно заметный шок. Она конечно очень хочет домой, но и сильно не хочет уезжать из США. Она приобрела там много друзей, привыкла к окружению... Даже выражает желание вернуться к ним на пару недель уже этой осенью... Ей все у Вас в стране понравилось, она даже говорит, что ей повезло: у нее очень хорошие хост-родители, хорошая школа. И это даже несмотря на достаточно скромные условия ее проживания по сравнению с другими студентами... Я думаю, что это в какой-то мере и очень высокая оценка Вашей профессиональной деятельности ФЛЕКС. Большое спасибо Вам и Вашим коллегам по ФЛЕКС за хорошую работу! Жалко, что Вы переехали в Новосибирск и мы не можем Вам очно выразить свою признательность! С большим уважением, Петров Виктор.
Viktor Petrov

my beautiful daughter noza
my name is jeff from texas,last year(07-08)my family hosted for the first time. I was not interested in doing it, we fought for month over it. Well I gave in and said lets do it. My wifes friend had been a host family for years. On the day August 29th 07 Noza from Tajikistan arrived in our life. At first it was hard to ajust, but let me tell you it was the most amazing year of our lifes. We did alot of things, an learned alot to. The hardest part of the year was may 20th 08 saying good bye, that was the hardest thing I ever had to to. But we gained a daughter witch we dont have. Noza is back in Tajikistan now with her mom, she is going to college and has a full time job. Im so proud of her. By the way im paying for college cause she's NOT just a exchange student any more she's my beautiful daughter(MBD NOZA) We e-mail or skype or talk on the phone once a week to say I love you how are things going. Im dad now an it feels great!thank you pie for giving me the most beautiful daughter in the world! Noza wants to come back in a few years an live in u.s.a-after college of courses lol.
jeff from texas former host now dad

Why I Do What I Do
Every year we as regional managers spend a great deal of time reading profiles and learning about our incoming kids. We meet them, begin to put faces to names from paperwork and we start getting to know them. Lucky for us, they arrive eager to form bonds and become loyal friends. Every year we spend time with the kids, listen to them, counsel them, yell at them, teach them and enjoy them and before we know it, it's time to say good-bye. It's hard to believe we can love each new group when we cared so much for the last one, but we do. This year I have had the privilege of being a FLEX/YES cluster leader for around 18 kids. We just completed our PDO and final enhancement weekend and it was time, once again, to say good-bye. I spent some time really watching them and listening to them and I reflected on how each of them has touched my life. Some of the kids came here ready to take on the world, others were so painfully homesick it broke my heart. Some got overwhelmed by school and homework, others seemed made for student exchange and excelled in everything. They are funny, they are annoying, they ask endless questions and they give endless hugs. It doesn't seem possible to keep all those names straight and yet by the end they have very distinct personalities and it's easy to tell Mamed from Eldar and Ira from Anya. We add memories. We do the same things in the same places but each group, each child, makes it different and special. Soon we have "inside jokes" and silly quotes and things that will be remembered about this bunch. Remember when the bird sat on that Tajik boy's head at the aquarium? Remember when all the girls decided to put their hair up the same way? Remember when we all tried that Ethiopian food together and nobody knew what it was? Remember when we stayed up all night and just talked about nothing in particular? It's why we do what we do. When a tearful, grateful student hands me a personal note about how much she appreciates all I did for her, that is all the payment in the world for my time and effort. And lucky for me, I get to do it all again in a few short months.
Patty Grasty, P.I.E. Regional Manager

Thank you!!!
Dear P.I.E. Thank you very much for giving us an apportunity to learn and Live in USA. I am Ayganym Pazylbekova from Kazakhstan Kyzylorda city... Arrived to America 08.08.08...And I think that was something really meanningful about this date!! I really enjoy my year.... I have seen lots of places that I have never dreamed about....I have made a lot of friends And I love all of them!!! I live in New England area...New Hmpshire Seacoast Area!!! Kazakhstan is boardered by lands and I have never saw an ocean!!! My Dream have became a true I have swam in 3 diferent beaches...in Florida in New Hampshire and i also have swam in Golf Of Mexico!!! I have never seen Rodeo in My life before but in 2008 Christmas me and my Family went to Texas... spent a great time... I really LOVE my Family that I am staying with now!!! I want to say Thank you Mom and Dad for Love that you are sharing!!! I just want to say how happy I am being here in America!!! With Love Exchange Student Ay!!!
Ayganym Pazylbekova

