2016
... memories and friendships
that will last a lifetime ...
Letter from the ICES
President
Dear ICES Students,
I hope that each of you has had a very
special and memorable year or semester
in the United States of America!
Everyone at ICES has enjoyed having
you here and I know this is especially
true for your Host Family and for your
ICES Local Coordinator.
I am sure that you are returning home
with many new American friends. It is my
hope that these friendships and your
relationship with your Host Family will
last a lifetime.
I have been involved with high school
exchange students for over 30 years
because I strongly believe that building
personal relationships between cultures
can promote a more peaceful and
prosperous world.
You have certainly been a part of this
exciting journey. As you return home, I
hope you have a wonderful summer as
you are reunited with your family and
friends. When you think of your time in
America, I hope you will feel enriched
the same way we do!
My personal wish for each of you is that
all of your dreams come true!
“Saying Goodbye”
is incredibly painful!
Keep in mind, though, that the pain of saying
goodbye is directly proportional
to the amount of enjoyment you have had!
Sincerely,
John J. Crist
President / CEO ICES
Enriching Our World Through Cultural Exchange
One year in the
United States…
… is so much more than just learning
about the American culture,
experience the school spirit, and
learning the language. You'd think you
come for one year, live in a random
family, meet new friends, and then
just leave without anything to it. The
truth is, during my year in the US I
went through so much more than that.
Yes, the beginning was rough, I had to
get used to the southern dialect,
which really wasn't easy, and to all the
rules given by my host family, because
back in Germany I had hardly no rules
to follow. But after the first few
weeks all those problems started to
solve themselves. My host family is big
and chaotic, which was completely new
for me and I thought I wouldn't get
comfortable with it, but I fell in love
with them. They took me as one of
their family members and showed me
what the American lifestyle is all
about. Through my family I also
learned a lot about religion, and there
is so much more to it than what I got
taught in school.
A big part of my year took place in
high school. Not that I just learned
how their school system works, I got
to experience the people more, who
are so much different compared to
the people in my country, with their
open, direct, and loving way to tell me
how accepted and welcome I am. Doing
a sport in high school was probably one
of my best decisions I have made over
here, because I was part of a team we
called family. I got close to so many
people and we made thousands of
great memories together.
My year in the US was with no doubt a
success and a growing of myself. I
don't ever want to forget anything
that happened during these 10 months.
-2-
My host family has taken me to
several places and has allowed me to
travel with the school and a friend to
other places. Since I've been here
I've been to Walt Disney World,
Atlanta for a cool tour of a lot of
places there, to the mountains in
Tennessee, the beach twice in Gulf
Shores Alabama. And we are planning
on traveling to Destiny Florida to the
beach soon. That is just some of the
places I've seen there is a lot more
closer to Alabama I have traveled and
seen."
Anneliese
ICES exchange student
from Germany
living in Hamilton, Alabama
Hosting an exchange
student has been an
amazing experience…
… for my family, but it can be
challenging at times. You think
everyone teaches their children
the same way you teach yours,
but that is so not the case.
At first we were all excited
looking at children, reading their
stories and trying to find the right
one that will fit into our family.
We read Anneliese’s story about
wanting to come and experience
the American lifestyle and there
was just something in her story
that kept bringing me back to her.
So, I made the call and told them
I wanted her and within a few
weeks we was already talking
and getting to know each other
through Facebook.
She is truly a blessing for our
family and she is my daughter
that I’ll never stop loving. I never
imagined hosting children would
make my heart grow bigger and
learn to love other children in a
way that you’ll never be able to
turn away from. Anneliese and I
have become very close and
bonded in a way I don’t think
either one of us was expecting.
As well as her and all my
children has a special bond. The
laughter and love that runs
through my home is priceless.
We do a lot of family traveling
and actives, she has been right
there with us. We’ve learned so
much about her family and
culture that we wouldn’t have
ever been able to do if she wasn’t
with us. She is a very wellmannered and adjusted to the
house rules (since house rules are
completely different in her
country).
Anneliese has a very bright
future ahead of her and I know
I’ll always be a part of her life
and with that I’m grateful to be a
Host Mom and I’ll continue being
one as long as God wants me to.
