Hello dear ASSIST and ASSIST prospective alumni,

I am glad to be almost two months into my experience abroad in a private boarding school in Vermont, US. Even though I am not speaking with a full year experience I feel like I have already  experienced so much and my daily life has definitely taken a full 180. Life in a boarding school is something really new for me and the schedule is definitely extremely packed but you probably already expected that. As hard as it can be (especially in the beginning) the experience you will gain, the friendships and connections you will create and the places you will be able to see are worth every bit of your time and energy in the application process and also of your stay here if you get accepted.

So far I have had only one week-long break and I already managed to visit some places that I have been dreaming of for so many years now (with friends, on top of that!). I went to Boston and to NYC over break and it was one of the most amazing trips I have ever had. Once again, I encourage every single one of you reading this right now to jump out of your comfort zone and to apply for the exchange program because, trust me, your future self will be beyond grateful that you did them this major favor. Be open minded and excited for life wherever you are and take opportunities like this one – they are special and happen only once most of the time;)

Dimitar Minkov, ASSIST 2022-23