Our Turkish Son, Serkan`
We hosted our first exchange student two years ago, I never dreamed he would leave such a impact on our lives. When Serkan arrived, he was a bit overwhelmed. That didnt last long, he turned into a typical 16 year old teenage boy. What a wonderful year we had, and it seemed to just fly by. He was here one minute and on a plane back home the next. We had so many good times, and of course we had our share of issues. School was easy, he made many friends. I miss serkan alot, but luckily we communicate weekly via email and we have spoken on the phone. He became a part of our family, our oldest son. There are days where I wish he was still here, when I am cooking or just watching tv. There was never a dull moment. The hardest part was putting him on the plane back to Turkey. I felt as if my heart was being ripped apart. I know what his famiy felt like when he left to come to America. The relationship that we built in 10 months will last forever. We are hosting another exchange student this year, we are so excited for her arrival. I highly recommend that everyone take advantage of this experience. Thank you PIE for sending me a wonderful Turkish Son..
Michelle Stovern, Montana

My First Baseball Game
I went with my host mom to a baseball game one Friday night. It was a typical American experience. After eating the American hotdogs and watching the game I met the owner of the team and got an original baseball from the team. It was so awesome!
Naser from Lebanon

Hello from Maike in Kansas
Hello! I'm sorry that you had to wait so long for another e-mail from me but here was so much going on. Now I have spring break so I finally have time to write you! I'm still doing really good and I'm getting kind of sad whenever I think about going home so soon. In the end of January I went to Scottsdale, AZ to visit the son of my hostmom and his wife. It was just wonderful! We had a really nice time and the weather was much better than here in Kansas( they didn't have school because of too much ice and snow). The highlight of our vacation was the trip to Las Vegas for one day. I couldn't do a whole lot because I'm under 21 but it was just great to look at everything and the buffets in the casinos were just a dream! Right now everybody is preparing for prom. I didn't know that it is such a big deal, so when I figured it out I got really excited and went prom dress shopping with my hostmom. I found a really cute one! The weather here in Arkansas City is just weird, it changes all the time. Two days ago it was about 5C and today it's almost 20C and just wonderful. School is still easy and I really like the whole school spirit. I'm really excited because I've never seen baseball and softball and the season starts right after spring break. I still have my dance class once a week and that is really fun. We going to have a recital the weekend before I leave so we are practicing and practicing so that everything is gonna be perfect. I hope you all do just great! Maike

Christmas in My Country & USA
I decided to tell you about my Christmas. Now, I have the winter break and enjoy spending time with my host-family. We’ve already wrapped the presents and I can’t wait until Christmas Eve. In my country, because most of the people are orthodox Christians we celebrate the Christmas on January seventh. I and my family usually go to the church and pray. Then our relatives and friends come to our house and we celebrate the birth of Jesus together. The first weekend of December me, my host-family (mother and sister) and my older host-sister went to one tourist city(Frankenmuth) in Michigan. We went to the largest Christmas store of the world and bought the Christmas presents and decorations. The store was huge. There were lots of ornaments, toys from all over the world. I tried to find something from my country. But because Georgia is so tinny I couldn’t find anything except the flag. I was really excited. We stayed here for a night and enjoyed walking in the snow and shopping in Christmas stores. It was amazing and unforgettable weekend for me. I hope I’ll have good time on Christmas too. We are going to make dinner on Christmas Eve where the whole family will be together and we’ll open the presents.I send you some pictures. Thank you very much for writing the article in last newsletter.Merry Christmas!!! I wish you happy holidays and thank you for everything you do for us!!!
Mari Datishvili