Melinda Tasej-Sop
Anneliese’s host mother
Hamilton, Alabama
-3-
“this was the key
to my happiness”
I am an exchange student. I didn't
believe the power of being in an
exchange program until now. Everyone
was telling me how amazing it is and
how the exchange experiences have
change them forever. I'm finally
understand these people who had
already been abroad.
First of all my dream to go to America
began when I started learn English in
the school. My parents would do
anything to support my dream.
December 2014, I started planning
the exchange program. I was so
excited and happy and I was telling all
my friends and family about it. I did
not choose a certain state, because I
wanted to leave the search as open as
possible.
Last year in August, I left my home
country to leave abroad for a year in
the United States. And now here I am.
I have the perfect family, I live in a
small and cute town, and I love going
to school. I already have found a lot of
friends, and I’m coming to believe that
in 2 months I'll tell my family and
friends that I had a wonderful
exchange program and about how my
year abroad taught me the "life
lesson".
However, being an exchange student
is not always easy. Can you imagine how
an only child would live without her
mom and dad for ten months in a
totally strange place where the people
speak different language? She did not
even do her own laundry, did not cook
herself own meal, and always asked for
her parent's help. Yeah, that was me.
I had to be a good student in school,
but there were times when I felt
really lonely. Even though I had met a
lot of people. This is because
friendships grow. They do not come
from nowhere, they need time. Time to
trust, to respect, to like, and to have
fun with each other. I walked to
classes alone sometimes; I was not
used to it. I tried to connect with
people, but sometimes I was tired of
trying. I do not blame the people for
not talking to me; they just did not
know what they should talk about with
me. Sometimes I would get mad,
because I thought that talking to a
stranger must be the easiest thing on
earth; you can ask everything: How it
is like being in America, why I am
here, where I am from, how old I am.
And again, I was not used to being
alone.
I learned my best “life lesson”,
because I did not have anybody to talk
to during the first few weeks. I
developed my own strategy. Every
night before I would go to bed, I
would think about the nice things that
happened to me that day. I did this
for over two months. During that time
I learned to value the little things in
life, such as a smile, a hug, a good
conversation, a friend who helped me
with homework, a good grade on my
homework, a plan for lunch, getting to
know somebody new, and a lot of
other, little things. And I realized
that this was the key to my happiness.
Every night, I would fall asleep with a
good thought, and I would wake up
with a positive start in the day. This
also made me realize that every
experience, positive or negative brings
you one step forward. There are no
steps back. You learn from your
mistakes, and that is worth more than
doing everything the right way.
-4-
I am so truly thankful for this
experience; it has changed me forever.
Appreciate life, embrace what you
have, and accept that this is your life,
and you are the one to change it. Being
an exchange student, and living in a
different country for a while has
opened my eyes. I learned a different
language; I learned other traditions,
and cultures. I learned to accept, and
to be respected. I learned to be
responsible, and to be careful. I
learned to be friendly, and to be
polite. Most of all, I learned how to
live.
After eight months, I have found a
hand full of good friends, who I can
trust, and I have gotten to know even
more people. I know now, that it is my
job to talk to people, and to ask about
their lives. I am the one who came to
their country.
❤💙💙 Thank you everyone who has been
part of my year!
Leticia
ICES student from Brazil living with
the Murray family in Derry, New Hampshire
MY
EXCHANGE
YEAR
by Emma from Denmark
When I first arrived here in America
and people would ask me “…so do
you like America the most or
Denmark?” I knew that I definitely
liked my home country Denmark the
most. Whenever people ask me the
same question now, I have
absolutely no idea how to answer.
America is certainly the land of
opportunity and I have come to love
it so much.
After a rescheduled flight and a long
drive home in my local coordinators
convertible, I finally arrived at my
American home where my host
parents were waiting to greet me.
The first day with my host family
was super awkward and I was so
confused, however it did not take
long time for me to get settled with
my family.
The first months of school were
tough. It was hard getting friends
and everything was new and
different. However, I still enjoyed
myself, and I think that because I
was really open to everything and
tried to engage in all the
opportunities I got. It helped make
the rest of my stay successful. My
host family and other exchange
students have been very helpful and
supportive when I have had hard
times. There have just in general
been so many incredible people who
always had my back if I needed it.
My second semester has been great!
I made the soccer team and got a lot
of really cool friends from there.
