A Heartwarming Father’s Day Tribute: From Host Father to Best Man
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible men who have made a profound impact on our lives. Today, we want to share a story that perfectly captures what it means to be a father figure, transcending borders and creating lifelong bonds. Rob, an amazing NWSE host dad and local coordinator, has touched the hearts and lives of many … Read More
High School Spotlight! La Crescent-Hokah Public Schools
La Crescent, Minnesota – a small town with a BIG heart for cultural exchange High schools partnering with NWSE that actively support cultural exchange programs play a critical role in fostering understanding, diversity and global citizenship among students. They help students broaden their perspectives, appreciate cultural differences, and develop life-long friendships. In this blog, we’d like to spotlight one such … Read More
Dale Nicholson Exchange Student Scholarship
It is with highest honor that NWSE announces the student to receive NWSE’s first Dale Nicholson Exchange Student Scholarship Award for the 2023-24 school year. NWSE created the Dale Nicholson Exchange Student Scholarship in 2022 to spotlight and commemorate Dale’s devotion to cultural exchange, and the passion, care and commitment she had for foreign exchange students. For 30 years, Dale … Read More
Stellar Student of the Month: Yuri from Japan
Your exchange year will be full of “firsts.” You will try many new and different things that will push you outside your comfort zone. Through these experiences, you will learn that you are capable of so much more than you ever imagined, and, at the end, you will be proud of all that you have accomplished. This month’s NWSE Stellar … Read More
Understanding Reverse Culture Shock
The school year is coming to an end, which means that you and other NWSE exchange students in the U.S. and around the world are preparing for your journeys home. It’s difficult to know what to expect at the end of an exchange program. Like most exchange students, you are probably thinking about the homemade meal you have been craving, or about … Read More
Stellar Student of the Month: Emilia from Germany
Emilia from Germany has been an outstanding addition to her host family, school, and community in the U.S. Thank you, Emilia, for all of your efforts! What surprised you most when you came to the U.S.? I heard that school was going to be different, but it was totally different. In Germany, I’m used to having one class with the same … Read More
Stories from an Exchange to Japan
Student exchange goes both ways! NWSE not only brings high school students from other countries to exchange in America, but also sends American students overseas. Chris, a high school student from Seattle, Washington, had an amazing time exchange the past nine months with his host family in Osaka, Japan. Chris took a moment to share his experience with us, as well as … Read More
Stellar Student of the Month: Kasia from Poland
We are honored to have so many stellar students in our program every year – they are the reason we do what we do! This month, we would like to introduce Kasia from Poland, who has enriched her host community in Idaho with her zest for life and contagious positive attitude. Congratulations, Kasia, and thank you for being so stellar! … Read More
Stellar Student of the Month: Leonie from Germany
We received so many amazing April nominations for Stellar Student of the Month, we couldn’t choose just one! This month, we would also like to introduce Leonie from Germany, who has been a rock star in the classroom and has brightened the lives of her host community in Texas. Danke schön, Leonie! What surprised you most when you came to … Read More
Sara Swimming Laps around the World
Recently recognized as “Athlete of the Week” by her local newspaper in North Carolina, exchange student Sara from Spain has had an awesome swim season! She has won individual titles in the 100 meter individual medley as well as 100 meter breaststroke, and also helped claim a victory with her freestyle relay team. Sara has had an amazing student exchange … Read More
A Brief History of the English Language
Many English speakers believe that English is a Romance language. After all, many English words come from Latin. However, English is actually a West Germanic language. It is much more closely related to modern German than it is to French! To understand why, we will delve into the history of English. Britain was once inhabited by numerous Celtic tribes, but … Read More
The History of International Student Exchange
According to the 2016 Open Doors Report from the Institute of International Education, over one million exchange students were enrolled in American universities and schools during the 2015-16 school year. And this number continues to grow. There’s no doubt that international exchange is an established tradition in the U.S.—but how did it all begin? International student exchange was largely catalyzed … Read More
Diego from Mexico, 2011-12
“I was 17 years old when I decided to study abroad in high school. This decision has helped me grow not only in my personal life, but in my professional life. This exchange has brought to me great job opportunities thanks to the preparation and experiences I have been through. This exchange helped me become a more independent person and … Read More
Adjusting to U.S. Schools: A Student Essay
My name is Justine, and I am from a small, beautiful city in France. I will be spending a whole year in the U.S. I live in a host family because I came alone. I decided to come to the U.S. because I wanted to follow my sister, who did an exchange a few years ago and now works in … Read More
The Benefits of Learning a Second Language
Here’s a common situation in the U.S.: as a high school student, you have to take a foreign language to meet your school’s requirements for graduation. You decide to take Spanish for the minimum two years, you have some fun, and then you move on to other things. But why should you stick with it and commit to mastering another … Read More
New Year’s Around the World
2017 is almost over and many people are getting ready for the new year. Here are some of the ways people celebrate the New Year around the world! U.S.A. In Times Square, New York City, a giant crystal ball descends down a 140-foot flagpole at the top of the One Times Square building, stopping exactly at midnight. At that moment, … Read More