Our cultural exchange participant Emanuela writes to us from Duluth, a port city on Lake Superior in Minnesota, where she’ll be spending the next year. Here’s more about her experience so far.
From the very beginning of the program, I’ve felt safe and supported. The host family I’m staying with and the people guiding me through this experience are reliable, always incredibly kind, and available when I need them. I’m living in great conditions in a beautiful place on the shore of the largest freshwater lake in the world—Lake Superior. The state itself is known for its natural beauty, boasting over ten thousand lakes.
In my free time, I’m always trying something new—ice skating, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, roller skating, or getting together with friends to cook. I also love going out to enjoy live music, catching a play, attending a concert, or just treating myself to a sweet bite at the local chocolate factory.
What’s made the biggest impression on me is the breathtaking nature. When we think of the U.S., our minds often go to high-tech innovation, big cities, traffic, and modern architecture. But what has truly fascinated me is the untouched natural beauty and the endless postcard-perfect landscapes that leave you in awe.
Her message to future participants:
You’re in good hands. Be bold and brave. Don’t let doubt or a lack of support stop you from saying yes to this kind of adventure. This experience will absolutely help you uncover new layers of your identity and give you a deeper understanding of the world around you.