Discover the inspiring journeys of Care Professionals in our 2025 edition of Heart-Warming Stories. From life-changing moments to everyday triumphs, these stories reveal how their caregiving experiences have shaped who they are—both personally and professionally. Read how empathy, resilience, and connection have fueled their growth and deepened their purpose.
Finnja - Special Needs Care Provider
San Carlos, CA
I learned to be patient with myself and also with my fellow human beings. It was also important for me to work on myself and grow beyond myself. I achieved this goal and learned a lot more about myself and my work.
Alste- Occupational Therapist
Lake Oswego, OR
My work taught me patience, creativity and the power of small victories. The most rewarding part is seeing the impact I have on the kids – and how much they teach me in return.
Alessia - Nurse
New York, NY
Looking back, this journey has helped me become a more confident and independent person. Moving to a new country, adapting to a different culture, and taking on new responsibilities have all pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. Personally, I’ve learned to trust myself more, embrace change, and navigate challenges with resilience. Professionally, I’ve improved my communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills by working in a dynamic environment where every day brings something new.
Helen - Physical Therapist
Houston, TX
I was able to develop personally in several ways, such as improving my English skills, becoming more independent and traveling or doing things on my own!
From a professional point of view, I have been able to get to know the clinical picture I work with on a daily basis better and differently. I also learned how to work with other professional groups.
Sanne - Physical Therapist
Cibolo, TX
I definitely learned how to stand up for myself, be honest and outspoken and cherish the good times.
Sandra- Physical Therapist
Boston, MA
I got more independence, new and more creative exercise ideas and I learned to think out of the line.
Lara - Social Worker
Newton, MA
My first few weeks, even month, were really challenging but I’m happy I never gave up. It just made me stronger til I finally became confident enough to rock this job. You have to stay strong, keep close to your friends and have time for yourself.
Helena - Physical Therapist
Arlington, VA
I’ve become so much more confident in such a short time. I have the confidence to speak to strangers in a foreign language. That used to be very difficult for me. I was also able to experience how wonderful children with special needs are and that you can learn so much from them. However, it also showed me the challenges and responsibilities that come with it.
Nathalie - Educator
Parkland, FL
I definitely grew a lot personally and professionally. Especially professionally I learned so much from working close together with multiple therapists. I also was able to make experiences with different ages and different types of special needs. In general the fact to live together with a family in the US and to have such a close relationship to the kids is amazing! Personally I definitely got more confident with myself and learned how good it is for myself to put myself in new situations and also how to meet new people and to be open for new things even though they might be different to what you are used to.
Sophia - Physical Therapist
Asbury, NJ
A human will never stop growing. We have the chance to learn something new everyday, we just have to take the challenges in life and be open for something new, even when it is scary at the beginning. I always appreciate the little steps in life, because at the end they will cause something big! I found luck and while I am here with my host family I am realizing how blessed I am. I feel like that I am becoming a better person day by day and I am on a good way to become the best version of myself! I am using this time to learn for the future, I keep myself busy and I wont change a thing. I already have a better and more positive mindset, I am becoming stronger physically, emotionally and mentally. I am ready to take more challenges, I will be prepared for the future.
Lukas - Child Educator
Purcellville, VA
The main point is that I know I can do it by myself. It´s nice to have someone to rely on but I also can do it all by my own. I´m strong and independent and gained more self-confidence.
Jos - Special Needs Care Provider
Purcellville, VA
I have gained a lot more Self-confidence, approach people more openly, and just take life as it is.
Ty - Special Needs Care Provider
Hingham, MA
Reflecting on my time with my current apex social family, I have grown personally as a person in that I have learned and become more patient and caring than when I started with my apex family. My professional growth would be that I have had the option to volunteer in a school as well, and the family has encouraged and empowered me to be able to enroll back in college and get on the path of finishing my degree for my dream career.
Sabine - Educator
Mamaroneck, NY
I’m somebody who likes to plan things and I learned a lot of flexibility from my host family because their schedule is always unpredictable. My biggest personal growth is definitely that I gained much more resilience in stressful and new situations and I can handle that with more calm, and even laugh about it when something doesn’t go the way it should.
Anna - Special Needs Care Provider
Rockport, MA
My journey hasn‘t been that long so far. But despite that I can say that I gained a little confidence and self-consciousness. Being „alone“ in this country shaped me listening to my wants/needs/wishes/etc.