Great News From Hong Kong
We have been very lucky to have been able to host a student at the last minute. Her name is Mei-Ting (JoJo). We knew from the second that we saw her profile that she would fit in well with our family, and in the nearly one week that she has been here and the two weeks that we have been talking and emailing, we were right. She is amazing and fits in at our home perfect. The language has not been an issue rather another avenue from which to learn and gain insight about Hong Kong. My four year old has fallen in love with her new " big sister" and our boys think that she is cool. I have found that hosting an exchange student is better then we could have imagined. In the past the exchange students have only stayed for short periods in the summer and as a result we never had a chance to make lasting bonds, this year I am hoping that will be different.
Jennifer Hontz Maryland

The Hendrickson family
Hello everyone. We want to share our story with you. We hosted Apinya from Thailand last year. She is a wonderful person who lights up the room just by walking in it. Our family has been blessed by knowing her and having her become a forever member of our family. We can not say enough good things about her. Opening our home to an international exchange student has changed our lives and our hearts forever. It was hard to watch her leave, we still cry. But we know in our hearts we will meet again. We miss our goofy girl. We are recieving Anna from Kazakhstan this year. She arrives next week. We can not wait to open our home and our hearts again.
Amy Hendrickson

EXCHANGE STUDENT VISITS SOUTH ALABAMA
HELL0, WE ARE THE BERRY FAMILY. WE HOSTED A STUDENT FROM BANGKOK,THAILAND,BY THE NAME OF WONGPITI SONGSAPKUL.THIS EXPERIENCE WAS SIMPLY UNFORGETABLE. WE ARE A VERY SIMPLE FAMILY, WE DID NO TRAVELING WHILE HE WAS HERE, WE SIMPLY LIVED OUR EVERYDAY LIFE. HE WILL FOREVER HAVE A HOME HERE WITH US, AND BE FOREVER A PART OF OUR FAMILY. THE EXPERIENCE OF HOSTING AN EXCHANGE STUDENT SURPASSES ALL THE NERVOUSNESS YOU HAVE AT THE BEGINNING. I WISH EVERY FAMILY, BIG OR SMALL, NO MATTER YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION, WOULD TAKE A CHANCE AND HOST A WONDERFUL YOUNG PERSON. THEY HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY, SHOW YOU , AND LEARN. THE SIMPLE THINGS WE DO EVERYDAY, IS SOMETIMES SOMETHING THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN OR DONE IN THEIR LIFE. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU AND BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR STUDENT IN THE FUTURE. WE ARE EXSPECTING OUR NEW STUDENT FOR THE 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR IN AUGUST. WE ARE VERY EXCITED AND CAN HARDLY WAIT TILL SHE ARRIVES.
PAM BERRY ( HOST PARENT) AND AREA REP. FOR SOUTH ALABAMA

The best week in the capital of US-Washington, DC
There are so many exciting and interesting stories about our year as an exchange student, that we spend here in US. I'm agree with every letter here. They all are so interesting and all of us exchange students experienced it, and we totally understand each other. My year was an amazing experience as i believe every exchange students' was, is and will be. Being an exchange student is not just coming to Amrecia, living with an american family, going to US HS, we also have so many meetings, and wonderful trips. So we had an opportunity to go to DC. it was the Civic educational workshop. We had to write an essay, and i got selected. That week, was just amazing, we've learnt so much, we made so many friends, and we've been in so many interesting buildings. We've been in all those museums, monuments, Capitol bld.Supreme Court, the White House, and so may other places.. Well, actually we saw White House just outside, since we couldnt go in. But still it was amazing. The most exciting day was Capitol bld. day, when we got to go in. WoW. We had an entire day, we had meetings with the senators and reprasentatives, since i'm in Texas, i had meetings with our senator John Cornyn, and our represantatives. It was wonderful. I was so excited. Capitol bld. senator John Cornyn, wont u get excited??? im so sure that you will. It was an amazing week, i have great memories now. We also had so many trips with our reprasantative Ms. Dixon. Mimi (we call her Mimi), she is the best rep. and she is just an amazing person. She has such a wonderful personality. i consider myself as a lucky person that i have her as my rep. Im sure without her, my year woudnt be as amazing as it is now. In one week, I will be on the plane, going back home. But i'll never forget this year that i spent in US, that week that i spent in DC, and just entire year. On behalf of all exchanges tudents I want to thank all PIE staff. All of you are doing great job. Millions of thanks wont be enough, to show all that appreciations that i have in my heart. Just wanted all of you to know that we APPRICIATE. Thanks once again. With a great respect to all PIE staff
Dilshodai Sharifzoda, Tajikistan, Texas

