Dear friend of ICES,

The holiday season is here, and all of us at ICES want to send you our warmest wishes!

We hope your holidays are filled with peace, happiness, and cozy moments with the ones you love. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited for all the new opportunities, cross-cultural adventures, and shared successes it will bring.

This time of year reminds us of the beautiful diversity in traditions that connect us all. Let’s celebrate those differences and gear up for another inspiring year together!

Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a New Year full of unforgettable memories.

Happy Holidays!
The ICES Team

AROUND THE WORLD

On July 10, 2024, the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Barcelona, in collaboration with President John Crist of ICES América Programs, formalized an education-focused agreement aimed at facilitating international academic opportunities for young Dominicans residing in Catalonia, Aragon, and the Principality of Andorra. During the signing, Consul General Antonio Gómez and the Managing Partner of ICES emphasized the significance of this memorandum in fostering the personal and professional growth of students on a global scale.

As part of the discussions, ICES USA presented its J1 and F1 student exchange programs, highlighting their affordability and the numerous benefits these international training experiences offer. Additionally, plans were introduced to establish an agency dedicated to providing scholarships for low-income Dominican students with exceptional abilities, further demonstrating the commitment to inclusivity and educational advancement.

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

We’re excited to announce that Lilia Nurmi, an exchange student from Finland, has been selected as our Student of the Month! Nominated by her host family, Lilia has brought curiosity, positivity, and a fresh perspective to their lives and community.

Her host family shared that Lilia’s enthusiasm for exploring American culture—even in their small town—has been truly inspiring. She approaches every experience with an open mind and a sense of wonder, reminding her host family to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of their own surroundings.

Described as a joy to have in their home, Lilia’s infectious positivity has created a ripple effect, bringing new energy and connection to her host family and those around her. Whether she’s learning about American traditions, sharing her Finnish culture, or simply enjoying the small moments of everyday life, Lilia has made a lasting impact.

As our Student of the Month, Lilia will receive a certificate of achievement, a letter of recommendation from ICES President John Crist, and a $100 Giftogram.

LOOKING AHEAD

To view available students, contact your Local Coordinator or go to https://www.icesusa.org/meet-our-students/ 

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 

SUPERSTARS ALL AROUND US

On Saturday, November 16, ICES District Representative Gretchen Mitchell extended a warm invitation to students and their host families from the nearby area to come together for her annual Global Friendsgiving celebration. This unique event aimed to foster cultural exchange, build lasting connections, and celebrate the diversity within the community. Each student contributed to the festivities by preparing a traditional dish from their home country, showcasing the rich culinary traditions they hold dear. Likewise, each host family prepared a dish, adding a personal and local flavor to the vibrant spread. The event was filled with lively energy as attendees bonded over shared experiences, engaging in fun games, storytelling, and heartfelt laughter. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the feast of international cuisine, offering everyone a delicious opportunity to experience a variety of flavors from around the world, united under one roof.

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