--- title: ICES Newsletter - April 2025 --- Learn about recent happenings in the ICES community. Fun student highlights, heartwarming host family stories--you'll find it all right here! | View in browser April is here, bringing with it the warmth of spring, blossoming flowers, and a renewed sense of connection and there’s no better time to celebrate the incredible journeys happening through ICES! Our host families and students are making lifelong memories, and our dedicated staff are supporting amazing cultural moments every day. This month’s newsletter is filled with inspiring stories, heartfelt updates, and snapshots of the laughter, learning, and growth that define our program. Let the spirit of April inspire you to explore, connect, and make a difference through student exchange! SUPERSTARS ALL AROUND US We are thrilled to share some exciting news about one of our outstanding exchange students, Eunsu from South Korea. Earlier today, she participated in a highly competitive regional math competition, which brought together the top two math students from approximately 15 high schools across northwest Tennessee. Representing her school with great pride and determination, Eunsu showcased her exceptional skills and academic excellence by securing first place in the Geometry category! This remarkable achievement is a true testament to her hard work, talent, and dedication. We are incredibly proud of Eunsu and all that she has accomplished! Two of our outstanding exchange students, Pedro from Brazil and Rafael from Spain, who were fortunate to be double placed with the same host family, have written a heartfelt message to express their deep gratitude. They wanted to take a moment to honor and thank their incredible host family for the warmth, kindness, and unwavering support they received throughout their time in the United States.   “Our host family has truly gone above and beyond to make our exchange experience absolutely perfect. Their love, care, and daily efforts have made us feel at home in every possible way. That’s why we would like to publicly thank Betty, Kyle, Grandma Ruth, and all their children, sons- and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, who have always welcomed us with such warmth throughout our time here in America.   This experience will forever remain in our memories and in our hearts, and we will be eternally grateful to all of them.   PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETTY   Love, Pedro and Rafael" STUDENT OF THE MONTH Since arriving in West Virginia last August, Irene has filled her host family’s home with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories. From marching band to mountain hikes, from psychology class to gluten-free Oreos, she’s embraced her American experience with open arms (and a big smile)!    Her host mom says: “Who would have thought a 15-year-old girl from Spain would brighten our world and teach us so much in just a few months?”   Congratulations, Irene – we’re so proud of you!  As our Student of the Month, Laura will receive a certificate of achievement, a letter of recognition from ICES President John Crist, and a $100 Giftogram. LOOKING AHEAD To view available students, contact your Local Coordinator or go to: ICES MEET OUR STUDENTS PAGE  Join the Community of Amazing ICES Local Coordinators!   Are you passionate about culture, education, and community? Become an ICES Local Coordinator and help foreign exchange students fulfill their dreams while bridging cultures! As a Local Coordinator, you'll play a vital role in welcoming students from around the world, supporting host families, and fostering global understanding. Click the link below to learn more and start making a difference today!   To learn more, visit us at ICES LC RECRUITMENT  ICES NATIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCE Our ICES J-1 team recently came together in Maricopa, Arizona for an inspiring and collaborative National Conference alongside several of our international partners. This energizing event was the perfect space to exchange ideas, strengthen our global connections, and align our goals for the year ahead.   From insightful discussions to memorable moments shared with colleagues from around the world, we left feeling motivated and more united than ever in our mission to create meaningful cultural exchange experiences. We’re excited to take everything we’ve learned into the 2025 season and continue making a positive impact in the lives of students, host families, and communities. ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS   At our 2025 National ICES Training Conference, we had the incredible honor of recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of our 2024 annual award recipients. It was a true highlight of the event to gather and acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and excellence that each winner brings to our community. We are so proud and grateful to have such inspiring individuals within our circle, and it brings us immense joy to shine a spotlight on their contributions. Their passion and commitment continue to elevate the entire ICES family, and we couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate their success.   Student of the Year:  Maria Sanchez Uran Fernandez (Indiana)   Host Family of the Year: Brian & Christine Queen, Alto, Michigan                                           Charlotte Jaworski, Oxford, Michigan   LC of the Year:  Merissa MacGregor   New LC of the Year:  Rachel Carrier   DR of the Year:  Gretchen Mitchell   RM of the Year:  Kim Shreve   Merit Award Winners: Michelle Beck, Cheryl Crowther, Rhonda Scharnus,                                       Abigail Forren, Samantha Thacker, Valarie Evertson,                                       Jennifer Gunter   SEEDS Merit Award Winners: Stephanie Burleson, Flores Webb, Jody Vasquez    Golden Globe Winners: Brenda Padilla, James Manning, Káťa Hoffmannová    Employee of The Year: Kalynn Willey   Hero of the year: Rachelle McCann STUDY ABROAD Are you or someone you know a teenager interested in studying abroad? This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse in a new culture, learn a language, and gain a global perspective. International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) is offering an exciting spring promotion for students who want to study abroad for 90 days, a semester, or an entire academic school year. For more information about our programs, visit: ICES STUDY ABROAD  HELPFUL RESOURCES ON THE BLOG American Easter is a Sweet Treat for Exchange Students Let’s take a look at what makes Easter in America so special, and how host families are helping students experience it all for the first time. Easter Spring Traditions Around the World Curious what spring looks like across the globe? Let’s take a quick world tour through the eyes of exchange students. Traditions Experiencing American Culture Through Volunteering Volunteering is one of the best ways for your exchange students to immerse themselves in American culture. Volunteering FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA International Cultural Exchange Services, 375 N. Stephanie Street, Bldg. 16, Henderson, Nevada 89014, United States, Toll-Free within USA: 1-800-344-3566 Call from outside USA: +1 434-993-1973 Unsubscribe Manage preferences | | --- |