08/25/2026
From dreaming of an exchange year at age 10 to finally feeling the freedom of America.
Ilia, an incoming 10th grader from Russia, has officially started his CIEE BridgeUSA exchange year, and he’s already off to an unforgettable start during CIEE’s New York Tour. The quick stop in NYC gives students the chance to meet fellow exchange students from around the world and experience the magic of the Big Apple before heading to their host families across the U.S.
After years of waiting for his chance to receive a visa, Ilia arrived in the U.S. with a smile — even when his luggage didn’t make it to NYC. Taking in the planes overhead and the giant mall parking lot, he couldn’t help but smile and say he could “feel the freedom.”
Now, Ilia is headed to Iowa, where he’ll spend the year with a host family who shares his love of sports and staying active. In the Hawkeye State, he’ll get to experience the spirit of “Freedom to Flourish”— and make an American adventure all his own.
From Russia to NYC to Iowa, Ilia’s journey is just getting started.
Student