Schoolwork is easier because my
English has become better. Now I
have a lot of friends at my school
and I finally feel like I fit in. I’m
almost like any other American…
almost, haha. School is just really
awesome and I’m just enjoying the
rest of my stay and hanging out with
my friends and my host family.
I have experienced so many cool
things while I have been here in
America. I have been in talent
shows, gone on trips, been at prom,
enjoyed Halloween and
Thanksgiving and our group’s
Christmas party and had so much
fun with everything. My very best
experiences over here, however, are
all the small and often unexpected
experiences such as getting a
compliment from a complete
stranger, going surfing, seeing
eagles and hawks flying over the
soccer field, discovering that there
exists trees with seaweed on them
and see creepy bridges, having long
conversations with inspiring people,
driving for two hours in a
convertible, taking the trash out with
my host mom and suddenly start
dancing and just realizing that
anything is possible.
Everything I have experienced here
in America has taught me something
valuable. I feel that I have grown as
a person and that I have become a
more happy person. People here in
America have taught me by just
being themselves that I can be
myself too and be cool in my own
way. I feel like I really fit in here in
America.
-5-
This year has been so different from
what I had expected before I came
here. It has not been worse or better
than I expected, just different. It has
been tough and it has been
wonderful at the same time.
Whenever I go home I hope I can
bring some of the American culture
and the southern hospitality with me.
I also hope I can bring some of the
delicious pink lemonade, some
hushpuppies and some sea salt
caramel truffle ice cream with me,
haha.
America is
certainly the
land of
opportunity.
Emma is living with her host family
Serens in Leland, North Carolina
Michelle is an ICES
exchange student from
Hong Kong. She lives with
her host parents Jim and
Loie Poll and her host
sister Jayden in Dubuque,
Iowa
Congrats Math Geniuses!
3 students from Richwood High
School in Nicholas County were
invited to attend the WV State Math
Field Day competition at Fairmont
State University April 30, 2016.
Junho placed 5th and was named
the most valuable team member and
will attend the National Math Field
Day competition in Pennsylvania in
June.
Shown from left to right:
Junho (South Korea), Shupeng (China)
and Man Kwan (Hong Kong)
-6-
… Here
we are,
9 months
down,
1 to go!
It tends to make me a little sad but
Anyways, from day 1, they have
actually I can't count all the
blessings God brought to me since I
came Texas. I can still remember my
first day like it was yesterday and I
like to look back and see how much
everything evolved in 9 months.
my (host) family and I am so thankful
that, out of all the family in America,
I ended up with the Cummings. It's
unbelievable how fast they made me
feel like at home.
been so much support to me and
now I can say they will always have
a very special place in my heart.
This is already pretty amazing but I
was also blessed with great friends
and church and school and ... I could
keep going for hours! I am just so
glad I decided to step out of my
comfort zone and it's crazy how
much I got out of this adventure. It
cost me a lot of effort and a few
tears but what I got back is
priceless.
I am so happy I get to be the oldest
Now, the end is close but I feel rich
I met amazing people, starting with
sister and even though Hannah and
Grant can sometimes be the most
annoying siblings ever, I would trade
them for nothing in the world. Each
member of the family, in its own
way, taught me so much and
hopefully, they got to learn a little bit
out of me too.
of all the people I met and the places
I saw.
And it's not over yet …
Floryne
exchange student from France
living with the Cummings
in Sugar Land, Texas
To all ICES Exchange Students,
Host Families and Local Coordinators:
Thank You for sharing all your wonderful
stories and pictures and
for making this newsletter possible!
-7-
Colorado students
gets the big roles …
In a small school you never know
when you will be selected to be
one of the big rolls in the spring
play. Giovana from Brazil is
playing a snobby girl and Noah
played the part of a foreign
exchange student from Finland,
which he is really from Germany.
Neither of the two have ever been
in a play before and had a great
time. They both attend Bethune
High School, Colorado.
Noah said, "It was awesome. I
never thought I'd get the chance
to do that."
ICES foreign exchange
student joins Russellville
Lady Cyclones basketball
team, Arkansas
Ester is a senior from Valladolid,
Spain.
“The first friends I made here
were on the basketball team,” she
said. “My host family found out I
like to play, so they said I should
join, so I did.”