Maikee - Physical Therapist B.Sc.
San Carlos, CA
I notice that I am becoming more adventurous and appreciate many small moments in my daily life and on my travels. At the same time, I’m also much more spontaneous and take things as they come, and fate has been very much on my side since I’ve been here. Everything that doesn’t go as planned turns out well in the end, as if it was meant to.
Isabell - Occupational Therapist
Brooklyn, NY
So far, I have grown beyond myself twice over. I’m living the everyday life I always dreamed of.
Jana - Educator
Portola Valley, CA
My time here in the US has made me grow a lot, I was able to gain a lot of experience and at the same time make memories for eternity.
Nele - Social Worker B.A.
Portland, OR
I think one of the biggest challenges I achieved is to do things alone – no one has time to go to the concert? No one has time for a weekend trip? – Okay, go alone! At first it feels weird but then you learn to enjoy it. I would recommend to everyone to go on a trip by your own! You learn so much about yourself and you are free to do whatever you wanna do.
Professionally I learned more positive behavior strategies since I work with other Behavior therapists in my host family. It is cool to work on behavior plans and to try different strategies and see if they work or not.
Rika - Occupational Therapist
Hillsborough, NJ
Well, I have to say that I’m very proud about myself. I was never a person who is brave and is doing something by her own! But now I’m here in the US alone and go out on Adventure by my self. I’m talking to strangers and have little conversations with them. Also I’m happy to learn so many great things from the OTs and it’s so nice to know that all the ideas what you have are good and working well and that the OTs saying that they will try it too. I’m happy that I found myself and that’s not just in the professional side, on the personal side too. I think that this milestone in my life changed a lot and makes me stronger and more confident in my life.
Sina - Physical Therapist
Cabin John, MD
This journey has made me more independent, adaptable, and confident. I’ve gained valuable childcare experience, improved my communication skills, and built lifelong friendships. It has shaped both my career goals and my outlook on life.
Darleen - Occupational Therapist
Demarest, NJ
I am way more confident than I was before. I learned a lot about what I want in my life and what I don’t. I grew my professional skills and I’m now even more focused and motivated to change lives.
Josephine - Occupational Therapist
Brooklyn, NY
Hard to answer now because I am not even one month here.
Anabel - Early Childhood Educator
Castle Pines, CO
Self confidence.
Mirka - Nurse
Seattle, WA
Always stick to your goals and dreams. You make a difference in the everyday life of a child.
Johanna - Occupational Therapist
Columbus, OH
Definitely doing things alone, I just went alone to a concert. And I met so many amazing people, now friends through this whole experience!
Magdalena - Occupational Therapist
Powell, OH
I learnt a lot about myself, that I’m stronger than I thought. Also that I can have more confidence in myself in the future.
Aileen - Speech Language Pathologist
Powell, OH
I have most of my journey ahead of me, so I am looking forward to grow in the next months that will follow.
Eleni - Speech Therapist
Harrison, NY
I learnt a lot about neurodivergent disorders and how much we luck in Europe to be more inclusive. I learnt how to use talking devices and how to set them up. Games I can youse in therapies. And that the saying-“ if you know one kid in the spectrum it’s like you know none” is definitely true. Personally i learned that I don’t have to call my dad for EVERYTHING haha. I can set up my own furniture if I want , I can go and deal with the bank and social security administration …
Be more confident, honest and direct. Accepting and giving compliments (a big thing in the States)
Melissa - Social Worker
South Orange, NJ
This journey has had a big impact on me personally and professionally. I have become more self-confident, independent and adaptable. I have learned to face challenges with composure and an open mind, to appreciate new perspectives and to find my way in unfamiliar situations. By working closely with children with special needs and their families, I have not only been able to expand my professional skills, but also strengthen my empathy and communication skills. This experience has shown me how valuable my work is and what an impact I can have on the lives of others – a realization that will accompany me on my further path.
Lena - Social Educator
Fairview, NJ
This experience has shaped me in many ways. I have learned to adapt to new situations, face challenges with more confidence, and expand my intercultural skills. Working with children and families has deepened my expertise and strengthened my ability to solve problems flexibly.
Jennifer - Educator
Minnesota, MN
This journey has made me more courageous, open-minded, and adaptable. Personally, I’ve learned to embrace new experiences, whether alone or with strangers. Professionally, I’ve grown in resilience and confidence. Life is about exploring—so be yourself, take care, and dare to step into the unknown!
