Hi, I’m Hazal, and I spent the 2025–2026 academic year in the United States as an exchange student through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) Program, which provided me with a 100% scholarship. I was hosted in Wisconsin, where I attended River Falls High School as a junior and experienced American high school life firsthand. My exchange year was full of new experiences, challenges, friendships, and lessons that helped me grow in ways I had never expected. Through this article, I hope to share my journey, give you a glimpse into what participating in a cultural exchange program is really like, and inspire other students who dream of studying abroad to explore the opportunities available to them. If you are considering an exchange year yourself, I hope my story encourages you to take that first step.
The Dream I Carried Since Childhood
I first discovered the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) Program when I was in preparatory class. I came across the program’s social media account, and it immediately caught my attention. Studying in the United States had been my childhood dream for as long as I could remember. Although I had always imagined what it would be like to live there, I had never been sure whether that dream could actually become a reality. Discovering KL-YES gave me an opportunity to try, so I decided to apply and see where the journey would take me.
The application process consisted of several stages, including an online preliminary application, in-person interviews, an English examination, and a family interview. For me, the interviews were particularly challenging because I was quite nervous. However, I do not remember the questions being impossibly difficult. Instead, I believe the key was learning to manage my excitement and remain true to myself. Looking back, I think that being genuine was more important than trying to present myself as a perfect candidate.
The moment I learned that I had been accepted is still one of my favorite memories. Since my school was far from home, I was living in a student dormitory at the time. Interestingly, I had dreamed the night before that my acceptance email had arrived. I woke up with my heart racing, feeling incredibly excited, and immediately checked my inbox. To my surprise, the email was actually there. The dream I had just woken up from had become reality.
I was overjoyed. A dream I had carried since childhood was finally coming true, and I was going to spend an entire academic year in the United States. At that moment, I could hardly imagine how much the experience would teach me, how many people I would meet, or how differently I would see myself by the time I returned home.
KL-YES at a Glance
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) Program is a cultural exchange initiative that gives high school students from participating countries the opportunity to spend an academic year in the United States. One of the most significant aspects of the program is that it offers a fully funded, 100% scholarship, allowing selected students to experience American high school life without having to cover the costs of the exchange themselves.
During their year abroad, students attend a local high school, live with a host family, and become part of a community different from their own. However, the experience goes beyond studying in another country. Cultural exchange is at the heart of the program: students learn about American culture while sharing their own traditions, perspectives, and everyday experiences with the people they meet.
The program was established in the context of efforts to strengthen mutual understanding between the United States and predominantly Muslim societies following the September 11 attacks. By bringing young people from different cultural backgrounds together, it creates opportunities to challenge stereotypes, build meaningful relationships, and develop a deeper appreciation of cultural differences.
For me, this cultural exchange was one of the most meaningful parts of the experience. Moving to the United States meant discovering a new education system, adapting to a different way of life, and meeting people whose experiences differed from mine. At the same time, I had the opportunity to introduce them to Türkiye, answer their questions about my country, and share aspects of my culture that they might not otherwise have encountered.
Ultimately, the KL-YES Program is about more than spending a year abroad. It is an opportunity to build connections across cultures, gain independence, and return home with a broader understanding of the world.
Four Steps to the Exchange Year
Applying to the KL-YES Program involved four main stages, each designed to assess whether applicants were suitable for the exchange experience. Although the process might seem intimidating at first, I learned that it was not simply about passing tests or giving perfect answers. It was also about showing who I was and demonstrating my readiness to experience life in a different culture.
The first stage was an online preliminary application. Applicants provided information about themselves to help determine whether they met the program’s initial requirements. Those who passed this stage were invited to participate in in-person interviews, which consisted of two parts: an individual interview and a group interview.
For me, the interviews were probably the most challenging part of the process because I tend to get nervous in situations that matter a lot to me. However, I did not find the questions themselves particularly difficult. Instead, I believe the most important thing was managing my excitement and expressing myself clearly. Looking back, I think staying calm enough to show my genuine personality helped me throughout this stage.
The third stage was an English examination designed to assess applicants’ language proficiency. I personally did not find this part particularly difficult. After passing the English exam, I became eligible for the final stage: a family interview. During this stage, representatives working with the program met with my family as part of the selection process.
It is important to note that these were the application stages I experienced as an applicant from Türkiye. Although the general aim of the KL-YES Program is to select students who are ready to participate in a cultural exchange, specific eligibility requirements and selection procedures may vary from one participating country to another. Therefore, applicants should always check the requirements and application process applicable to their own country.
Stepping into American High School Life
When I arrived in the United States, everything felt new and exciting. One of the moments I remember most clearly was seeing the Statue of Liberty when I first arrived in New York. I had dreamed of visiting America for so long that seeing it with my own eyes made me realize that I was finally there. Afterward, I traveled to Wisconsin, where I would spend the academic year and attend River Falls High School as a junior.