Giovana had this to say: “I loved
it and I have never thought of
being in Drama. I have been
always a shy girl that wouldn't do
anything like that. But then here,
since I know everyone, I thought
it would be good to try. It was
worth it!”
“In Spain … we were like six
people, and we would practice
two times per week. We don’t
really have a league, but we did
play games. I could never play
varsity here. Here, I only can play
junior varsity.”
Ester had no idea what to expect
when she found out she was
coming to Arkansas.
“The gym is crazy,” she said. “I
walk in here, and I’m like, ‘Oh
my God, I’m playing real
basketball.’”
“I got to pick that I was coming
to the United States, but I didn’t
get to pick where,” she said.
“When they told me Arkansas, I
was like, ‘Where is that?’ I
thought it was going to be a
bunch of cowboys.”
Ester said she played back home,
but it was nothing like what she’s
experienced here.
Instead, Ester found a second
home and perhaps just a few
cowboys and cowgirls.
-8-
“I love it,” she said. “I mean, I
really like it. I’m thinking about
coming back here to study
college. Maybe in Fayetteville.”
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
will. Not knowing in a few short months
I would become a "mom". No not my
own birth children but to two wonderful
girls that I wouldn't trade the experience
with for anything else.
This morning as the ladies were going
to the front of the church my girls told
me to go with them. It really touched my
heart to know that they love me enough
to be their American "mom".
I love you both more than words could
ever tell you. No matter where you are
in the universe you both will always be
in my heart.
BEING A
HOST FAMILY
Thank you Linnea and Maya C. for
allowing me to have this experience.
Thank you Helena for allowing me to
be a "mom" to your daughter. Happy
Mothers Day to you. Attaya let your
wife know I said Happy Mothers Day
and thank her as well for allowing me to
be Maya's American "mom". You all
will be a part of my family forever.
Thank GOD the most for giving me
these girls to protect and love while here
in my care.
It's hard being a mom, it's fun being a
mom, and it's rewarding to be a mom, so
Happy Mothers Day to all you
wonderful ladies.
Jessica Webb
ICES Host Mother
Red Bay, Alabama
It has been so much fun to watch
Alberto experience American
life. We have made lots of
wonderful memories together.
The very best part of all is that he
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.
will always be a part of our
family. I believe that we will
always keep in touch to some
extent. It certainly won't be like
him living with us full-time, but
we will keep up with him and he
with us. We will Skype
occasionally like we did before
he came here. We will text back
and forth (on WhatsApp - free
international texting!)
We have new extended family in
Spain! We not only gained a
"son" in Alberto, but his parents
are part of our family now as
well.
-9-
We have visited with them via
Skype and texted with them also.
I hope that we will be able to go
visit them in Spain so that they
can show us their wonderful
country. And maybe Alberto will
come back to visit us again, and
bring his family too!
Vanessa Kehl
Host Mother, Oklahoma
this
Portland and
Seattle trip
was amazing,
To begin with …
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 sites and attractions more than
Seattle. Secondly, only half the
students were going to this trip
compared to the previous trip. So my
expectations were low even before
the trip started.
However, the places we visited were
pretty interesting and I thought it was
a great experience.
We got to do activities like visiting
Every single day, my favorite time of
Oregon state capital, walking tour of
downtown Portland, Portland zoo
and Multnomah Falls in Oregon.
the day was when we got back to
the hotel. We were given at least 2
hours of free time each day. All of
the student socialized, hung out,
play games and had fun. Even
though I barely knew anyone there
in the beginning, before we knew it
we were all best friends.
The first thing we did was visiting
the Oregon state capital. We learned
about the historical facts about the
building, and how Oregon became a
state, which I thought it was very
educational. From the many
activities we did, my personal
favorite was hiking up the
Multnomah fall. It was quite an
astonishing view looking up the fall
and also looking down from the top
of the fall.
I have to say half the reason I went
to this trip is because of the
exchange students I would get to
meet. I am so happy to have met all
the exchange students I've talked to
and really wish we could meet again.
(You know who you guys all are.)
At Seattle, some of the great event I
That really sums up my trip. I had a
thought were visiting the Space
Needle, Rock’ N Roll Museum, Gum
Wall, Pike Street Market, and the
Great Seattle Wheel. Seeing the
Space needle was really cool for me
because I’ve only seen it over a
screen. However this time, I got to
look at it with my bare eyes and
actually go up the tower! At the gum
wall, instructors prepared a gum for
us to chew and we added our gums
to the wall!
great time and if anyone is
considering joining this trip in the
future, I strongly recommend that
you go for it. This is one experience
you will never make again in your
life.