Carina - Educator
Lafayette, CA
My biggest learning was that I had to trust myself and my abilities and stand up for myself.
Jana - Occupational Therapist
Decatur, GA
I have grown to trust myself and have more self-confidence.
Ann-Sophie - Social Worker
Concord, MA
My time abroad has deepened my understanding of patience, empathy and creative problem solving in different situations with my host kids and has helped me in so may ways in my professional and personal development. Among other things, I was able to learn to grow beyond myself and to respect and communicate my boundaries. I have become stronger and more self-confident and have learned a lot about my social skills, but also about my environment, living with a rare disease, the possibilities of support and all the different therapy forms.
One of the most important lessons I have learned: LIVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT, IN THE HERE AND NOW AND ENJOY EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF IT.
Eve - Occupational Therapist
San José, CA
During the last few months I had a lot of ups and downs and I am really proud of myself how I handled all these emotions. I really love my life in the US (travels, hikes, friends,…) and I also enjoy my connection to my host children and host parents which is pretty good. In the beginning of my journey I had to learn to live with completely new people and I also had to learn to get out of my comfort zone and find compromises with my family and myself to figure out the best way for all of us. So sometimes all these challenges can be really hard but after achieving the goal you are really happy and proud about it.
Anne - Educator
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
During my time here in the USA, I have become much more self-confident, have learned a lot about dealing with ADHD children, and have developed further.
Rachel - Speech Therapist
Chicago, IL
I’ve gained more confidence in doing things on my own, just hopping on a plane and exploring a new country or city. I also feel more self-assured in my job and in working with kids.
Nele - Physical Therapist
Birmingham, AL
I learned hands-on about a therapy approach in pediatric therapy that I have only seen online before I came here. Now I have a name to what I found so interesting from the beginning on and a plan to get that qualification myself. I learned more about what to prioritize for me and my future, to be self active about it and how to stand up for myself. That also influenced my personal life so that I dared to do things that I never believed I would (/could) do on my own.
Bastian - Paedagogical Specialist
Mountain View, CA
On top of having been able to grow my expertise, knowledge and experience in regards to my profession, I was even more so able to grow as a person. Experiencing other cultures, traditions and languages as well as getting to spend time with so many with amazing humans has been nothing but a blessing.
Nele - Physical Therapist
Nashvillle, TN
Firstly, I definitely became more independent for instance by traveling alone and taking a lot of responsibility while working with the kids. In addition, I also increased my „It will be fine“ attitude and definitely stepped out of my comfort zone frequently.
At a professional level, I was able to get insights into other therapy professions like speech therapy or ABA therapy, which I can use on my host kid. I am so thankful for all the exchange and cooperation.
Simona - Pediatric Nurse
Dublin, OH
Personal Growth: This experience has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. I’ve faced challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone, and through these experiences, I’ve learned to embrace change and uncertainty. I’ve also developed a deeper sense of empathy and understanding towards others, recognizing that everyone has their own struggles and stories. This has enriched my relationships and allowed me to connect with people on a more meaningful level.
Professional Growth: Professionally, this journey has significantly enhanced my clinical skills and knowledge. I’ve gained hands-on experience in various pediatric conditions, which has made me more confident in my abilities to assess and respond to the needs of children with special needs. I’ve also learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration, working closely with doctors, specialists, other healthcare professionals and the parents to provide the best care possible.
Maxim - Physical Therapist
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Lots of patience.
Charlotte - Nurse
Lincoln, RI
Be patient and question not everything.
Katharina - Special Education Nurse
South Orange, NJ
My time in the US changed my way of looking at things, it made me think less and just embrace what I have and live in the moment. All the up’s and down’s shaped me in working with what I have in that moment and stress less about all the things that are happening around me.
Maja - Occupational Therapist
Geneva, IL
I’m gaining more confidence, starting to finally talk louder and getting more fluent with my English and I also improve my Spanish skills. I also do more things on my own like exploring the city, traveling meeting others 😇
Dina - Social Worker M.A.
Davie, FL
I achieved so many milestones for myself and my host child. From making new friends, finding inner peace, to finishing my master’s, and starting a continuing education program. I became the best version of myself in the past year.
Nina - Special Needs Care Provider
Redondo Beach, CA
I am only here since a few weeks and already so thankful for everything that has happened to me. I feel like this year is showing me that it‘s more about the limits you set yourself and that everybody should open up to the chances and opportunities live has left to give.
