Anna in California
Hi everyone! My name is Anna and I’m from the Czech Republic. This year I’m living my dream as an exchange student in California. It's already been such an amazing experience filled with new relationships, adventures and soo many memories. I can’t wait to share more about my journey. Hopefully my experience can inspire or help other future exchange students too!
Quick Facts
Organization: Studovatvusa
Duration: 10 Months
Placement: USA, California
Follow My Exchange Year
Tiktok: ani.exchange
Instagram: a.ryznerovaa
Start of My Exchange Year
The Welcome Days in New York were unforgettable — full of energy, sightseeing, and laughter — but arriving in California was when it really started to feel real. My host family took me everywhere, from local beaches and Californian cities like San Diego or San Francisco, or places farther away like Pennsylvania or West Virginia,football games, concerts and much more, giving me a chance to explore, learn, and experience life in a way I never could at home. School here is different too — it’s busy and challenging, but I love it. My classmates are friendly, the teachers are supportive. I also joined the soccer team at my school, which has been the biggest blessing ever. The routines of everyday life — going to school, playing soccer, spending time with my host family, making new friends — all of it has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.
“Sometimes the longest wait gives you the greatest reward.”
The agency I chose for my exchange year in the USA, Studovat v usa, prepared me perfectly for life in America. During the preparatory year, we had a summer camp and picnics in English, which helped me practice the language, learn about American culture, and get ready for everything ahead. More importantly, I found an amazing community of people there who continue to be there for me throughout my exchange year, supporting me, guiding me, and making me feel part of something bigger. They were always available to answer questions, guide us through the process, and support us in any way we needed, making the entire experience was perfect.
All summer, I honestly thought I wasn’t going anywhere. Everyone around me already knew their placements, was packing their suitcases, planning their flights, and I was still waiting, slowly convincing myself that this dream had just slipped away. Then, at the very last possible moment, my placement finally came — a complete shock, but the best kind of shock, because it came with a host family I could never have planned for myself. They found me on TikTok, completely by chance, and yet it turned out to be something incredible. From the very first day, they welcomed me in a way that made me feel like I truly belonged, not just like a guest. I admire them so much for their kindness, patience, and the way they make sure I feel at home. Because of them, I don’t feel the loneliness I expected — I’ve found a second home. I’ll never be able to thank them enough for not only making my biggest dream come true, but also for making me feel so welcomed and loved.
My exchange experience has been full of things I never imagined. Leaving home felt like I was leaving a part of myself behind, unsure of what awaited me. At the time, I didn’t know that this decision would turn out to be the biggest, most life-changing thing I could have ever done for myself. Looking back, it’s clear that stepping onto that plane was the start of something truly extraordinary.
And even though I’m far from home, I don’t feel homesick. California has truly become my second home very quickly and it feels like I truly belong here .Every day I wake up feeling grateful for this experience, for my amazing host family, friends and for the life I’m living here. This exchange year has taught me that sometimes the longest waits lead to the greatest rewards — and that the unexpected can turn into something more beautiful than you ever imagined.
-Anna, California 2025/26