- 10 -
Shawn Chi
ICES exchange student
from South Korea regarding his
experience on the trip
My name is Eliska, but I like
“I will miss my
wonderful
host family”
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 a while
to get used to it.
When the school year started, I
was desperate. I thought my
English was pretty good but it was
much harder to understand terms
and other specific vocabulary.
However, I was very lucky. All my
teachers understood my troubles
and tried their best to help me get
better.
Teachers were not the only ones
that helped me. My biggest "thank
you" belongs to my host family. My
host mom was helping me with my
school work, my host dad always
made me smile with his unique
jokes, and my host sisters took me
as their own big sister. I felt, I
feel, and I will always feel like a
part of the family and I can't
explain how grateful I am for it.
Right now, I have about 3 months
till I'll have to go back home. At
the beginning of my experience
here, I would never think that I
would say this, but I don't want to
go home. Even through the rough
start, I am glad I came here.
As the year went by, school got
better, my relationship with my
host family got deeper, and I
made some really good friends,
mostly in track team I joined. We
also made a lot of fun stuff with
my host family. For Thanksgiving,
we visited Praha - "the Czech
capital of Texas" - and I really
enjoyed reading text in Czech and
other stuff.
We did many activities within
Texas also. But the most awesome
trip we made was during spring
break. We went to Destin, Florida
and had a great relaxing time
there. I also had my birthday
party on the ice rink during spring
break. I really enjoyed with all my
friends and my family.
- 11 -
I will miss all my friends, maybe I
will miss my teachers too. But
more than everything, I will miss
my wonderful host family.
Eliska
ICES exchange student
from Czech Republic
living with the Finley family
in Missouri City, Texas
“…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 be more fun
than coming home from school
and shooting hoops with brothers
from different parts of the world?
A " rave review" follows from
their high school principal in
Grygla, MN (population 217):
"The boys continue to do
well...both academically and
socially (they really have fit in so
well and the kids here absolutely
love them!) We are having our
spring music concert tonight. It
was so much fun watching them
take part in the choir...they
absolutely fit in with the whole
crew and Antony was really
moving with the music, and I just
thought about how proud their
parents would be to see them up
there with what were a few
months ago perfect strangers
and singing right along! What an
awesome experience and thank
you for allowing us to share it
with them!"
“Hosting an Exchange Student
is more than just Hosting,
it will open up the World and
Change your Life in many Amazing Ways”
- 12 -
... and another
star is born ...
Meet Peter from China
before his performance in
'Pain the Musical' in Elkins,
West Virginia.
ICES Exchange
Students get a
good taste of the
Wild West …
… in Mississippi
The Urban family in Sarah,
Mississippi have shared
memories from the day
when 175 cows and calves
had to be moved from one
pasture another!
The Urbans are hosting two
South Korean exchange
students this year … and
obviously a Korean cowboy
and a Korean cowgirl …
here on their first cattle
drive!
It was an awesome
adventure for them.
We have too many
“Our "year" with Manoh has
been a wonderful adventure
and the time has gone by all
too quickly!
good memories to list here but
one of our favorite memories
was the time we spent in
Colorado over Spring Break.
We had an opportunity to
share some fun activities such
as dog sledding, snow tubing,
snow biking, and cross
country skiing with Olympian
sky jumper, Todd Lodwick. Of
course we also made a
snowman and snow angels.”
- 13 -
Manoh is an exchange student
from Germany and lives with
the Waggoner family in Texas
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.
So it was final, she was coming to
live with me for a school year. I
think I might have panicked for a
split second at the airport when I
was picking her up. The reality of
being responsible for a teenager I
didn’t really know turned my
stomach upside down. But that
quickly subsided by the time we got
home and she immediately dropped
down to the floor and started playing
with my two little dogs. I knew it
was going to work.
Victoria knew very little English
when she got here. Google translator
was our best friend the first few
months. Then she told me no Google
translator, let me try to explain on
my own. I was so proud of her. She
was learning so much and doing so
well in school.
