Exchange Reflection

The Fastest Year of My Life

        I remember sending the request to host an exchange student from Finland last summer. My mother and I didn't know if we were going to be approved, and if approved, we knew less about the student that we would be living with for a year. Now, eight months after meeting him, the time has gone by too fast. My exchange student and I were asked to speak at a Global Initiatives Program event about a month ago in relation to my year with an AFS student. These were the speeches given.

Oskari

         My experience in Pasadena has been so much more than what I originally expected it to be and the thanks for that belongs to both my host family and the exchange program at Poly. First of all, Poly is a great school for an exchange student to be in; it is small, welcoming, and in addition, all the students and faculty are very eager to expose themselves to new cultures.

       This year, I have met so many interesting people and learned so many new things that it is fair to say that I’ve changed as a person. Becoming more independent, as well as realizing that it is possible to live on the other side of the world have probably been the most eye-opening experiences in my life. Other than that, what still amazes me is the unconditional hospitality show by the host families in their every day lives.

Overall, this exchange year has passed by very quickly, partly just because of the Los Angeles area, which offers countless exciting activities and things to see. I only have approximately 2.5 months left here in the U.S., and the day I left Finland feels like it was yesterday. Now the plan is just enjoy my last few months here and cross out as many bucket list things as I possibly can. 

Poly, Thank you so much for hosting me, this year has been incredible.

Personal Statement

        This year has been really great, and part of that has to do with international students at personal level. Whether it be Chinese students from Beijing or Niriyama highschool kids, interacting with them by just talking has always sparked my interest. So, when my mother and I heard that Oskari would be staying with us for a year, I was apprehensive, but excited. I didn’t know if I would get along with him or he would get along with me. When I first met him back in August of last year all my fears were assuaged, and I knew that he would have a positive impact on my life. As the year has progressed, I have tried to repay the favor and make a positive impact on his. This exchange year has been an absolutely incredible life changing experience. The laughs and memories that I have shared with Oskari this year have been priceless. The fact that poly offers this global initiatives alliance program in connection with AFS, the exchange student association, is a truly life changing opportunity that I would not give up for anything in the world.