Laura-Celine - Occupational Therapist
Palo Alto, CA
I know my own worth better then ever. If people treat me right I will go through fire for them. If not, don’t be surprised if I don’t treat you right either.
Francine - Educator
North Wales, PA
To step out of my own comfort zone, to experience what it’s like to be on my own. I have become so independent, courageous, strong and self-confident during this time and have developed so much personally. I was also able to gain a lot of new professional experience, especially with special needs.
Franziska - Occupational Therapist
Calabasas, CA
Living abroad is an unforgettable experience that no one can take away from you. The personal growth you experience through the experiences and people you encounter is truly remarkable. I’ve gained a newfound confidence in myself and my abilities. The people and my work have inspired me, and my perspective on various aspects of life has undergone a profound transformation. ✨
Leonie - Physical Therapist
Ho Ho Kus, NJ
This journey has helped me grow tremendously, both personally and professionally. I gained valuable insights into various therapy fields in the U.S. and had the opportunity to work with renowned therapists. Along the way, I built confidence, became more independent, and learned that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.
Lara - Pediatric Nurse
Darien, CT
I have become more relaxed and calm in many situations and I also become much more self-confident.
Laura - Educator
Arlington, VA
I was able to improve my language skills and would call myself a private travel company and tour guide for friends and family.
Maxi - Occupational Therapist
South Hamilton, MA
All that glitters is not gold.
Valeria - Educator
Montclair, NJ
Being more open.
Sophie - Occupational Therapist
Boston, MA
I really experienced what it means to keep failing forward. I learned to be mindful and always make sure to act wholeheartedly.
Anna-Lena - Occupational Therapist
Milwaukee, WI
I haven’t been here that long but I can say that I need to learn to be patient with me and my Hostchild.
Janna - Occupational Therapist
Newton, MA
I learned to be a lot more confident in my skills! I also became a lot more independent and more comfortable doing stuff by myself. I now love visiting museums alone and find great enjoyment in solitude. A year ago, I could never have imagined doing that!
Susi - Occupational Therapist
Norfolk, VA
I truly appreciate the time and opportunity to fully focus on myself and my work without distractions. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of my strengths, developed greater independence, and learned to navigate challenges. This experience has given me the space to reflect, improve, and truly invest in myself and my future.
Julia - Social Work B.A.
Bluffton, SC
Personally, I have become very grateful. I’m grateful for all the experiences, all the new people I get to meet, and for my people at home. How lucky I am to experience new things and have time to enjoy life.
Professionally, I have grown a lot in communication, in trusting in my abilities.
Anna - Occupational Therapist
Los Angeles, CA
Looking back, this year abroad has been an incredibly enriching experience, both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary work on-site, complete various internships with different therapists, and was inspired to pursue a certification in a specialized therapeutic treatment that will benefit me in my future career. When I wasn’t working, I was busy exploring the country and exceeded my own personal goals—I was able to see and experience so much more than I had ever dreamed of!
Andrea - Physical Therapist
Wilton, CT
It has changed me in a positive way. I have more responsibility, I look after a child like a mother, and that has taught me a lot. I’ve become more spontaneous, too, and self-confident.
Selina- Occupational Therapist
Milwaukee, WI
I grew a lot and learned a lot about myself and also about other people. I learned some new strengths of mine. I made so many life experiences. I am much more independent and less scared to travel by myself. ✈️🧳
Janet - Physical Therapist
Allentown, PA
I’ve been here for 2 months now and I realized that I have become more independent. I know what I want, and I find my own ways to get there. I’ve connected with my host family, and I appreciate my home back in Germany even more now.
Jolien - Educator
Oak Hill, VA
I got to know what I already learned in life and what stuff I already did right without knowing it 🙂 I think you can learn something every day you live. And I grow with the kids that I care for, and it is nice to see how they grow!
Melissa - Occupational Therapist
Pittsburgh, PA
I had to go through a lot on my own right from the start, as there were hardly any CPs here. I had to create my own environment and take care of the classes on my own. That made me very strong, because otherwise I always had a lot of support. But that’s exactly what I wanted – to become more independent!
Franziska - Physiotherapist
Montclair, NJ
This experience has made me more independent, confident, and open-minded. I’ve learned to adapt to new situations, embrace different cultures, and build strong relationships with people from around the world.
