For Greenheart Exchange students and their host families, the month of May not only marked the end of the 2024-25 school year, but the end of their time together. Maja, a student from Poland, knows all too well the bittersweet feelings that come with leaving her new family after nearly nine months of making incredible memories together. Below, she reflects on her high school exchange experience and gives thanks to her host parents in Maine.
Here is the letter written to her host parents, Faith and Boyd.
Dear Faith and Boyd,
As my Exchange year comes to an end I find myself feeling a mix of all sorts of emotions. I’m so happy to go home but also sad to leave you guys but most importantly, I feel lucky. I’d like to thank you for everything that you’ve done for me these last couple of months.
You gave me more than just a place to stay but a second home on the other side of the world and I cannot express just how much I appreciate that. Thank you for your kindness and willingness to include me in your everyday lives. Thank you for teaching me about American culture and supporting me and everything that I’ve done here. Thank you for coming to my shows, driving me back-and-forth to rehearsals, and trusting me to go off on my own and spend time with my friends.
Every little moment from grocery store runs to Hannaford, blasting music in the kitchen whilst doing the dishes, or late-night drives in Boyd’s super cool car to exploring Boston or accidentally ending up in Brooklyn (instead of Battery Park) means the world to me. I find it really hard to say goodbye so I hope we can stay in touch and that someday I can visit you in Maine again or welcome you to my own home in Poland. Thank you for making this year unforgettable!
Maja
Every year, hundreds of host families give international high school exchange students like Maja an opportunity to live in America and learn about our culture, all while creating a bond and making memories that will last a lifetime. Are you interested in doing the same by opening your heart and home to a student? Visit HostWithGreenheart.org to apply to host today.