Hosting an exchange student has been an amazing experience…

Hosting an exchange student has been an amazing experience…   … for my family, but it can be challenging at times. You think everyone teaches their children the same way you teach yours, but that is so not the case. At first we were all excited looking at children, reading their stories and trying to find the right one that … Read More

Congrats Math Geniuses!

Congrats Math Geniuses!   3 students from Richwood High School in Nicholas County were invited to attend the WV State Math Field Day competition at Fairmont State University April 30, 2016. Junho placed 5th and was named the most valuable team member and will attend the National Math Field Day competition in Pennsylvania in June. Shown from left to right: … Read More

My first Mother’s Day

“On this day a year ago I was the only “adult” woman sitting in church watching all the other mothers line up to be recognized.   It hurt my feelings because I didn’t know what it was like being a mom. I have fought the emotions of wanting my own child. I always say it will happen when it’s gods … Read More

Being A Host Family

Being a host family. It is now the middle of May and in just a couple of weeks Alberto will leave to go home to Spain.   We have had a wonderful year with him in our home and he has truly become a member of our family. It has been so much fun to watch Alberto experience American life. We have … Read More

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a new host family?

Here is a great story from one of our new host mothers this year in Arkansas – and how this has changed her life.   “Late last summer a friend of mine told me she was hosting a foreign exchange student. I was intrigued and started asking all kinds of questions. Less than a day later I had decided to … Read More

To Host… or Not to Host

Host what? Foreign Exchange Students! Why?   We would like to share this nice article written by one of our ICES host mothers in Iowa. Linda Deutmeyer was host mom of senior student Victoria from Spain during program 2014-15. Victoria appears on the picture. She is presently in Iowa attending College. Linda and Victoria have maintained a strong and loving relationship. … Read More

She enjoys living the life of an American teenager…

Linnea is a 19 year old girl from Sweden and is currently spending her year in Red Bay, Alabama.   She’s living with Jason and Jessica Webb, and has a host sister from Thailand named Maya. In her extended family there are also two male exchange students, Andy from China and Pat from Thailand. Linnea plays softball and spends a … Read More

Thank You … for opening your heart and home

Thank You … for opening your heart and home   Last night I was finally able to spend some time with Emma’s parents and her host family. Lisa and Tomas flew all the way from Sweden to meet her amazing host family and see their little girl. We laughed and cried reminiscing about our lives. 10 months ago I was … Read More

The power of One

By Misty Howse, Gui’s host mother and ICES Local Coordinator in Alabama     I yelled from the sidelines, so excited, as Guilherme (Gui) scored the first two goals of the game for the Cullman Bearcats in the 3rd round of state playoffs. Just three days earlier, he had made the winning goal that pushed his team on toward the … Read More