Dear Friend of ICES,

Spring time is here! The arrival of spring isn't just a change in weather, it's a great time to shift your mindset. Make some time for yourself and take in the beautiful weather, maybe a picnic in the park or an outdoor hike. As you soak in the warmth of the season, it's all an opportunity to spend time with friends and family to create memories that will last a lifetime.

ROUND OF APPLAUSE!

Olivia or “Liv” as her friends and host family call her. Is an exceptional representative of her native land - Germany. The moment she arrived to her host family, she immersed herself into their family life by opening her heart and ears to what her host family was sharing with her and how to succeed in their home.

She is truly a family person and respects her host parents for what they have done by taking her into their home. Liv is a cheerleader in Germany and she brought to her small town of Culver Indiana the high flying ways of a “Flyer”. The cheerleading coach has allowed her to become a leader to the other girls on the squad by helping them learn new techniques. Liv says "it will be very hard to leave at the end of May but this community, host family and friends will forever be in her heart."

A message from Olivia's Cheer coach:

"It’s senior night and we get to celebrate Liv! She is a foreign exchange student from Germany and we have been so lucky to have her with us even if it was for just this year. She competes back home in Germany and has helped our team grow in skills from stunting to performing and is unmatched in her tumbling skills! Thank you for spending so much time with us, Liv! You have been amazing for our team and I’ve been so lucky to be your coach."

Gabe from Brazil is an amazing influence! He is kind and including of everyone, always ensuring that everyone is a part of our many conversations. Gabe has done an amazing job balancing the life of an exchange student! He has become involved in sports, made many friends, is maintaining his grades, and best of us, has a wonderful relationship with us as his family. His host family doesn't just feel like they got a new son but a whole Brazilian family as they talk to Gabe’s mom almost daily, sending photos and checking in on each other, offering support to one another. The whole family feels blessed by being able to “claim” Gabe as one of ours! He will truly be missed when he leaves in June but I know it isn’t goodbye forever, as his mom and I are already making plans to meet up in Brazil and spend time together there. Gabe is a shining example of what an exchange student should be.

All Around The World

Taylor from Ohio...

"I had always heard other students talking about how fast the time goes by during an exchange year but I didn’t realize the extent of it until I began living it myself. I have been on exchange for about five and a half months and it has opened my eyes so much to what life is like outside of my home country. I’ve learned more than just the language, I’ve learned about a new way of life, to adapt and to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone. I am extremely lucky to be placed with my host family here in Málaga. Though the language barrier had definitely been an obstacle in the beginning, my host family was always patient with me and willing to help whenever I asked. With my host family I have been able to travel all over Andalusia and discover places that I would have never found otherwise. I’ve made so many lifelong friends from around the world and of course from here in Málaga and I have gained a second home. During the weekend I often go to the center to shop, to the beach to play volleyball or to local festivals and parades. I feel that I’ve already grown a lot from the time I arrived, there are always new things to learn about and new people to meet. I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community and to have so many people looking out for me within and outside of my exchange program."

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.

Click HERE to apply

Globally-Minded Teens

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.