The month of May is bursting with energy, and so is the ICES community! In this edition of our newsletter, we’re excited to highlight the incredible journeys of our exchange students, the generosity of our host families, and the dedication of our staff. From cultural celebrations to once-in-a-lifetime milestones, these stories showcase the heart and spirit of what makes ICES so special. Dive in and be inspired!
SUPERSTARS ALL AROUND US
Laura Anton Puchol from Spain (pictured on the right) was awarded the prestigious Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award, one of the highest recognitions a young musician can receive. Named after the iconic conductor and composer, this award celebrates a student who demonstrates not only exceptional technical skill, but also remarkable creativity, passion, and musical expression. Throughout the year, Laura has captivated audiences and inspired her peers with her soulful playing, artistic sensitivity, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her talent has left a lasting impression on the band and the entire school community. We couldn’t be more thrilled—congratulations, Laura! Your ICES family is incredibly proud of you!
When João Pedro arrived in Tennessee from Brazil, he was a little shy but full of excitement, eager to dive into American culture and meet new people. Over the past year, he’s done just that—making new friends, trying out cross country for the first time, dancing the night away at school events, and developing a serious love for Chick-fil-A.
But nothing topped the moment that will stay with him forever: scoring his very first and only goal in the final regular season soccer game for his high school team. It was the game’s last goal, and the crowd went wild. His teammates’ celebration of João’s big moment was unforgettable! Amazing João!
Students from Italy, Germany, and Spain—Valentina and Sara from Italy; Nina, Marta, and Hannah from Germany; and Natalia, Santiago, and Dana from Spain are currently placed in various schools across central Pennsylvania. Local Coordinators Laura Fulton and Jamie Weaver organized a recent gathering as part of their ongoing monthly events. So far this year, students have enjoyed activities such as line dancing, bowling, dining at a Japanese Hibachi restaurant, attending Penn State football games, and participating in an international dinner. It’s truly amazing to see these students form lasting memories, friendships, and cultural connections through such meaningful experiences.
Originally from Oregon, Thomas Lowery serves Northeast Oklahoma as an LC for the J1 program and RD for the F1 program. He and his wife, high school sweethearts married for 24 years, now enjoy life in rural Oklahoma with their wonderful family. Their daughter is completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and their son works in IT at a major oil company. In March, Thomas transitioned from pastoring to become a Local Coordinator with ICES. He was recently invited by a friend to speak about ICES on a local radio station and also secured an upcoming interview with the Tulsa Times, a connection made through a table event at a political convention in OKC. Thomas has found his passion in supporting international students and connecting with people through meaningful conversations.
Congratulations to Daniela Dobiasova, our April Student of the Month! 🇨🇿🎉
Since arriving in rural Maine, Dani has jumped into American life—joining clubs, excelling in AP classes, and even programming her own game for the Science Fair.
After an unexpected host family change, she adapted with courage and grace, forming a close bond with her new host parents (who are also her teachers!). She's now part of the National Honor Society, Show Chorus, indoor track, and more.
Her host parents say: “She didn’t just look at it as a placement—she allowed herself to truly connect.”
We’re so proud of you, Dani! 🌟
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.
FULL CIRCLE
Jessica Toon, a Local Coordinator from Bloomfield, Indiana, has been with ICES since August 2019, though her connection to international exchange began in childhood. Inspired by her mother’s lifelong friendship with Eija, a Finnish exchange student, Jessica developed a deep appreciation for cultural exchange. After hosting her first student, she joined ICES with the goal of earning an incentive trip to Finland to reconnect her mom with Eija. A few years later, that dream came true. For Jessica, cultural exchange has been a life-changing journey filled with unforgettable experiences and meaningful connections.
In August of 1981, Eija traveled from Säkylä, Finland, to Bloomfield, Indiana, USA, as an exchange student. This was her first time away from home—and her first trip on an airplane. Eija spent the next nine months living with the Clark family and attending Bloomfield High School as a senior. Bloomfield is a small town in southwestern Indiana, and the senior class of 1982 had just 96 students. Because our class was so small, we were all friends. Eija fit in perfectly at our school and quickly made several friends. She joined the Booster Club, the Girls' Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and played high school softball. She was voted “Most Unforgettable” by the class, and when we graduated in May, we were all sad to see her return to Finland.
After graduation, we kept in touch through letters. In 1989, she visited Indiana and got to meet Jessica, who was one year old at the time. The last letter I received from Eija was in July of 2001. She wrote to tell me that she had married Teusa in April of that year and that he had two sons. She had graduated from university in 1990 and was teaching school. Then, as often happens, life got busy for both of us and our communication ended.
When Jessica found out that the exchange trip was to Finland, I started searching for Eija’s contact information, hoping Jessica might be able to meet up with her. I spoke with another girl from our graduating class to see if she could contact the Clark family. After a few days, they responded that they hadn’t heard from Eija since 2016 and no longer had her contact information.
A week later, Jessica asked me if I wanted to go with her on the trip, and I became determined to find Eija. We both continued searching and eventually found one of her stepsons on Facebook, but we had no luck communicating with him. I mailed a letter to her last known address in mid-September, hoping she would respond before October 24th. Finally, on October 1st, Nancy Clark found an old email address, and I sent a note. Just one day later, I received a response from Eija! I was so excited when she replied and said she could meet us in Helsinki.
We met at the hotel on the 26th and enjoyed catching up over dinner. She had received my letter on October 17th. Eija and Teusa now live on a farm and have four grandchildren. She teaches English to 3rd through 6th graders in Turku and still loves to ski, sail, and exercise. She hasn’t changed much since 1982, and visiting with her felt just like being back at Bloomfield High School.
I would have never imagined in 1982 that one day I’d travel to Finland and see Eija again. I was blessed with the trip of a lifetime and am so grateful Jessica asked me to go along.
This year, the annual ICES Exit Orientation held in Middleville, Michigan, was a heartfelt and meaningful event that brought together exchange students from diverse backgrounds, each with unique stories and experiences. It marked the close of an incredible journey and offered a chance to reflect, connect, and celebrate all they had gained. The event was thoughtfully organized by an outstanding ICES team—Susan Dutcher, Regional Director, and local coordinators Monika Lomakoski, Stacy Sheldon, and Nancy Kile—whose care and attention to detail created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Thanks to their efforts, the orientation felt less like a goodbye and more like a celebration of friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable moments shared along the way.
LOOKING AHEAD
To view available students, contact your Local Coordinator or go to:
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!
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.
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
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