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

This Portland and Seattle trip was amazing

To begin with … this Portland and Seattle trip was amazing thanks to all the coordinators who organized the trip for the exchange student and chaperons who instructed us all.   Before the trip, I thought it was not going to be as good as the previous San Francisco trip the exchange students had. Firstly, it’s because San Francisco is better known for their … Read More

“I will miss my wonderful host family”

My name is Eliska, but I like people to call me Eli.   I am from the Czech Republic, a tiny country in the heart of Europe. I came to the United States, to Texas in August. The first big problem I had was the hot weather in Houston. Back in the Czech Republic, the weather is much cooler, so it took me … Read More

“how proud their parents would be”

Two ICES exchange students are small community “movie stars” in Minnesota.   Arman from Berlin and Yip (Antony) from Hong Kong are a double placement at the home of Joni and Lyle Anderson. Their host brother, Nolan, is in 7th grade, his siblings are adults and live away from home. The family lives on a very large farm. What could … 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

…and this is what Victoria is writing about her time in Arkansas

The experience of the exchange program is different for each person.   For me, this experience from the beginning to the end was about love. Staying at the house of people you have never seen or having a strange teenager with a different culture does not seem to be a task easy, but in my opinion when love is involved … 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

Thanks Letter

Thanks letter from Yuzhi (Jack)   Time pasts like a shuttle crossing, days past like sand dropping from our hand. As those big events come and go; time is coming, for my flight back home. Looking back on how it was these five months makes me have a strong sense of shame that my English can express not even half of my … Read More