One of the biggest differences I noticed was the American education system. In Türkiye, students generally follow a more fixed curriculum, whereas at my American high school, I had more freedom to choose classes related to my interests. I really appreciated this flexibility because I could explore subjects I enjoyed and focus more on what interested me. I felt that having this choice helped me perform better academically and made school more engaging.
Making friends at school was another memorable part of my experience. My classmates were welcoming from the beginning, and many of them were curious about Türkiye. They asked me questions about my country and wanted to learn more about where I came from. I had expected that adapting to a new school and meeting people from a different culture might take a long time, but their openness made the transition easier.
My weekdays soon developed a routine. I went to school and attended cheerleading practice, which became an important part of my life in America. On weekends, I often met up with friends or went to the mall. These ordinary activities became some of my favorite memories because they allowed me to experience everyday American teenage life rather than simply visiting the country as a tourist.
Looking back, attending an American high school was about much more than learning in a different classroom. It gave me the chance to experience a new education system, build friendships with people from different backgrounds, and become more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. Little by little, what had initially felt new started to become part of my everyday life.
The Host Family Who Found Me
One of the most important parts of my exchange experience was living with a host family. Since I was going to spend an entire academic year in the United States, my host family would play a significant role in my everyday life. I knew that adjusting to a new household might take time, but I did not fully realize how much the experience would shape my year abroad.
My first host family and I had different lifestyles and expectations, which made it difficult for us to adjust to living together. Eventually, it became clear that we were not the best fit for one another, so I decided to change host families. Although this was a challenging situation to navigate in a foreign country, it also led me to an unexpected and meaningful opportunity.
At the time, I was part of my school’s cheerleading team. During a New Year’s gathering with the team, my coach overheard me talking about my need for a new host family. She offered me a room in her home, and I was genuinely touched by her kindness. I already had a good relationship with her through cheerleading, so the idea of living with someone I knew and trusted felt reassuring. After my program coordinator approved the arrangement, I moved into her home, and she became my host mom.
Living with my coach changed my experience in a wonderful way. I felt a sense of warmth and belonging that made being so far away from my own family easier. Having someone I already knew and felt comfortable around gave me a greater sense of security, and her home became a place where I could feel more settled and supported.
Looking back, this experience taught me that finding a home away from home does not always happen exactly as you expect. Sometimes, unexpected changes lead you to people who make your journey more meaningful. My host mom was not someone I had imagined would become such an important part of my exchange year, but her kindness made a lasting difference in my life. Her willingness to open her home to me showed me how much one person’s generosity can mean when you are far from everything familiar.
Breaking Stereotypes in Both Directions
Before going to the United States, I had certain expectations about what Americans would be like. However, my experience turned out to be even more positive than I had imagined. I was pleasantly surprised by how warm, helpful, and hospitable people were.Living in another country allowed me to understand that a culture cannot be fully understood through stereotypes or second-hand impressions.
I also noticed that many Americans had a limited understanding of Türkiye. When I told people where I was from, some immediately associated my country with Istanbul, Cappadocia, or kebabs. Although these are well-known parts of Turkish culture, Türkiye has so much more to offer. For example, I come from Rize, a city in the Black Sea region, and I wanted people to understand that my country has a great deal of geographical and cultural diversity. These conversations gave me opportunities to introduce people to aspects of Türkiye they might never have discovered otherwise.
Sharing my culture was an important part of the exchange experience. During Civic Education Week, a week in which every student presents their country and culture, I had opportunities to introduce Turkish culture both at a university and at my school. People asked questions about my country, and I enjoyed explaining our traditions and way of life. That experience helped me recognize how much there is to share and how valuable it is to have opportunities for cultural exchange.
Beyond these conversations, I discovered that everyday habits can reveal meaningful cultural differences. One thing that surprised me was how quickly Americans seemed to move through their daily routines, including mealtimes. In Türkiye, meals are often opportunities to sit together, talk, and spend time with family or friends. Food can also involve considerable preparation, whereas many everyday meals I encountered in the United States were quicker and more convenient. Neither approach was necessarily better; they simply reflected different habits and lifestyles.
Traveling within the United States also helped me see how diverse the country is. One of my favorite places was Houston, Texas, which I visited with my second host family. I particularly enjoyed the Mexican cultural influence and the opportunity to spend time near the ocean. Visiting different places showed me that the United States is not a single, uniform culture. Just as Türkiye has many different regional identities and traditions, America has its own diversity, with each place offering a different experience.
Ultimately, my exchange year taught me that cultural exchange is not just about learning how other people live. It is also about questioning our own assumptions, listening to different perspectives, and recognizing the diversity within every country. I arrived in America with certain ideas about its people and culture, but I returned with a much broader understanding of both the United States and my own country.
Learning to Stand on My Own
Although spending a year in the United States was an incredible opportunity, it was not always easy. The hardest part of the experience was being away from my family for such a long time. Even when I was surrounded by new friends and exciting opportunities, there were moments when I missed home and wished I could be with the people I loved. Moving to another country meant leaving behind the familiar routines, relationships, and comforts I had always taken for granted.
