{"id":11518,"date":"2025-09-23T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/preprod.sts-education.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/05\/johanna-studied-abroad-in-the-usa\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T09:24:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T07:24:38","slug":"johanna-studied-abroad-in-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sts-education.com\/fi\/vaihto-oppilas\/vaihto-oppilaamme\/oppilaskertomukset\/johanna-studied-abroad-in-the-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"Johanna studied abroad in the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Johanna studied abroad in the USA<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Johanna<\/picture><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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My Exchange Year in Missouri (2024\/25).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The dream of going to the USA<\/h2>\n

I attended a public high school for an entire year starting in 2024, and I remember it as one of the best years of my life! It had always been my American dream to go on an exchange program\u2014specifically to Missouri\u2014because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, practice my English, and live in a completely new setting.<\/p>\n

The idea of staying in the U.S. had always fascinated me, and I had long wanted to experience what they call "American high school life," especially after watching several movies about it.<\/p>\n

American High School life<\/h2>\n

The spontaneity and freedom showcased in American high school movies definitely did not disappoint when I arrived at Springfield Public High School. The people at my school were very cordial and supportive, and I quickly got involved in various activities.<\/p>\n

There were so many different extracurriculars to choose from\u2014including cheerleading, FCA, history club, and student council\u2014so I joined most of them, and even joined the Track team!<\/p>\n

Joining Clubs<\/h2>\n

We also had an active school choir, which I absolutely loved. I ended up winning several talent shows during my time there. These activities helped me participate in the local community and meet lots of people. By the end of the year, I was lucky enough to call several of them my friends.<\/p>\n

My Host Family<\/h2>\n

My host family was wonderful. From day one, they treated me like a real family member. We had long chats over dinner, went on road trips, and enjoyed game nights together. Everything\u2014from the school spirit to football games and people greeting you in the hallway\u2014was an exciting cultural experience for me.<\/p>\n

Challenges<\/h2>\n

Of course, there were also some difficulties, such as homesickness. But I received a lot of help and support from the people at school and from those back home in Vienna. Now that I\u2019ve pushed through the hard parts, I don\u2019t want to leave my second home.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/h2>\n