Living My Dream – A Cultural Exchange in the USA

Our cultural exchange participant Mirjana writes to us from Montgomery, Alabama, where she’ll be spending the next year. Read more about her journey below.

The Center for Affirmation and Development truly made my dream come true! I’ve always been someone who loves to travel, work with children, meet new people, and experience different cultures—and going to the U.S. has been a lifelong wish. This organization helped make it all happen! Montgomery and its surroundings are stunning. The city has everything you could wish for—and more! I’m living with a big, warm, and caring family who welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of their own. Working with children is a daily adventure—you never know what to expect, and it’s never boring.

I usually spend my free time outside, exploring the city, reading, swimming in the pool, or making the most of my weekends by visiting nearby cities, going to games with friends, or simply enjoying this beautiful property we live on.

It’s really hard to choose just one favorite part of the experience. The program offers so many amazing things—from making new friends to traveling to receiving constant support, and getting to know a whole new culture. But if I had to highlight one thing above all, it would be the host family I live with and the love they’ve shown me.

When it comes to working with our team, Mirjana says:

The preparation for the exchange and my arrival in the U.S. was super smooth because the coordinators from the Center were there for me every step of the way. They’re incredibly kind, always available to help, to offer advice, to explain everything in detail, and to answer every single question—even if you’re like me and have a million of them. I felt supported throughout the entire process and I still do. Leaving home for a year to live in a completely different country isn’t easy, so knowing I always have someone to turn to means a lot. The team has truly been there for me.

Ihre Botschaft an zukünftige Teilnehmer:

I know that leaving home for a foreign country can seem scary—it’s a big step. But it’s 100% worth it. Every single moment is an adventure, and this exchange is an experience I’ll never forget. So if you’re someone who loves to travel, meet people, explore cultures, learn new languages, and work with children—this is the perfect program for you!