hi
hi , im romaissaa from morocco , now i live in wills point, texas, with the spindle family. they are cool and loving. we have fun all the time , and guess what? my host mom is pregnant with a boy , and the due date is march 31, im so excited!!! two weeks ago , our area representitive: Mrs Dixon ,took us to mardi gras in jeferson texas , and then we went to Louisiana in the same day , WE REALLY HAD FUN trying to get as many beeds as we could, taking some cool pictures of the parade... i just wanna add that im so grateful for my host family, my area rep, and pie who gave us this oportunity that i will never forget. Thank you all
romaissaa

Hi!
Hi, my name is mariam from palestine.now i live in san francisco and i have a really good time with my host parents , and with my new friends that i met in the school. classes are still alittle bit difficult for me because of the language barriers, but its better that my first day in the school.i'm so glad that i participated in this programe, it's the best thing i've done in my life till now. i saw and experienced so many new things that i'll never learn from a book. thank you PIE for everything, i apprcite your efforts i still have alot of time, its just my first month in my homestay but i spent 2 months in san diego before i came here im lookin forward to experience more things
mariam ashour, Gaza strip, Palestine

Unforgettable Time!
Hey, everybody! My name is Antonina and right now I live in Michigan, But less than in month I will be on a plane going home. It has been a great year for me and I hope that the experience that I have had here will help me through out my life. When I first came here, every thing seemed to be very different and strange. But by the end of the year I realized how close people that I have met and things that surround me became. I wouldn't wish to be in some different place than Nashville, MI. It's a very little town (about 1600 people) and a school that has students both from Nashville and Vermontville. But the attitude that people live with here, their kindness, patience and willingness to teach and to learn. I am also very glad that I was a senior in Maple Valley HIgh School, having great teachers and getting to know a lot of people. My year was also interesting in that point that I have been traveling with PIE staff. We went with a group of exchange students to Washington DC and Chicago, had fun canoeing on the Ionia River and shopping for Christmas in a city Frankenmuth. But the most exciting part of this time I think was doing community service projects and volunteering in many different places. As you begin doing this you begin to understand how important is to help people without asking for any feedback. It's great also because you can meet a lot of interesting people and learn something new. I also want to thank all the people who were supporting me including my host families and local reps. I am going to miss you all. With a great respect to all PIE staff and FLEX coordinators.
Antonina Abdurazakova, FLEX student from Tajikistan (Year 2004-2005)

Trip to Seattle
Hello everyone who is reading this letter. My name is Dilnoza Mamadaliyeva and I am from Uzbekistan. I want to tell you about our Seattle trip. In April 23 through 27 we had an orientation program with our areal coordinator Cathrene Nichols. So we went to a lot of different places, and saw lots of amazing buildings and museums. We went to the "SPACE NEEDLE", Seattle Boeing Museum, local shopping sotore, went to the park where you ride those crazy roller-coasters and rides like that. We had so much fun in there. The Boeing Museum was amazing. It was really cool to see the history of airplanes and later we saw AIRCRAFT one, which was J.F. Kennedy's airplane. We had fun playing those games in the Park. When we went to the Space Needle, we saw the great view of city of Seatlle. Then we of course went shopping, which is my favorite thing to do. By the way there were Me and Anastasiya Sobenina, Dilyara Gazizova, Murat Tuloberdiev, Hyewon Kim, Hyejin, Boat, Tsogta, and the rest of the Nichols family, accept Cathren's husband. We had a lot of fun being there with each other. I don't think any of use is going to froget this.
Dilnoza Mamadaliyeva, Uzbekistan/ Oregon

