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As summer peaks, we look back on a remarkable year of welcoming students from around the world into our communities. Last year's students have returned home, enriched by the warmth and support of our host families.

Now, as we gear up for the new school year, we're excited to find new host families to join us in fostering cultural understanding and creating lasting memories. Your participation not only enriches the lives of these students but also strengthens global connections.

Together, let's continue to build bridges across continents through meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. Thank you for being part of our family and making each exchange student feel truly at home.

THE POWER OF CARING

Ludovica is an incredibly bright and charming young woman from Pisa, Italy. She has fully embraced the essence of American high school life. We are all extremely proud of her numerous accomplishments and the milestones she has reached throughout the year. We wanted to share this truly remarkable letter she wrote to our founder, as it deeply moved us all.

Dear Mr. John,

I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to attend this exchange program with the scholarship I received. I’m truly grateful for this experience, which would not have been possible without your help and dedication.

I'm very lucky to have met Christy, who was always there for me and ready to assist me, especially during the hardest times. She made me feel safe and understood. My host family was incredible, and I feel extremely fortunate because we established a unique bond that I hope will last forever. They made me feel safe, appreciated, and at home. More than anything, I felt like part of the family. I have great memories of our trips and our little family moments at home.

During this exchange year, I learned to appreciate every single act and to treasure it. The challenging school I attended was exactly what I needed to stimulate myself and prove that I can handle difficult situations for the benefit of my future. I am also infinitely grateful because without Stanton College Prep, I couldn't have met all the amazing people I encountered during this year, people I am fortunate to call friends. I really hope our friendship will last for years and that we’ll see each other soon.

Without ICES, none of this would have been possible. I will always be thankful for this experience that changed me so much over these 10 months. From the first moment I met the other exchange students from all over the world, I realized the power that ICES has in bringing young adults together, exchanging cultures, and making dreams come true. I still can’t believe that I won’t be speaking English daily or seeing the people who have become so important to me during this year. I will miss every moment here in the U.S. and the place that I can now call my second home.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity that ICES gave me.

Thank you,

Ludovica

ROUND OF APPLAUSE! 🏅

We are incredibly proud of our all ICES team for their hard work and dedication. This post wants to specifically shout out Joseph Olivier and Lauren Lachen for their outstanding efforts in promoting the ICES Organization on their local news channels. Spreading awareness about the benefits of becoming a host family is truly commendable. Their hard work is making a significant impact, and we are grateful for their unwavering commitment to our mission.

Lauren Lachen on TV6 NEWS in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Joseph Olivier on THE NINE MORNING SHOW in Detroit, Michigan.

HELPFUL RESOURCES ON THE BLOG

The Benefits of Exploring Different Cultures for Mental Wellbeing

In an increasingly interconnected world, the opportunity to explore different cultures is more accessible than ever. Whether through travel, food, literature, or digital interactions, engaging with diverse cultures can significantly improve our mental well-being.

Explore Here

smiling teenage girl with backpack holding folders

What is it like to be a teenager in Spain?

How can you prepare to host a student from Spain? Take a whirlwind tour of Spanish culture from the perspective of a teenager. If you know where your student is coming from, it will be easier to mainstream this new family member into your home.

What It Is Like

My YES! to Becoming a Local Coordinator

I was a previous ICES host mom, so when ICES asked for coordinators to help place exchange students with host families, I didn’t ask questions. I enthusiastically (and a bit naively) said, “Yes!”

YES!