International Exchange Students Uncover Community and Opportunity in Alaska
Juneau, Alaska – A group of ten high school students from around the world are spending the 2025-2026 school year in Alaska as part of various intercultural exchange programs. Gathering in Juneau earlier this month for an orientation, the students—hailing from countries including Germany, Indonesia, Greenland, Georgia, Pakistan, and Palestine—shared their experiences adjusting to life in the United States and the unique challenges and rewards of living in Alaska.
AFS and Federal Scholarship Programs Facilitate Exchange
The students arrived in Alaska last fall through AFS Intercultural Programs, with some receiving scholarships through federal programs. The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study program supports cultural connections between the U.S. And countries with predominantly Muslim populations, while the Future Leaders Exchange Program focuses on building relationships with former Soviet Union nations.
Diverse Experiences in Alaskan Cities
Students are experiencing life in different Alaskan communities, including Juneau, Sitka, and Anchorage. Their reflections highlight the diversity and welcoming nature of the Alaskan people.
Finding Acceptance and Open-Mindedness
Rey Fadillah, an exchange student from Indonesia attending Juneau-Douglas High School, noted the remarkable diversity and acceptance he’s found in Juneau. “Juneau itself was so diverse…to the point that I have friends with every kind of human,” he said. “Everybody in here was so accepting and exceptionally open minded about differences.”
Anticipating Alaskan Adventures
Johanna Ziegenhahn, from Germany, is looking forward to experiencing Alaska’s outdoor activities. “I’m looking forward for the hiking season…and when the snow is finally melting away,” she shared. She is also anticipating a school trip to Washington, D.C.
Discovering Diversity in Anchorage
Hala Dana, from Palestine, was struck by the diversity of East High School in Anchorage. “It’s really cool because all the students there are really open to, like, learn – to learn about the exchange students and the people from other countries,” she said. Dana also expressed a sense of safety and opportunity she hadn’t experienced before, stating, “It actually feels so unreal being in the U.S., because it’s always been part of my dream…So it actually feels really nice to be here, and it’s a really great opportunity.”
Finding Community in Sitka
Georgi Jajanidze, from the Republic of Georgia, praised the friendliness of the people in Sitka, calling it “the best city in Alaska so far.” He also found success participating in a modern sport, wrestling, qualifying for the state competition.
Cultural Connections and Support in Juneau
Tullitsiaq Reimer, an exchange student from Greenland and a native Inuit, found connections to Indigenous cultures in Juneau. “I met Lingít people,” she said. “So the culture, sometimes it could be very different. But the food that we have…is very, very similar.” Reimer also emphasized the importance of the support she received from friends and her host family.
Adjusting to New Environments
Manal Shad, from Pakistan, described the challenges of adjusting to a new language, culture, and even the extended daylight hours. However, she is embracing new experiences, such as learning to ski, with the goal of introducing the sport to girls in her community back home.
St. Vincent de Paul Provides Support
The students were photographed outside the St. Vincent de Paul residential building in Juneau on February 15, 2026, during their orientation. St. Vincent de Paul in Juneau offers a range of services, including housing assistance, food assistance, and a warming shelter, supporting individuals and families in need.