Winter is a wonderful season for our ICES exchange students: snowmen, Valentine's Day, sledding, hot chocolate, and ALL the indoor winter activities. No matter what climate an exchange student comes from, their "host climate" here in the U.S. offers all kinds of unique experiences and adventures! Here's a little look into some of the cool (or COLD) things our students have been up to. . .
In the News
Twice the students, twice the culture, twice the fun!
If you've ever hosted a foreign exchange student, you know the excitement and adventure it can bring.
Imagine it all TIMES TWO!
This recent story explains exactly what hosting a double placement can be like!
Lucie Rougean didn't just make the team!
She qualified for the state tournament without having ever even seen a wrestling mat before!
And with her success, she set the tone for the whole team. Read about her wrestling adventures here.
Winter Wonderlands
All across the country, ICES students are enjoying the winter season with their host family, friends, and other exchange students. Outdoors and indoors, winter in the world of ICES means fun!
ICES Students Thriving
Lets start the thriving with some sweetness! These are some pictures of Karolina (Germany) Aglae (France) and the Breedlove family (Shelby, Samantha, and Mavana) in Arkansas.
"We had a Sweet 16 and Sweet 1 party for Karolina and my daughter, Mavana. It was awesome! We had four countries and four states represented at the party." ~ Host Mom, Samantha
Virginia (Italy) volunteered at three (Yes, THREE!) elementary school food drives. They were Key Club activities at Beaver Dam High School where she attends . The Key Club focuses on community service projects, which Virginia really enjoys!
Virginia is pictured in the back row, with the hat.
Gonzalo (Spain) attends St. Mary’s Catholic in Neenah Wisconsin, and was chosen Homecoming King by his entire student body.
Javier in Missouri got All-Conference Honorable Mention for Soccer. Way to go, Javier!
The ICES blog is PACKED
January Student of the Month, Olivia Ganbat
We are pleased to introduce you to the ICES Student of the Month for January, Olivia Ganbat from Stockholm, Sweden. Olivia lives with the Allen family in Mesa, Arizona and attends Westwood High School.
How Study Abroad Experiences Landed Me My First Job
When I decided to travel to Muscat, Oman at age 15 or spend my senior year of high school in southern Germany, I never paused to consider how my travels might impact my future resume.
My name is Marie Langer. I’m a 17-year-old French teenager and my biggest dream was always to be an exchange student in the US. Here is what I’ve learned so far.
We asked our students to "share the love" this Valentine's Day in photo form, and we were NOT disappointed! Host families, friends, and whole communities participated... and the pics are GREAT!
Our story really began when we lost our four-year-old son to cancer... We could not have more children, and we did not want our daughter to grow up as an only child. So, when she was in seventh grade, we began hosting foreign exchange students from around the world.
Do you know a student that needs money for college? We're giving away over $13,000 to seven globally-minded teens in our third annual scholarship essay contest. Full details and an application are available here.
Time to Share
Student of the Month
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.
We love to see all the adventures you and your exchange students 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
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