Clara studied abroad in the USA

Becoming an exchange student and living and going to school in another country is an exciting and fulfilling experience. Clara Ylander from Gothenburg was seventeen years old when she went on an exchange to Kansas in the USA. The exchange gave her friends for life, boosted her confidence, and gave her a taste for living and staying abroad.

“My family and I have traveled a lot in the US before and I wanted to discover more about the country. I saw a year as an exchange student as a great way to get out into the world on my own. At the same time, it felt safe to travel in an organized way, through an organizer. I wanted to improve my English skills and see something new. “

Embracing a new lifestyle

Clara ended up with a family with Swedish roots in Kansas in the Midwest, where she would live and spend a year in high school.

“Of course, it was a big step to move from Gothenburg to a small town in Kansas, but I decided to really embrace the new lifestyle and context. I got involved in several different clubs, including playing volleyball and basketball after school. This allowed me to quickly get to know new friends and feel at home.“

Learned English fluently

Clara returned from the US in 2018 and after finishing Swedish high school, she had a strong drive to move abroad again. This time, Clara chose to go to The Hague in the Netherlands, where she now works as a project manager at Amazon.

“I probably wouldn't have moved to the Netherlands if I hadn't participated in an exchange. While in the US, I learned fluent English and boosted my self-confidence. I learned a lot about different cultures and different ways of life. All in all, I developed a lot as a person. Now I've been living in the Netherlands for a couple of years and I'm really enjoying it. “

An experience for life

Clara's advice to others thinking of going on an exchange is to get involved in the clubs and extra-curricular activities organized by the school. Most high schools have a wide range of different clubs and societies for different interests. It's a great way to get to know new people and have a fun and varied leisure time.

“Another piece of advice is to take the plunge and actually go on an exchange. Although it can be a bit nerve-wracking to move far away from your family, friends, and the context you are used to, it is an experience of a lifetime. The year you spend abroad gives so much back in different ways. I would also advise others who go on exchange to go with an open mind and be open to everything the place you go to has to offer.”

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