Our Little Venezuelan
Dear PIE, Thank You so much for our exchange student Julian. He has been the funniest guy in our house in a long time. He has been with us for 4 months of a one year stay. So you all know what that means, we are very comfortable with each other now. So the scared feelings have gone and the nervous politeness is over. We are finally settling in and being comfortable knowing each others habits and quirks.We have been having so much fun going to touristy places and traveling.We are always on the lookout for stuff we should show Julian. My favorite thing is the look on Julian's face when we ask him to participate in things I personaly would question. He is always open to trust us with our idea of fun. He has been taken from his comfortable video game recliner in a fast hurry up,get the camera, you gotta see this surprize. We jump in the car,drive 5 min.to the local parking lot to see the OSCAR MEYER WEINER MOBILE. The look on his face was beyond description. Then the man in the weiner started singing on a loud speaker, "the weiner song" and asked him where he was from. He said, "Venezuela" in his accent and the guy said, "Is it very cold in Minnesota now?" He went on to give Julian the coveted weiner whistle.. He's been playing it ever since.We have been enjoying the risk he took to come to stay with us,We consider this a very brave thing to do. Our other best moment is that he has several little neighbor jobs that we have laughed alot about.The weird pattern that our neighbor had in his grass after Julian learned how to mow for the first time. Apparently our USA grass is different.Julian has become a professional clown since he has been with us.(I have Photos) He makes face painting and tattoos and balloon animals.(Well,he makes something that resembles an animal)My favorite memory of Julian is during a company Christmas party he was an elf. The hat and the costume/w bells and the shoes. He is 6'3" with a full beard. Can you picture Will Ferrell's movie? Now you get the visual!!!!The little kids were hilarious !!!!The e-mail to and from his parents are priceless.Julian's other adventure was being a Show and Tell item for our nefew Nick in 2nd grade.He was a judge for our Presidential election.He played bongos and congas with a pro-musician for 40 senior women and taught them all to play. His last conversation with us is how he was told not to make an expectation of how he thought his exchange would go so he wouldn't be disappointed. We asked him if we met his expectations and he said he never imagined it would be like this...!!!!#$%^&*()_ THEN HE LAUGHED HIS INFECTIOUS LAUGH AND SAID WE EXCEEDED HIS WILDEST DREAMS. I think this is a good thing ?... Thank you all who took the risk. We do enjoy surprizing you.... Enjoying our exchange!! Maggie/Joe/Clara/Billy Czerwionka Chicago,Il.
Host mama Maggie

An amazing experience!
I am an American student, spending a semester in France through PIE. Thus so far the experience has been incredible. The progress I have made is unbelievable. In just two and a half months the improvement I have made is immense. I am living in the south of France in a lovely town called Manosque. My school, family and friends provide so much support and encouragement. I couldn't be happier. To anyone who is thinking of doing an exchange I recommend it 100 percent! It's truly a life changing and enriching experience.
Anna

2004-This year, The best year in my life!!!
I'm sure, 2004 was the best year in my life. I really enjoyed my program, I learned many things, I could know more about american culture, my host family were very nice with me, my host mother was pie regional coordinator and I could know a lot places in the america, I had lucky !!! I'm so glad , because i have more two months here and I'm sure, I'll miss to much here! I don't want to go back home!!! I can't believe that when I was in my first week here I almost gave up! Exchange Program is the most interesting experience that someone can have in my opinion , but you have to know how to enjoy it , because everything for your program become successful depend on you! I watched one scare hurricane, I won't forget never! Hurricane Ivan! Rafael (Brasil) Pensacola (FL)
Rafael Starzynski

I miss the exchange year.
Hi my name is Farid. I was an exchange student for 2003-2004. Now I am back in my home country Azerbaijan. Now I miss the USA and all the people I met I want to thank the PIE staff and my host family for the best year of my life. I want to thank especially Mrs.Patt, Mrs.Cindy and Mr.Ron and of course my host family. I want to say hi to my friends also and I wanna say that I miss them.
Farid Baghirov

Florida for one year
I just wanted to thank you for that great year. It's good to be home now, but I miss my family and friends abroad. I was lucky because I could live in the sunshine state for ten months. My year was fantastic. I had one little hostsister and a very nice hostmom. I thank her so much. It was really interesting to meet other exchange students from different countries. Spring break, a group of us went to New York and Washington D.C. It was awesome. I went to two proms and both were awesome too. I think this was the most interesting year in my life.
Julia Hippe (Germany) 2003-2004