The beginning was particularly challenging. Adjusting to a new culture, a different school system, and an unfamiliar household all at once could feel overwhelming. My experience with my first host family made this adjustment even more difficult, and there were times when I felt lonely. Although I eventually found a more comfortable home with my second host family, learning to navigate these challenges was an important part of my journey.
Another major change was learning to manage everyday life more independently. Back home, I was used to having my family around me. In the United States, I had to become more comfortable making my own decisions, handling daily responsibilities, and figuring things out when something did not go as planned. At first, this was unfamiliar, but gradually, I learned to trust myself more and take greater responsibility for my choices.
Being away from home also made me appreciate my family in a different way. When you see the people you love every day, it can be easy to overlook how much their presence means to you. Spending so much time apart helped me recognize the importance of those relationships and value the moments I had with them even more.
Looking back, I realize that the most challenging parts of my exchange year were also opportunities to grow. I learned that becoming independent does not mean you stop needing the people you love. It means learning to navigate unfamiliar situations while carrying the support, values, and experiences they have given you. By the end of my year abroad, I had become more capable of handling challenges on my own, and that was one of the most valuable things I brought back to Türkiye.
The Confidence I Brought Back
When I look back on my exchange year, one of the biggest changes I notice in myself is how much more confident I have become. Before going to the United States, I sometimes struggled with self-confidence and did not always recognize my own abilities. Moving to a completely new country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, meet people from different backgrounds, and adapt to situations I had never experienced before. Gradually, I began to believe in myself more and became more comfortable with who I was.
Living abroad taught me that I was capable of much more than I had previously imagined. I had to communicate in English every day, build friendships in an unfamiliar environment, and navigate challenges without always having my family nearby. Each experience, whether exciting or difficult, helped me realize that I could learn, adapt, and find my way through unfamiliar situations. I returned to Türkiye with a stronger belief in my own abilities.
The experience also influenced how I thought about my future career. Before the exchange, I had considered studying law. However, spending a year in an English-speaking environment helped me improve my language skills and discover a stronger interest in translation and interpreting. I began to consider how I could use my language abilities and understanding of different cultures in my future profession. Although my plans were still developing, the experience encouraged me to explore possibilities I had not considered as seriously before.
Beyond career choices, the exchange changed the way I approached new opportunities. I became more willing to try unfamiliar things, meet new people, and consider possibilities beyond what I already knew. I also gained a better understanding of the importance of believing in myself, even when I felt uncertain or faced challenges.
Of course, spending a year abroad did not suddenly give me all the answers about my future. Instead, it helped me understand myself better and recognize that my interests and goals could evolve as I gained new experiences. I returned home not only with improved English skills and memories of an unforgettable year, but also with greater confidence in my ability to shape my own future.
My Advice for Future Exchange Students
If I could give one piece of advice to students who are considering applying for an exchange program, it would be to believe in themselves and take the opportunity seriously. Applying can feel intimidating, especially when you are unsure whether you will be selected. However, I believe that being willing to try is important in itself. You may not know what the outcome will be, but you will never discover what is possible if you do not take the first step.
I would also encourage students to work on their English and become familiar with the application process. Being able to communicate in English makes everyday life abroad easier, from participating in classes to building friendships. At the same time, applicants should not feel that they need to be perfect. During my own application process, I was nervous about the interviews, but I learned that managing my excitement and expressing myself genuinely mattered more than trying to give perfect answers. My advice is to prepare well, stay calm, and be yourself.
Another important thing is to know your own culture. Cultural exchange is not only about learning how people live in another country; it is also about sharing your own background and helping others understand where you come from. During my year in the United States, I realized how much people could learn about Türkiye through ordinary conversations and personal experiences. Knowing your country’s traditions, history, and cultural diversity can help you make those conversations more meaningful.
I would also tell future exchange students to make the most of every opportunity they encounter. Try new activities, meet people, explore unfamiliar places, and do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Not every moment will be easy, and adapting to a new environment can take time, but even challenging experiences can teach you something valuable. Some of the most meaningful parts of my exchange year came from situations I could never have planned in advance.
Finally, I would encourage students to explore exchange opportunities and apply whenever they find a program that suits them. However, it is important to remember that the KL-YES Program is available only to students from participating countries, so eligibility and application requirements should always be checked through official sources. The program is currently paused in Türkiye, so Turkish students interested in studying abroad should also explore other exchange opportunities. One option to consider is the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Global Program, which includes Türkiye among its participating countries for the 2027–2028 academic year. However, eligibility requirements and application procedures vary, so students should consult the official program website for the latest information before applying..
My exchange year taught me much more than I had expected. I improved my English, discovered new interests, became more independent, and developed a stronger belief in myself. Most importantly, I learned that stepping into the unknown can open doors you never imagined. If you have the chance to take that step, prepare yourself, stay true to who you are, and do not let the fear of rejection stop you from trying. You may end up gaining far more than you originally hoped for.
