At 16, Dominyka left her home in Lithuania to spend a year in the United States as a FLEX exchange student—a decision that changed her life.
After earning a spot in the highly competitive, fully funded Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program, Dominyka arrived in the U.S. excited, nervous, and ready to say yes to every opportunity. What she didn’t expect was how quickly the country would start to feel like home.
From navigating American high school life and joining cheerleading to discovering a passion for filmmaking and building deep connections with her host family, Dominyka embraced every part of her exchange experience. Along the way, she learned to overcome culture shock and homesickness, gaining confidence, resilience, and a stronger appreciation for her Lithuanian roots.
One of her most meaningful moments came during the holidays, when she realized she truly belonged—not just as a visitor, but as part of a community.
Dominyka’s advice to future exchange students is simple: “Do it. Say yes to every opportunity. You won’t regret it.”
Her story reminds us that exchange is about more than travel—it’s about growth, understanding, and finding home in unexpected places.