NOD Voices

The Nacel Open Door Blog is a place to share stories, experiences, photos, information, videos, advice, and just about anything else related to the exchange experience for host families and students.

Advisor's Angle

Advisor's Angle: Signs Of Reverse Culture Shock

You’re getting ready to return to your home country; your bags packed, bedroom cleaned, and your mind is full of interesting things to share with friends and family back home. You are almost there!
Emotion faces

Exchange Student Tips: Feelings Before Departure

I was very nervous and excited. It is a unique experience. No right words could explain the whole thing and make a perfect idea of it. I can only write about my personal experience, and it will never be the same as yours. This is why I suggest you to live it.
Holiday Homesickness

Infographic: Holiday Homesickness

It's almost inevitable you will experience a bit of homesickness around winter holidays, as they evoke fond memories of family and annual traditions. Here are some tips to get over homesickness during this period.
Sam

Throwback Thursday: DC/NYC Trip

In recognition of Throwback Thursday and the start of the AYP bus trip to DC/NYC on Saturday (be sure to follow along with us on Instagram!), we wanted to share all the great memories of last year!
Exchange Student Tips: Making Friends

Exchange Student Tips: Making Friends

Making friends for an exchange student can be hard, but with the right advice, it can get easier. The first day you go to school, most American teenagers are going to be curious and say “Hi!” or smile to you. To make sure that a simple hello turns into a true friendship, you should put in a little effort.
Video Contest

NOD Video Contest Time!

The Nacel Open Door Video Contest is officially underway! Send us a one-minute video (or shorter) letting us know your first impressions, and you could win an Amazon gift card!
Sara from Italy

Holidays Explained: Halloween

While many countries celebrate some version of Halloween (it started in Ireland), it is a huge holiday in America, especially for young people.
advisors angle

Advisor's Angle: Describing Emotions in English Part 2

Learning a second (or third, fourth, fifth) language is an exciting prospect. Nacel Open Door participants arrive to the USA ready to study and interact in English.
Back to school

Back To School Advice

"Time goes by really fast, especially if you are a senior in high school," I thought as I was standing at the exit door of Logan Airport in Boston while thinking about what I had done during the summer.
Kalina

You vs. Culture Shock & Homesickness

The first part of your stay is all honeymoon. You are loving it there, you love America, and everything is so great. Well, that’s not going to last forever, because once you get into a routine and things stop being as exciting as they were, you’re probably going to start missing home.
Mid-Autumn Festival; Holidays Explained

Holidays Explained: Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a harvest holiday celebrated by cultures and countries in east Asia and expats around the world.
Header

Your American Family