American. It's a word that means different things to different people. For exchange students, experiencing all things American is the goal of their exchange. But just what is "American" to an exchange student?
To find out, we asked students to submit a captioned photo of something that was "Very American" to them. What fun to see our beautiful country and culture through their eyes!
Here are the submissions that our judges gave top honors.
Grand Prize
Julia from Hungary wowed the judges with her very American photo and scored the grand prize: a $200 Visa gift card! Julia has enjoyed her exchange year living in Denver, Colorado.
My host parents visited the oldest house in Denver and this was me posing with the props!
Runners Up
Maike from Germany scored a $100 Visa gift card for her wonderful submission. She has loved her exchange year in Monroe, Iowa.
This amazing picture was shot the second right before I made the touchdown! :)
Emilie from Norway dazzled the judges with her submission, which made her $100 richer in prize money! Emilie has spent her exchange year in Madera, California.
This photo is of me when I went on a hike to the Hollywood sign, a really famous landmark that I have seen so many times in American movies!
Levin from Germany shared this stunning view of America and won himself a $100 Visa gift card. He's enjoyed many more American experiences during his exchange year in San Antonio, Texas.
I took that Photo on the Las Vegas Orientation in January, it was very deep and naturally.
Honorable Mentions
These next photos didn't quite make the finals, but we love them so much that we want to share them with you anyway!
Anna from Germany shared this photo taken at the fire station in her host city, Warren, Illinois.
Adele from France says, "I was thinking about this picture which is very American because I am standing in front of the bus with a Dutch Bros drink, waiting with my friends to go to softball practice!!"
Adele is living in Coquille, Oregon.
Marcos from Spain shares, "I think there is nothing more American than a mountain with heads of American presidents, that is Mount Rushmore!! I went there with my host family in spring break."
Marcos is living in Casper, Wyoming.
Amelie from Germany had this to say: "During my exchange I learned that all those popular places in America (like the Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills on the photo) are a lot more fun to visit when you share it with a friend."
Amelie has spent her exchange in Torrance, California.
Matteo from Italy summed up his very American experience like this: "Adventure of a lifetime."
Matteo is living in Long Beach, California.
Clara from France explains, "This picture was taken at an American football game. Go Chiefs!"
Clara has experienced America living in Mankato, Kansas.
Carlos from Spain submitted this photo which was taken at the Utah Capitol.
Carlos has spent his exchange year in Layton, Utah.
Irene from Spain shares, "This was my first time at a Penn State Football game. I felt like I was living a dream. 
"
Irene is being hosted in State College, Pennsylvania.
A big thanks to all who entered the contest. We are proud of your accomplishments and hope you will squeeze in more Amerian experiences in your remaining weeks in the United States.