Throughout the school year she has
"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 start the process of
becoming a host parent. Once I was
approved, Heather (the local
coordinator) emailed me the choices
of students I could pick from. My
first thought was to pick a student
from a country I wanted to later visit
(Brazil). My second thought was
maybe I should pick someone that
shares a few common interests so we
can connect easier. I kept flipping
back to Victoria’s profile.
Something was telling me “pick
her”! We had so many things in
common it was scary.
embraced every event and holiday
making the most of her time here.
She’s not just an exchange student
but she has become like a daughter
to me and granddaughter and niece
to my family. Everyone that meets
her is captivated by her love of food
and wanting to experience
everything. There are only a few
things she has discovered she
doesn’t like here in America (Sweet
Tea, avocados and Dr. Pepper), but
now we can take Dr. Pepper off the
list! S’mores and cheesecake are life
(in her words).
Victoria is wise beyond her years.
It’s almost like she’s an old soul.
She wants to learn all she can and
make her own decisions. We have
shared so many great memories,
talks and experiences. A few firsts
over the year…she ran in her first 5k
(and placed 2nd in her age group),
she was my biggest cheerleader
when I ran my first marathon, and
we dug for diamonds at Crater of
Diamonds Arkansas State Park. We
didn’t find any diamonds that day
but we’ve all decided Victoria is our
diamond.
I feel like certain people are meant
to enter your life for a reason, for
what we may not know until later.
Victoria is one of those people. She
has enriched my life beyond words.
As I write this tears well up thinking
about not having her in my home on
a daily basis. Deciding to be a host
parent was one of the best decisions
I ever made and now at the end of
the year saying farewell to her is
going to be one of the hardest things
I have done. I’m looking forward to
visiting her in Brazil and watching
her continue on her journey, I know
great things are in her future."
Sara Powell
Host Mom, Springdale, Arkansas
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… and this is what
Victoria is writing
about her time in
Arkansas
The experience of the exchange
I had incredible times traveling to
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
it is much easier, funnier and
unforgettable. And the second is like
it: “Love your neighbor as
yourself.Ӭ Matthew 22:39.
Tulsa, OK - Mena, AR - El Dorado,
AR - Martin, TN- Nashville, TN Savannah, GA, making friends,
having my first Halloween, having
my first hunt for eggs at Easter, my
first Prom, my first s'more, first
Sonic, first St Patrick's Day, first
Mardi Gras, and my first 5K.
When I decided to do the exchange
program, I was scared, anxious,
nervous and super insecure because
my English was not that good. I
thought that my experience would
not be good, and I that would go
back to Brazil in a few months. But I
was totally wrong. This was the best
experience I've ever had in my life.
With this experience, I learned to
love a family who I knew less than a
year.
EXCHANGE STUDENT
IN SCHOOL MUSICAL
Henna, an ICES exchange student
from Finland, attends North
Myrtle Beach High School, South
Carolina.
She was among the cast of "Back
to the 80's", a musical about high
school life in the 1980's. The show
ran in front of sold out audiences.
Henna had a lot of fun and made a
lot of friends among the cast. She
said it was one of the best
experiences of her exchange year.
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I gained a new family who on my
first day made me feel part of their
family. They were patient with me
and my English. Also, I know they
are going to be here for me
independent of the distance that will
separate us. I would like to thank
God for the gift of my new family,
also to Elizabeth who told Sara
about the exchange program and of
course, to Sara and my new family.
Victoria
Brazilian exchange student
living in Arkansas
ICES Video Contest 2015-2016
“My Student Exchange Experience”
ICES wants to congratulate the 5 rewarded students in this
year’s video contest “My Student Exchange Experience”.
The rewarded contestants will receive an e-gift card for their
contribution.
Below is the result of the jury votes, and a web link to view each
of the rewarded videos. Enjoy!
A TRIP OR A LIFE
by Flavio, Spain (Michigan)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x49i0rp_usa-life-flavio-malaga-las-rozasde-madrid-spain-lansing-michigan-usa-exchage-student-2015-2016_travel
MY STORY
by Punyada, Thailand (California)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_2759948527&feat
ure=iv&src_vid=DneQxbM8Q1E&v=yLznWRVjDDU
USA
by Veronika, Czech Republic (Georgia)
http://youtu.be/QYZCIKxJf2Q
ADELINE'S AMERICAN ADVENTURE 2015-2016
by Adeline, Belgium (Idaho)
https://youtu.be/_IkqOiBYzLM
THE AMERICAN DREAM
by Julia, Spain (Georgia)
https://youtu.be/FkKwh3bUIaQ
To make a video is a fun
way to document a special
event or your entire stay in
the USA as an exchange
student. We are sure you
will watch it many times
when you have returned to
your home country.
