A Home Away from Home: Our ACL Exchange Experience

Written by: Wong Yong Jun, Jayden (3i3, 2026) and Jaden Ho Wen Kai (3i1, 2026)

As part of an international exchange and research collaboration with the Academies of Loudoun (ACL) in Virginia, USA, we had the opportunity to experience American school life alongside our American peers and explore the country's cultural landmarks. Beyond the academic programme, staying with local host families also gave us a glimpse into everyday American life.

A Step into the Unknown

Standing in the airport terminal before departure, we felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension. For many of us, travelling overseas without our families and staying with unfamiliar host families was a new experience.

However, our initial uneasiness soon gave way to reassurance. Our accompanying teachers, Mr Rudy Lee and Mr Ang De Rong, supported us throughout the long-haul journey with their guidance and care, while warm messages from our American partners gave us confidence ahead of our arrival. We are deeply grateful to our teachers for their companionship, encouragement and mentorship throughout the trip.

Homestay: An Unexpected Sense of Belonging

Staying with our host families was one of the highlights of the trip. Although we each had different experiences, we shared one thing in common: we were deeply touched by their warmth and generosity, which made us feel truly at home.

Jayden shares his experience:

"Stepping into Saher's house on the second day of the trip, my groupmate and I were initially worried about feeling out of place or disrupting the family's daily routines. However, Saher's family welcomed us warmly, showing us around and encouraging us to treat their home as our own. Their hospitality was remarkable. From a spontaneous 10 p.m. trip to Taco Bell for the 'American experience' to preparing packed breakfasts and lunches and bringing us to local attractions, they went out of their way to make us feel at home. Both Saher's and Abigail's families also introduced us to everyday American life through visits to a nearby beaver dam, Algonkian Regional Park and even trick-or-treating together on Halloween. Looking back, I am grateful that we stayed with host families rather than in a hotel. Their warmth gave me an unexpected sense of belonging, while the shared experiences helped me better understand American culture and how it differs from Singaporean culture. I will always treasure the laughter, joy and wonderful memories we shared!"

Jaden shares his experience:

"Arriving at Aayan's house after our trip to Washington, D.C., felt like stepping into a whole new world. Having already experienced the warmth of staying with Tanvi's family, I was once again touched by Aayan's family's hospitality. They quickly made us feel at home, with his parents treating us like their own sons. Their thoughtfulness made every moment memorable, from making multiple grocery trips to find Bubblicious Watermelon and taking us to Chick-fil-A for its signature chicken sandwich to preparing Aayan's mum's delicious rice and butter chicken. Experiencing authentic trick-or-treating on Halloween night was another unforgettable highlight. I am grateful that this research trip included a homestay programme rather than hotel accommodation. Living with American families allowed me to experience their culture firsthand and better appreciate the differences between our ways of life. I am deeply thankful to our host families for their warmth and kindness. These are memories I will always cherish!"

Experiencing American High School Life

Beyond the warmth of family life and our museum visits, some of the most eye-opening moments took place in the school environment. We had the opportunity to shadow students at ACL and our partner schools' local high schools.

Shadowing students at ACL gave us a first-hand glimpse into a very different educational environment. The campus was a hub of specialised innovation, where extensive facilities, advanced laboratory equipment and project-based learning reflected an educational approach that encouraged hands-on exploration and experimentation.

One of the highlights was a training session involving Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Learning to operate such advanced equipment and examining everyday objects, such as tissue paper and nickel, under the microscope was a fascinating experience. We were amazed to discover the intricate, almost alien-like structures of fibres and metal grains, which completely transformed our perception of the seemingly ordinary objects around us.

Observing classes at the local high schools offered an equally interesting contrast. Participating in Socratic seminars, witnessing the friendly interactions between teachers and students, and spending lunchtime with students from diverse backgrounds challenged some of our preconceived notions about American schooling.

The atmosphere was particularly welcoming. Students chatted casually as they moved between classrooms and transitioned comfortably from light-hearted conversations to thoughtful academic discussions. Their confidence in expressing their views and the freedom they enjoyed in the classroom stood out to us as distinctive features of their learning environment.

Seeing our peers from another part of the world engage with their studies broadened our academic perspectives. It reminded us that learning flourishes when curiosity is encouraged and students are given the space to explore, question and express themselves.

Discovering America's Cultural Landmarks

Our international exchange was enriched by visits to cultural landmarks and attractions across Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, allowing us to experience America's history, culture and natural wonders firsthand.

At the National Air and Space Museum, we marvelled at the impressive aircraft and space exploration exhibits. We also explored Virginia's magnificent underground caverns, with their towering stalactites, stalagmites and reflective pools. In Baltimore, the National Aquarium captivated us with its diverse marine life, including fascinating sharks and mesmerising jellyfish.

In Washington, D.C., we admired iconic landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Capitol and Lincoln Memorial, as well as the Reflecting Pool. Visits to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of American History further deepened our appreciation of America's scientific achievements and cultural heritage.

Beyond these attractions, the seemingly ordinary moments were equally memorable. From napping during long bus rides and grabbing meals at Chick-fil-A and Chipotle to enjoying the scenery around Washington, D.C. and Baltimore's Inner Harbour, these experiences gave us a glimpse into everyday American life. They reminded us that cultural immersion is not just about visiting famous landmarks, but also about discovering local flavours, everyday experiences and human connections that make an unfamiliar place feel more like home.

Final Reflections

Looking back, what began as a journey filled with uncertainty became a meaningful milestone in our personal and academic growth. We left Singapore apprehensive about the unknown but returned with broader perspectives, greater cultural understanding and lasting friendships.

Our host families made the experience especially memorable. Through shared meals, late-night food runs, music-filled car rides and everyday acts of kindness, they welcomed us as part of their families. Their generosity showed us that hospitality transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the families of Abigail, Saher, Tanvi and Aayan for giving us a true home away from home.

Academically, our exposure to the advanced facilities at ACL, the open classroom culture of local high schools and collaborative research with our American partners broadened our understanding of education and scientific exploration. We learnt that curiosity, confidence and mutual trust are essential to meaningful learning and collaboration.

The knowledge gained, friendships forged and cross-cultural connections made will stay with us long after this journey. What began as a step into the unknown has become an experience we will treasure for a lifetime.