Selina was on high school exchange in the USA

Hello, my name is Selina, and I am from Germany. I spent my exchange year in Anchorage, Alaska.

Spending a year in the probably most unique state of the United States was an amazing experience. This unique destination stands out for its breathtaking natural beauty and the opportunity to immerse myself in a completely different culture. The idea of living in “The Last Frontier” excited me and I wanted to experience life in a place known for its rugged landscapes and adventurous spirit.

Why go on exchange

I chose to go on exchange to broaden my horizons, challenge myself, and gain a deeper understanding of a different way of life. Since I was a kid, it was always my dream to experience the American lifestyle. I believe that living abroad would not only enhance my personal growth but also provide me with experiences and memories. Never would I have come to the idea that out of 50 states, I would end up in Alaska. Now I can proudly say there’s no other state I would want to spend my exchange year at.

My host family

Living with my host family was an incredible experience, they welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like part of their family from day one. I had a host mom, a host dad, and two host sisters, the older one was a junior at college and lived in Arizona and the younger one was my age. We became close friends, and I am so grateful for her. My host family introduced me to typical Alaskan things and enriched my exchange experience in ways I'd never imagined. Popular activities are hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Since my host family lived close to “Flattop” which is a famous mountain, we went hiking a lot there but also skiing in “Alyeska”. My host dad is a pilot and took me flighting, it was one of my favorite experiences. With friends I went snowmobiling on a frozen lake, this was a really nice experience and so fun too! But the probably most Alaskan thing I did was dog sledding with my host family. Alaskans have the privilege of living among diverse wildlife including bears, moose, Eagles, whales, and seals. A common part of a typical day is seeing moose walking through your garden or crossing the street. The most magical thing in Alaska is, of course, the Northern Lights, also called “Aurora Borealis”.

School in Alaska

School in Alaska was both challenging and rewarding. I loved to experience the American high school spirit and discover a wide range of classes that I couldn't experience in my home country. I took classes like English, math, biology, jewelry, yoga, and seminar but there are a lot more fancy classes like cooking, pottery, or photography. Mostly I liked the sports activities and I first played tennis, then ice hockey which was my favorite, and in the end, softball. But also, the well-known “Prom” and “Homecoming” were awesome American high school experiences.

Making friends

I can really recommend joining a sports team, it helps connect with people. For me it was hard in the beginning to make friends since my school was big and nobody knew I was an exchange student, but doing sports helped me a lot. Also, we had in my school a “partners club” which helped students with disabilities, we ate lunch with them, went skiing and bowling with them, and raised a lot of money at ice jumping.

Alaskan climate

Another challenge I faced during my exchange was adjusting to the extreme weather conditions in Alaska, especially during the wintertime. However I got adjusted quickly, the proper winter gear is the key. I learned to appreciate the beauty of the winter landscape.

Choosing STS

I chose STS, because my cousin already went with STS and was happy with them. I was also extremely happy and grateful for their assistance throughout my exchange journey. They helped me in a difficult situation and made my exchange experience unforgettable.

Advice for future students

Anyone should go on exchange to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, build lifelong connections, and develop invaluable life skills. It is an experience that will broaden your perspective and shape your future in ways you never imagined. My top advice for future exchange students is: It is not about the destination, it’s about the people. Embrace every moment, stay open to new experiences, and immerse yourself fully in the culture of your host country. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing about my exchange experience and I'm glad I took the risk of living one year on the other side of the world. Alaska has undoubtedly become one of the most enriching experiences of my life so far, with the opportunity to embrace myself in American culture, make lifelong friendships, and unveil new ideas that have profoundly shaped my perspective.

Find out more

• Read more student stories from the USA
• Read more about a high school exchange in the USA
• See all our high school exchange destinations