To make a video for your
host family, a friend or your
high school is a different and
very nice way to say “Thank
You”. We can assure that it
will be appreciated and bring
back memories and smiles
for years to come.
To make a video for
someone in your home
country will bring awareness
and show them the power of
cultural exchange. It’s all
about sharing and to use our
differences in creating a
more prosperous world.
Thank You ICES exchange students for you contribution and hard work!
ICES Newsletter Department
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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.
To Host …
… or Not to Host
Host what?
Foreign Exchange Students!
Why?
The first reason to host a foreign
exchange student to help promote world
peace. When families come together
and share teenagers, something magical
happens. Understanding between two
different worlds begins to take place
when both families share a family kind
of love for a brave young high school
student.
Foreign Exchange Students have to be
brave to spend a semester or a whole
school year away from their original
families. They also have to be open to
new experiences. They also have to
remember they are representing their
country and become part of a new
family.
Foreign Exchange Students are
generally age 15-18 years old. They are
also usually are a top student in their
class, and have command of their own
language as well as the language of the
country that they are seeking to be an
exchange student in. They are students
that want to learn about another country,
become a member of one of that
country's family, and want to be treated
as a family member, not a guest. They
come with their own spending money
and insurance. Host families choose to
give them a home and share their family
meals with them.
Being treated as a family member
means that exchange students must
expect to do family chores, and not be
treated as a guest. They need to follow
family rules, and they need to know that
the adults in the family will guide them
in their journey to adulthood.
This means that they will be parented
by their host parents and sometimes host
parents will have to set boundaries. If
the exchange student teenager breaks
trust, they need to hold the student
accountable, and perhaps even take
away some privileges until the teen that
has make a mistake earns family trust
once more.
Host parents are people that will
welcome another young person into
their family and want to provide
wonderful new experiences for them.
Sometimes they will take the students
special places, sometimes they will
attend the student’s extra curricular
activities, and sometimes they will
provide the extra support the young
person needs in their life.
What are some of the risks of accepting
a foreign exchange student into your
home? Sometimes, the students come
with different expectations than they are
presented with. Families can e-mail,
Facebook, skype, and write letters about
their backgrounds before they accept a
match. Most of the time area
representatives are skilled in matching
up families into a good fit. Most of the
time the matches work out very well.
But what happens if a match does not
work out? First of all, area
representatives check up on the students
and families to make sure the matches
are working out. If problems come up,
they meet with the students and the host
families to come to a new
understanding. If a new understanding
is not in the best interest of the student
or the host family, changes can be made
to find another home that works better
for all concerned.
What makes a successful foreign
exchange student? It is a student that
can be flexible in fitting into another
kind of family in the country they
choose to come to. Perhaps they will
come to a home that is not as fancy as
their own home, or perhaps they will
come to a home that has some different
family traditions that they need to do
their best to adjust to.
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It is a student that is willing to make
new friends and try new experiences. It
is a student, in this day and age, that can
sometimes shut off their cell phone and
interact with their new family and
friends person to person. It is a student
that does not just stay in their room, but
a student that is willing to interact with
all members of their host family.
I have met a variety of foreign exchange
students. I have had some living in my
home and I have acted as an area
representative for an organization that
works at finding homes for foreign
exchange students. I have met many
that have had a great experience with
their exchange families and visa versa. I
have met some students that worked
through their homesickness with their
new families, and some students that
choose to return home. I have met some
students and families that had less than
terrific experiences and wanted a
change. Most of the students and the
families that I have worked with have
had very positive experiences and have
gained new international family
members that they love and stay in
touch with far beyond the exchange
year.
So, to host or not host an exchange
student? The answer lies in whether you
are willing to reach out to members
from another country and try to establish
connections that help create world
peace. Becoming a foreign exchange
student or a host family is a matter of
deciding if this is a way that you will
take a chance on to help work for world
peace. And who does not long for world
peace? Host an exchange student and
become a peacemaker in our world.