A Dedication to My Friends
My dear exchange friends, Please take the time to read the following letter of mine. It is dedicated to all of you as an appreciation for the wonderful time the had together and for all of your friendship and support. So much is said about being an exchange student, but only when you experience it things make sense. It is definitely not easy and whether you want or not, you end up changing and growing. Once your exchange is done you finally realize that you can handle way more that you could and would ever imagine; that you need to appreciate things you have because they might be gone sooner than you think; that life is not easy and true friendships are really forever. The best part about being an exchange student is not the parties/places you get to go to, not the independence and life experience, but the friendships. I m not talking about the friends you made from your host country, but about the other exchange students. For most of us, they were the very first "friends" we had in this new experience; we had met them in orientation meetings/trips, etc. They were the first people we actually talked to without having the fear of speaking in a different language. No matter what, there's a big difference between a "host country friend" and an "exchange student friend". Exchange students have a special bond. Despite language and cultural differences, you'll understand each other because you experience similar situations. The hardest part of facing the end of your exchange year is to accept the fact that it s going to take a while until you have the chance to travel the world to see your exchange friends again. Because once you leave your host country, deep down inside, you know that sooner or later you'll be back, but when are you going to have enough money and time to travel the world???? Some of us became friends because we were placed in the same schools, lived in towns nearby each other; others we met along the year, during trips and meetings... The trips... first day: nobody knows each other, everyone is shy... by the end of the trip everybody knows everybody and saying good bye in the last day is as sad as when we left our friends and family in our home countries... How many lifetime friendships and romances started with: "how can I say this in your language?" It s hard to believe that so much can start from such a simple sentence! Does this story sound familiar to you??? Just wait, it gets worse... Very first trip, when it is time to leave is not so terrible because you have the whole year ahead of you, so the chances of meeting everyone again are very big. Time goes by, and your year is slowly getting to an end. You have your last trip... Probably it will be the very last time you'll see most of your exchange friends for "God-knows-how-many-years"... And this feeling is just horrible. It s when you wish things would never end; when you wish you could turn back time and do everything again, and maybe do what you wanted but never had the guts to, like kissing that girl/boy or spending more time with A, B and C... And there you are, saying good-bye, fighting the tears and making promises to people that you could never imagine you would meet in your life... Unfortunately things don t always work as we want and not everything is possible... Once your year is done, it is when you realize who you will ALWAYS miss the most: your exchange friends are spread all over the world. And one day you re going to be at a Geography or History class, and as some countries are mentioned, you'll think about your friends that are half way around the world away from you, and you'll have to fight the tears again... Their occasional letters, phone calls and emails are going to be of unbelievable value and will bring joy to your bad day/week. And this is what this letter is about. Most of us never thanked these friends and never said how much they mean to us. So here it is: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and THANK YOU. You are all wonderful, special and unique, and I've been made a better person just by knowing you. You've made my year unforgettable. And I don t think I'll ever forget the time we spent together! Hopefully we will meet again someday! Doesn’t matter how many miles keep us apart, I’ll always be where for you. The ends of our exchange year doesn t mean the end of friendships, as said before: true friendships are forever. As we go on, we remember all the times we had together, and as our lives change, come whatever, we will still be, friends forever. Thank you very much for being there; no matter where you are from, you are my closest friend. Warm regards, yours always, Victor
Victor Gilca from the Republic of Moldova

Thanks for the Memories
this is the 9th month of my exchange year in Amerika, California and I just wanted to thank you so much! I will have to leave in July the 15th and I am sad that this exchange year went by so fast... Last weekend I went to prom and it was just amazing. The day I spent in a beauty salon with my hostmum Jill and got my hair, nails and make-up done. The dress and shoes we had bought a month ahead and my date (my goodlooking neighbor Brad) already had the tickets and dinner reservations. The whole night he was such a gentleman. The theme was Shanghai Nights and the junior class had put a lot of effort into the decorations. The DJ was really good, too. The night was over so fast, like a dream. I wish we would have this in Germany. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to experience this. Your Ann- Christin Grieße from Oldenburg, Germany

