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Important Information from ISE Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

We are all experiencing a fundamental shift in the way we live our lives. Organizations, governments, businesses, and communities around the world continue to face challenges in the face of this pandemic. International Student Exchange is no exception. 

For the past two months, we have been doing everything we can to help students and host families in a mindful, safe manner. In most cases, this has meant helping students to return to their natural families. In others, it means providing support and assistance to those students and hosts who remain on the program.

Learn more about our official COVID-19 FAQs, Statement to Students and Statement to Host Families.

Thank You to Our Amazing Field Staff & Host Families

We are thankful for the dedicated members of our field staff who worked so diligently to help our students and host families through this process, even going so far as driving many hours to get students on flights home at a time when international travel was at its most chaotic. We also cannot thank our volunteer host families enough for the care and compassion they have extended our students.

Feel Good Stories

It is inspiring to hear the positive stories coming in from across the country from program participants regarding the relationships they’ve made and how they are giving back. 

Looking Ahead

Despite the uncertain times we currently face, ISE looks forward to brighter days ahead when we can continue to bring the people of the world closer together through cultural exchange. It is more apparent now than ever before just how important international friendship and collaboration truly is. It is our belief that, after such an extreme period of isolation, the desire to be in one another’s lives and share our daily experiences will be higher than ever before.

Why International Student Exchange Programs are Crucial for our Global Future

How do we prepare the next generation for the global challenges of tomorrow? International student exchange programs might be the key. Anyone who has ever spent more than a few weeks abroad will tell you that adjusting to a new culture is not easy. Intentionally placing yourself in an unfamiliar…

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FAQs Regarding COVID-19

It is a recommendation for the students to go home. In light of school closures and the increasing difficulty with air travel. ISE is recommending students to return home to avoid any future difficulties.
While we strongly encourage all students to return home immediately, we will allow a student to complete their program. It can be completed if the host family, student, and natural parents are all in agreement about the decision to stay or if travel is not possible.
No. We are unsure what the future holds, but at this time Visas are not being terminated so there may be a possibility of return.
Flights will be arranged by the student’s international partner and natural family the same way they would for a standard program departure.
We are working with schools and international agents on an individual case by case basis in an effort to give students the ability to transfer their school credits.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following preventative actions to help prevent the spread of this type of disease:
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

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