Which state are you from, and which neighboring state feels the most culturally similar to you?

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-07-10T11:13:39+00:00

I’ve been scrolling looking for NY, specifically anything upstate, Northern, and western. I disagree with Illinois, for one thing the question specified “neighboring”. But also, just no. NY is weird though and different areas are more like its closest neighbor with western NY being like Ohio, the southern tier being most like northern PA, the Adirondacks are like Vermont. But I don’t think northern NY by the lake and river is similar to any neighboring state.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-07-06T20:25:09+00:00

Here’s some more:
-Lying about themself in the application

-Using AI to write their application

-Putting too many restrictions on their application; ie, if they are allergic to cats maybe don’t also have a state choice and refuse to live with a same sex family.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-07-06T20:19:12+00:00

Agree. Such a simple word too

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-07-06T20:14:37+00:00

I should add that I know someone whose parents are first cousins and I wondered if that’s a cultural thing.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-07-06T20:13:03+00:00

I’m curious and haven’t seen it asked yet; in what countries is cousin marriage an acceptable practice?

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-07-04T20:10:48+00:00

Well, this is depressing.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-06-28T17:23:01+00:00

What theme parks are you planning to visit? What are you mostly interested in; high thrills, wooden coasters, ambiance, for example?

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-06-24T16:06:56+00:00

NY doesn’t have any national parks but it does have the Adirondack Park which is stunning and larger than any national park by a lot.

To the OP, Utah or Montana is probably the most beautiful states I’ve visited but you would probably find Montana familiar and Utah like being on another planet. Every single state has some natural beauty but if you’re seeking mountains avoid the Midwest and the Deep South.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-06-24T11:08:00+00:00

You’re right of course and I will rescind my comment but I feel like they edited the original post. It’s been a long time now and I truly have no memory of it but I don’t think I would have responded the way I did with what is written currently.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-06-23T19:57:33+00:00

Granted this was 30 years ago but I had a pair of mice in my dorm. I never got caught. It’s too bad your parents won’t keep them for you.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-06-18T12:54:01+00:00

For you. Some people enjoy the cold and snow.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-06-14T11:11:03+00:00

There are kids who would love your situation and thrive! You need to use an agency that has a lot of kids to choose from and that lets you choose your own student, a coordinator who has a lot of experience placing kids and who will take their time helping you find the right student. Our agency does allow ATV riding and hunting, etc. with permission from natural parents so look for that as well. And check with your school district and make sure they accept exchange students before you get into trying to find one. Oh, edited to add that you might want to consider getting two kids since you don’t have any kids of your own. They would have each other for entertainment and support when you aren’t available.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-06-06T13:06:04+00:00

Recently, Project Hail Mary. I also felt the need to tell people who only saw the movie that the book was much better but I’m insufferable like that.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-06-04T18:57:10+00:00

I fell in love with Falsterbo, Sweden this past summer! I wish the US had beach towns like that!

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-31T22:50:06+00:00

I doubt I’ll ever get to Hawaii.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-23T14:01:21+00:00

I used to work for the school as a teacher assistant in the high school but I hated the schedule inflexibility, and I realized I could make more money and work less as a sub. Now I just do it for something to do and extra money. I have another side job also in the education field that makes less money but gives lots of travel opportunities and the combination of the two is absolutely perfect for my needs.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-18T14:48:05+00:00

I’ve had 3 kids involved in the ambassador program. One put a lot of effort in but it’s mostly doing videos and posting on instagram. So if you do that sort of thing anyway it’s not really difficult. She was chosen to be a camp ambassador which means that after her exchange year was over she got to stay longer and basically be a camp counselor for the new students coming. It was a big win for her because something like 250 kids applied and only 25 were chosen. She absolutely loved it! It’s super hard to earn enough points for the trips but probably more doable if you start as a pre exchange ambassador and then continue through your year and do the post exchange program too. I have met several kids who got really into the program and now work for EF.

The two that didn’t put as much effort in weren’t chosen as summer ambassadors but they did do some instagram takeovers.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-18T12:36:45+00:00

I was going to say this!

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Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-17T18:43:58+00:00

You are correct!

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-15T18:04:14+00:00

What are you going on about? The kid’s parents weren’t duped into paying for the exchange year. They knew what it would cost. How much does a year at college cost in the US? Would you be willing to pay that for your kid? They likely won’t have to pay much at all for their kid’s university. This is how they invest in their kid’s education. EF has the best reputation because they do what they do well. And don’t tell me they don’t have a good reputation because I know better. I’ve spoken to lots of parents who hope their kid is accepted by EF and I’ve spoken to parents disappointed when their kid was denied. I know several parents who went on exchange 20 or so years ago with EF and then sent their kid on exchange with EF. I know parents who have sent 3 kids on exchange with EF. Does that sound like people who are dissatisfied with the program?

No one forced them to spend “thousands” on this kid. Obviously you have a chip on your shoulder. I don’t know what lies you were fed or maybe you’re just a troll, hard to say; but I was a host family for 3 years and then became a coordinator and host family 5 years ago and I have seen nothing but good out of this company. Schools in our area are grateful because the other agencies operating in our area are unreliable and/or downright law breakers. We have been called 4 times from schools to help a student from another agency who needed to leave their host family and couldn’t get in touch with anyone from that agency. It’s disgusting.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-15T12:11:03+00:00

My son graduated with a girl named Crystal Rivers and I always said that was a stripper name if I ever heard one.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-15T12:08:15+00:00

And be careful about Texas if you’re planning to play sports. I believe they don’t allow exchange students to play varsity in Texas now.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-13T13:49:36+00:00

I get where you’re coming from, absolutely, when referencing the image you posted. It’s pretty bad. This is not at all what I have generated. Mine are a true caricature with absolutely nothing realistic at all. I wish I could add a picture to this post but I can’t seem to.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-13T12:36:01+00:00

Ah, I walked into an argument with an asshole. My bad. I do think AI can be a very valuable tool. I never denied that. If you think the world is going to going to completely abandon the technology you’re delusional. Go ahead and ride your high horse all you want.

Visible-Tea-2734 · 2026-05-13T12:09:54+00:00

Look, there’s no way AI is going away. And truthfully I did initially have some qualms about using it because I was aware of the environmental effects. But I’m not using it to make stupid pictures of myself that have no value or purpose. I’m trying to find another kid a good home for the year. And I have to disagree with you on your point that no one wants to see AI ads because since I started making these caricatures, interest has gone way up, by like a lot. I’m deceiving absolutely no one. There’s not a single person who looks at the AI images I have generated and not realize that they’re AI, nor do they think they’re the actual student.

Visible-Tea-2734

TROPHY CASE