A Cultural Exchange Journey in Hawaii
Hosting an exchange student is about more than just cultural exchange – it’s about building family. From shared laughs to valuable life lessons, the bond between host dad Ross and his exchange student, Baigazy from Kyrgyzstan, transcends borders. “In August 2024, I welcomed Baigazy into my family (which includes my two cockatoos). We quickly arranged things so he could arrive … Read More
NWSE Spotlights French Exchange Students to Celebrate National French Week
The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) is celebrating its 22nd annual National French Week in November. This is a week-long celebration of all things French in classrooms, school campuses and communities across the US. NWSE is proud to take this opportunity to showcase the ways some of our amazing French students are making an impact on their host … Read More
Two families share a daughter and make lasting connections!
One goal of cultural exchange is to connect and share with people from other countries and cultures. The Beasleys, an NWSE host family, and the Rueda Dujovnes family from Spain have taken this concept one step further than most, vacationing together in each other’s home countries at the end of the exchange program this past June. They called it “30 … Read More
Celebrating 35 Years of NWSE
As we kick-off the 2022-23 exchange season, we are excited to announce that this is NWSE’s 35th year sponsoring cultural exchange programs! To celebrate this milestone, we want to thank all the host families, exchange students, international partners, staff, coordinators, schools and school districts across the U.S. and around the world that have participated in and supported our program and … Read More
Class of 2019/20 – It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See you Later!
We can’t believe your NWSE program is coming to a close soon! Hopefully, you are already thinking about getting ready for your return home. With all the feelings of anticipation, sadness, and excitement piling up, things are likely getting a little stressful. Don’t worry! This is completely normal and ok! These feelings should tell you how close you have become … Read More
NWSE Activity Guide Part 5 and Contest Winners
Dear NWSE Community, We are so proud of all of you for working together and making these challenging times a positive experience! You have created close bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. This week’s newsletter updates you about the NWSE fundraising campaign, suggests more fun ideas for activities, and – what you’ve been waiting for – announces the … Read More
NWSE Activity Guide – Part 4
Dear NWSE Community, As promised, NWSE is back and here to support you with more suggestions for fun activities. We also want to thank everyone who participated in our video and TikTok contest – we are reviewing all your great videos and will announce the winners shortly! NWSE Tip: Students and host families can enjoy most of the activities we … Read More
Join the NWSE GoFundMe Campaign to support Student Exchange
Support the NWSE GoFundMe Campaign Dear NWSE Community, The NorthWest Student Exchange programs have been hit very hard by the coronavirus situation. We seek your support to help NWSE avert the full impact it will have on our programs. Already this year way too many of our students were forced to separate from their host families and schools, having seen their … Read More
NWSE Activity Guide and Contest Reminder!
Welcome to week 3 of NWSE’s activity newsletter! In this week’s edition, you will find more tips for cool online concerts, interesting virtual field trips, ideas to channel your creativity, and so much more! …. School Closure Video Contest Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Make a video or TikTok and win prizes! Simply follow the instructions on our contest … Read More
NWSE in the Press – Vancouver Family Magazine
Press coverage of NWSE taken from an article by Dana Greyson, published in the Vancouver Family Magazine on March 31, 2020 EXCHANGE RATE: UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES WITH INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS About six years ago, Vancouver mother Sara Hardy learned of a short-term student exchange opportunity through her twins’ school. Her family agreed to host two Taiwanese boys for just 48 hours. The … Read More
NWSE Activity Guide and Contest Announcement
We hope you are enjoying the suggested activities during this period of school closures! As promised, we are back! NWSE will continue to suggest cool activities during this temporary coronavirus situation, to help you remain positive and engaged with each other, yourselves and your program. …. School Closure Video Contest Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Simply follow the … Read More
NWSE March Newsletter – Activities for Everyone! – Part 1
Dear NWSE Community, We want to extend our deep appreciation and gratitude to you as all of us join together to navigate the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation. First and foremost, we need to remember that this is a temporary situation. In that sense, let’s remain forward-thinking and positive while doing what we can to meet the challenges at hand in … Read More
Maret from Germany, 2017-18
My life abroad and how it became the best time of my life “How was it?” – That was probably the question most people asked me when I came back to Germany. I’m looking back at five month filled with adventures, new experience and tons of fun. I stayed with my lovely host family in Arlington, Virginia. Arlington is located … Read More
Mianu from Japan, 2014–15
“My exchange year has definitely helped me grow as a global person and at the same time made me appreciate my home country. A highlight of my exchange year was the time I spent with my host family. Although I am not blood-related to my host family, I consider them my family and we are still frequently in touch even … Read More
Max from Germany, 2012–13
“At first, leaving home and moving to the U.S. for a year seemed like a great adventure. However it was much more than that. Now I am able to deal with people differently, approach arising challenges differently, and even see myself differently. I became friends with so many exciting people. Furthermore, I participated in competitions, projects, and trips that cannot … Read More
Lea from Germany, 2016–17
“During my student exchange, I had so many great and new experiences. I would have never thought that I could call a new and totally different place, a family I didn’t know, and all the strangers who became my best friends, my new home. I am still in touch with all the wonderful people I got to meet, and I … Read More