Insightful Reflections of a Memorable Year in America
San Francisco California 06/07/2004 This year as an exchange student in America has been so far the best experience that I had in my whole life. Since the moment I got to the airport of the city where I was placed I knew this was going to be a unique year where I will achieve a lot of new things that will be very useful for my life. I had the luck to be placed in a very special city, San Francisco, California, city that I loved since the moment I arrived. But the great thing about being and exchange student is that doesn't matter either you are place in a big city or a small town the experience is always going to be terrific. My host family were great with me, since the first day they make me feel like part of their family, they opened their house, life but more important their hearts to me, a complete stranger for them at that time. That is why both of them (Louise and Jeffrey) were definitely the biggest influence for me, they understood me for what I was going through the whole time and they respect me and my opinion. I had a great experience through going to a high school in San Francisco, going to a high school where 35% are Asian, 35% are Latin and the other 30% are people from other countries make me look from a complete different view the world. It make me appreciate more what I had back home in Mexico, because a lot of my friends they had to escape from countries were the wars, poverty or discriminations couldn’t give them a respectful life. This was the biggest surprise my high school were I was expected being full of Caucasian people, but were they were really a minority. Was very shocking at the beginning but after a couple of weeks and after knowing new people I found out that my high school was really an amazing place, were everybody is nice to you and everybody wants to know more about you, your life, hobbies and dreams. My high school in America was really a good influence in my and will be forever. Was the place were I learned that doesn't matter where you came from, what language you speak or what color is your skin you deserve to be treat in the same way that the rest. And I also learned some words in Chinese!!!! I really can’t say if with these 10 months I have stay here I had change a lot. But If I had I’m sure was for the best, because I think know I’m more outgoing, less shy, I respect other points of view and cultures, and I’m more independent. That is why I think P.I.E is a great association that makes this “once in a life time opportunities” for teenager like me to go and live in another country, know about another culture but mostly found out things about you that you didn't thought you were able to do before. And I’m very grateful to P.I.E for given me this change
Mexican Student Valentina Ceh

Going Home...But Very Happy
Hi, I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything. Today is my last day here in New york with my hostfamily and frinds and I' m going to miss everyone so incredibly much! I had the best year ever here and I never gonna forget anything! My suitcases are packed, but I can't really realize that I'm already going home. I really wish I could stay another year. I know, that I was very lucky, that everything worked out so well and that I had a great match right from the beginning with my family. Thanx a lot again and if you ever need somebody to talk at one of the meetings just call me. Greetings from New York.
Svenja Piehl

