If there was just one story that truly encapsulates why ISE believes in giving back, it would be the story of Amanda*. For years, Amanda lived a life typical of other youngsters in her Kentucky town — playing outside, riding bikes in her neighborhood, and meeting new friends at school. But not so long ago, […]
Any International Student Exchange area representative will tell you that this job isn’t for everyone. Area representatives are a key part of ISE’s mission to bring cultures and people together through study abroad, which doesn’t come without its challenges. Superb time management, a great work ethic, and a knack for de-escalating stressful situations are just […]
Ideally, host families and their exchange students have relationships built on open communication and honesty. But sometimes, coming into a new family’s home can cause students to feel unsure about how to approach unfamiliar or confusing situations. Add in a language barrier and cultural differences, and sometimes the communication breakdown is hard to mend! Many […]
Virtually every international student comes to the United States with some idea of their goals academically. After all, studying abroad is still very much that — spending time in an American classroom, learning alongside other teens and receiving grades just like a normal high-schooler. But for cultural exchange students, the lessons learned during a semester or […]
There are plenty of reasons to spend a semester or year living and studying abroad, from learning about new cultures to forging lasting relationships with people all around the world. But for many teens and their families, studying abroad is a very big step both emotionally and financially. Many stop and wonder: will studying abroad […]
New food, new people, a new environment… nearly all of us enjoy trying something “new” on vacation. Whether you’re a beach bum or an outdoor enthusiast, just about everyone enjoys ditching their daily routine and doing something out of the ordinary every once in a while. But for some especially adventurous people, just a few […]
Only a decade or two ago, international travel and cultural exchange looked very different than it does today. While handwritten letters and the occasional phone call used to be the preferred method for international communication, nowadays technology like Skype and Facetime allows exchange students to have face-to-face conversations with family and friends back home virtually […]
Only a decade or two ago, the concept that students could interact with their peers from around the world on a regular basis was hardly feasible. But with the rise of social media and communication technologies like Skype and WhatsApp, modern students are more connected to the world around them than ever before. With that, […]
Whether you are just wrapping up your latest hosting experience or are getting ready to host your very first, you might already be thinking: “Should I host another exchange student?” Opening your home to a foreign student is a hugely rewarding experience for families and individuals across the United States. With ISE alone, more than […]
Deciding to host an exchange student is a tough decision to make — perhaps one of the most impactful decisions you’ll ever make for your family. Doing so will not only provide an enriching experience for a young person looking to explore the world, but it will likely open the hearts and minds of your […]