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

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

Chaos? What Chaos?

The Weiler family experience hosting a foreign exchange student   Four kids, two in high school and two in grade school; a farm with around 75 animals, not counting the dog and two cats; all the goings on of daily life with a couple of parents who work full time. If that’s not enough chaos, we have recently relocated from … Read More

To Host or Not to Host – Still time to Share your Life

To Host or Not to Host – Still time to Share your Life Article on LinkedIn, May 3, 2016 by Linda Deutmeyer   Host what? Foreign Exchange Students. Why? The first reason to host a foreign exchange student to to help promote world peace. When families come together and share teenagers, something magical happens. Understanding between two different worlds begins … Read More