In a world often divided by boundaries and barriers, love and friendship serve as the universal language that transcends differences. Through international student programs, these bonds are not only formed but strengthened. As students from diverse backgrounds come together, they bring with them the colors of their culture, traditions, and experiences. Yet, amidst this diversity, they discover the threads that bind them together. Through the lens of friendship, they learn to embrace the beauty of diversity, celebrating each other's uniqueness while finding common ground in various cultures.
The impact of these connections extends far beyond individual friendships, influencing the very fabric of our society and shaping the future of our world. Through basic life interactions, stereotypes are shattered, prejudices dismantled, and bridges built across cultures. Each friendship formed is a small yet powerful step towards a more harmonious world. Just remember, love and friendship become catalysts for transformation, paving the way for a brighter future.
ROUND OF APPLAUSE!
Sophie, a vibrant young lady from Germany, who participated as a student page at the Washington State House of Representatives.
When asked about her experience:
“I loved it! I met the nicest people, got to see and help in the government procedures. It was amazing getting to do this and such an honor to get to escort the Flag!”
She has also been an excellent student and has fallen in love with softball during her stay. “Softball really isn’t a thing back in Germany. I had heard of it before, but there aren’t any teams which is sad.”
Video of Sophie escorting the American flag can be seen HERE
Ben Weidenhammer (Germany) top left, Nico Duque (Spain) top right, Guillermo Osario (Spain) bottom left, Javier Berni (Spain) bottom right.
North Valley Knights from Grants Pass Oregon will be traveling to Coquille Oregon to challenge the Red Devils in the first round of Basketball playoffs! Awesome job students! Let's go NORTH VALLEY KNIGHTS!
All Around The World
Contessa, studying abroad in Italy
"I’ve been in Italy for 5 months now on exchange and can absolutely say they have been the best five months of my life. I live in a small town called Vasto in southern Abruzzo, since I have been here I have had nothing but fun and new experiences. My host family is great and very accommodating I have 2 sisters, 1 brother, the mom, and the dad. My host family has been helping me learn Italian and showing me the way of life in Italy, I go to school with my host sister Claudia Monday-Saturday, at school is where I have meet most of my friends, they have all been so fun and sweet to hang out with I typically go out to lunch or dinner with them during the weekdays, and go out with them on Saturday nights in the piazza. My host sister Claudia also has a big group of around 25 friends that we go out with on weekends, one of my favorite parts of Italy so far is the family life. Families here are big and live so close to each other, this is something I almost never saw in the USA. My host family always has lunch and dinner together, and on Sundays with the extended family. Italian food was a big reason why I chose to come to Italy for my exchange year and I can definitely say I made the right choice, everything I have tried here so far has been amazing I’ve tried new foods that are some of my new favorites, overall the experiences I have had in just the last 5 months are some of the best of my whole life, and ones I will never forget I can’t wait to see what another 5 months has in store for me."
Opportunity
The 2024 Bridging Cultures Scholarship is now open and accepting applications! This year, ICES will be awarding a total of $17,000 in scholarships to American high school students.
In 500 words or less, describe specific ways you can help exchange students integrate into your school and community to provide opportunities for cultural sharing.
ICES is now accepting applications for the Global Ambassador Program. This volunteer opportunity for American high school students combines leadership training, cross-cultural learning, and FUN! Teens provide peer support to exchange students and promote cultural understanding in their school and community. Click below to learn more about the program and apply online.
Adapting to a new culture is a complex process. It can be exciting, but also overwhelming and intimidating at times. How you can support an exchange student who is working hard to adapt and fit in?
Congratulations Kinga from Poland! The winner of the Valentine's Video Contest!
(Click to watch video)
Apisara from Thailand and her amazing Host Family.
(Click to watch video)
Be CREATIVE
Guest Bloggers Wanted
ICES has several openings for guest bloggers on our spring blog schedule. If you love to write, we'd love to talk with you! For more information contact blog@icesusa.org
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
