A new school year is in full swing, and ICES students around the country are jumping into all aspects of American culture: bonding with host families, making friends, celebrating holidays, and getting involved. Here's a brief peek at some of the fun (and amazing!) things our students are up to. . .
Students & Host Families Share Their
First Impressions
ICES students and host families spend many months sharing life and building memories. But what is it like in those early weeks? We asked our students and host families to share their first impressions of the exchange experience, and we love what they had to say!
Many exchange students find the U.S. to be filled with friendly people, big things, and life like the movies! Click here to find out other first impressions of the U.S.
Host families tend to be filled with enthusiasm for the months ahead as they watch their exchange student transition from a stranger to a full-fledged family member. Click here to find out what it's really like to do just that!
Fall Fun
Across the country, ICES students are enjoying the season with their host family, friends, other exchange students, and even their pets!
ICES Students Excelling
Simone from Italy won first place in the state of Michigan for Division 2 cross country. His team at Jeffers High School in Michigan's Upper Peninsula won second overall. His host mom, Jessica Schuett, arranged a fire truck escort for the team from South Range to the high school. They invited the community to come out and support the team on their way home. Way to go, Simone!
Antonio from Germany (pictured front left) has been accepted into Pro Wrestling 2.0, a professional wrestling school in Orlando, Florida, where he is being trained by former WWE superstar Alex "The Pug" Pourteau.
Anna from Italy had the honor (and fun!) of leading the parade for Dunlap High School in Illinois.
Sophia from Slovakia (second from right) enjoyed running cross country for her high school in Bloomington, Illinois. Despite having never run cross country before, Sophia set a personal record and won a medal in her final race and was awarded the Sportsmanship Award at the team banquet. Congratulations, Sophia!
Recently on our Blog
Don't Make My Mistake!
This veteran host mom shares some important hosting lessons she learned through trial and error.
We want to hear why ICES students and host families are thankful for each other, so we're asking you to tell us in our Thanksgiving Photo Contest! Send us a photo and caption and you could win one of three $100 Visa gift cards! Deadline is November 19.
If your exchange student is going the extra mile to adapt, integrate, and share cultures, you should nominate them for Student of the Month! It's a high honor that comes with some great prizes.
If writing is your mojo and you've got something to say that's related to exchange students, hosting, or cultures, we might have a spot for you as a guest blogger! Send your proposed topic and a sample of your writing to blog@icesusa.org.
Share your Fun!
We love to see all the adventures you and your exchange student are enjoying. Share your fun photos with us and you'll likely see them pop up on our social media, blog, or newsletter.
Send us your favorite photos at stories@icesusa.org. Please include student's name & home country and host family's name and home state.
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