Letter From a Happy Student
I spent my high school year in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and I cannot believe that those ten months here at Kennett High School went by so fast. I still remember my first day when I did not know anybody. It was exciting und made me a little nervous, but with the help of the teachers and students who quickly became my friends, it was fun and easy to get used to the school routine. This year as an exchange student here has brought me so many wonderful experiences, and I was able to learn things that I had never even heard of before. The school system is very different from that in Germany, though many similarities can also be found. In my hometown Cottbus, my classes change daily, in contrast to Kennett where I mostly had the same classes at the same time every day. I enjoyed all of them very much, especially French, Choir and Gym. History was probably the most interesting subject because I got to see how facts about World War II are taught to the kids over here and what opinions Americans have about German people. This and being so far away from home made me see things from a new perspective. The year went by faster than I ever thought it would. Taking part in the all-american Homecoming tradition, other dances and the Senior Pep-Ralley, going Trick-or-Treating on Halloween and celebrating Christmas without my own family for the first time were a challenge, fun and new to me. I am so happy that I was able to be in last year's Kennett annual Musical production "Anything Goes", where I made lots of friends. It was also a very great time singing and dancing with a group at school, because I do not have the opportunity to do that in Cottbus. As a compassionate dancer and singer, the musical was a wonderful chance for me to become active in only one of Kennett's many school activities. There are lots of talented students that get the chance to get better and better through these events. In addition to that, I enjoyed being in the Senior Play "Up the Down Staircase" earlier this year, and there was always something fun going on when the French Club or the teachers of my assigned classes were planning a field trip. Through this, I got to see Philadelphia, Washington D. C., New York and the close-by areas like West Chester. I was impressed by the glamorous Prom and the effort all the students' parents put into the "After Prom" project to make that very special night fun and safe for all. It seems as if people in Kennett Square live in an active and peaceful community. The Martin Luther King Breakfast in the Red Clay Room showed the interest in harmony and different cultures that people share here. I am fascinated how well people get along, respect and interact with each other, since I come from a city where rascism is a serious issue in certain places. Overall, I think that the American attitude is admirable. General support, car washes, concerts, sports events and fundraising programs are great ways to make things possible. This opened my eyes about the importance of help and care for each other, which I see as one of the US legacies now. Here, people seem to be very understanding, supportive, and personally challenged when asked for a favor. I was able to go on the Senior Class Trip to Disneyworld in April because I had lots of opportunies to raise money for it. I also thought it was impressing how the teachers get along with the students and that there was always a solution to a problem. This is another difference to Germany, where the way you address adults is more formal than the simple "You" of the English language. There are many cultural issues that I definitely do understand better now. The thing that I missed during my stay was the typical European manner to walk to places and use the bike. I ride mine usually every day at home. In the United States, however, as somebody who can't drive, I constantly had to depend on a ride wherever I wanted to go. It is funny how you start to miss things and realize it when they are actually not an option. I would like to encourage everybody who has the opportunity to take the chance to be an exchange student. It was without a doubt the most wonderful, amazing and challenging experience, and I had the time of my life here in a small town called Kennett Square. I met a lot of interesting people, visited many foreign places and learned the big lesson to appreciate all the possibilities that I have, the love of my family and the ability to make friends from anywhere in the world, so that I can now call this place a second home for me. I hope that with this I can express how big of an importance there is in learning a second or even third foreign language. With every step I took further in my education about other cultures, I became more secure communicating and connecting with people with a background different from mine. I became aware of the fact that the more we understand each other, the more respect we have towards ourselves. My twin brother Greg spent his year in Maine and it was a totally different, yet awesome experience for him, too. Thank you. Selina Noack aus Cottbus.
2003-2004 P.I.E. Student, Selina Noack

An Amazing Experience
We have just completed our first year with an exchange student. Our student Pablo Salmon left us yesterday, while we were happy for him to be going home to Mexico to see his family, we are also devastated by his departure. This has been the most amazing experience that we could have ever imagined having. We were so blessed with Pablo. He has truly become a member of our family. Him and our 15 year old son Zack are just like brothers. We are already making plans for his return at Thanksgiving to spend a week with us and we are also planning a trip for Zack to go to Mexico for a visit!!! Pablo graduated from Franklin Co. High school and rec'd a diploma. He made so many friends while he was here that we had over 50 people at his going away party. I wanted to share what a wonderful experience we have had with hosting and PIE, so if you are reading this and trying to decide whether or not to host, DO IT, take a chance on a young person and help make their dreams come true. Thank you PIE for always being there for us and having an answer to all of our questions, you're the BEST!!!!!! Pablo, your Kentucky family loves and misses you very much!!!!!
Rebecca Hubbard

Anna...Our first student
My family and I had such a great experience with our first exchange student, Anna. I wanted to share it with everyone. We are an adoptive family, a foster familyh and a host family. With 5 kids! from the moment Anna arrived, we loved her. Don't get me wrong, we had our share of ins and outs as all families do. When I talk to Anna now, I look back at last year and see how much she grew as a young woman. She left June 26, 2002. There isn't a week that goes by without talking to her. She calls me or I call her. she even called ma and daddy on our birthdays and anniversary. It make me happy to know she is well and on her way to college. We are already planning a visit for her to come back! Thanks, P.I.E. for my new daughter, and as she tells me every time we hang up, "I love you mom and miss you guys so much!" We all love and miss her a bunch, too, and we can't wait for her to get back. We've already told her we would send the plane ticket.
Debby and Bryan Duminie