Linda Deutmeyer
ICES Host Mom in Iowa
Thanks letter
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
feeling, feeling of happiness, sadness,
excitement, and nervousness.
These months, I am always looking
for something that can entertain me. I
still remember it was February; snow
was still covering the ground. I was
waiting for the school bus and then a
truck went by, snow flowers were
blown up and it formed a magnificent
shape under the sun, it was shinning
and changing. I felt the beauty of
winter for the first time. Time moved
to March. It was spring break which
made me have a great time traveling.
From Minnesota to Tennessee, it was a
time travel performed by color. The
white of winter to the green of spring,
I cannot forget stars that performed
in the night above the highway. The
performance was also involved by my
relationship, the secret that I am
looking for.
April is right at the middle point.
Eight weeks past in a moment. The
play performance is too unforgettable
for me, at least I learnt several new
words. And I figured out that my hair
is pretty black on the stage after
comparing. The last performance, the
final bow. It represents the award for
all of us, the poster that we signed
and the delicious pizza. After all the
lights were turned off, we were about
to leave.
I paid another glance, there used to
be a classroom, which makes so many
memory right there on the stage. No
matter how many happy times we had,
it will finally end, that is why it is
called classroom. If I have to
summarize these months, the first
word that comes out off my mouth
must be music. The concert was
coming; it is a battle of reciprocation
that I must win. What I care was not
the symbol, the solo but the response
of smile from the witness of my
Chinese flute all these months.
Time to say goodbye is on the way,
we all expect Mr. G has some traffic
jam before he finally arrives. Thank
you Arlette for you placing me so I
could have such a prefect experience.
Thank you Pat and John for you giving
me the first home I had abroad which
I will never forget. The happiness
indoor and stars above the deck.
Thank you Mr. Kotsmith for you
accepting me to become a student
here in Carlton High School. Thank you
Ann-Cha, Zana, Rebecca, Maeva for
you are the first students in our
school that I met. The sense of relief
to me when I saw all five of us appear
on the same bus.
Thank you Joe for you are the first
and the best friend I made after
January 26th, I can still remember
clearly the first day we met. Thank
you Ms. Janovick for you are who lead
me into the palace of music and guided
me on my flute. Thank you Mr. Vogel
for you gave me enough freedom to
study more. Thank you Ms Effinger
for you are the director of the play
and made our night that fantastic.
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Thank you Alyssa for you wrote me
the solo that made my dream come
true. Thank you Brittny for you took
me to the prom and made me have an
unforgettable night. Thank you, all my
teachers, friends and classmates.
Thank you Carlton for your peace and
your people who showed a lot kindness
to a Chinese guy coming here to be an
exchange student.
I am Yuzhi, but I will prefer to write
it as Yuzhi (Jack). I am from China. I
am here to answer the question that
was asked couple months ago. Yes, I
am a spy, a spy here for the secrets
of accomplishments, happiness, dreams
and memories.
Thanks all of you who appear in my
life in this special half-year, I must
cherish it all my life.
Yuzhi (Jack)
My dream came true!
“I planned to be an exchange
student ever since I was a little
girl. This exchange semester
has been the most incredible
experience ever. I am so
grateful for my host family!
They are smart, kind and
beautiful family. I learned so
much from them. I am sure
these moments with them will
be always in my heart. We
always have a great time
when we go out together and
these are the best days of my
life.“
Duda
exchange student from Brazil
living with the Iwu family
in Sugar Land, Texas
Linnea is a 19 year old girl
from Sweden and is currently
spending her year in Red Bay,
Alabama. She's living with
Jason and Jessica Webb, and
has a host sister from Thailand
named Maya. In her extended
family there are also two male
exchange students, Andy from
China and Pat from Thailand.
Linnea plays softball and
spends a lot of time having fun
with Pat, Andy and Maya. She
has also traveled quite a lot
with her host family and has
been to 8 states during her
stay.
She enjoys living the
life of an American
teenager …
… and has many friends in her
school. She loves learning more
about being an American, and is
going to miss everything and
everyone dearly.
She feels she has made
connections that will last a
lifetime, opened up doors she
didn't even know were there
before, and grown immensely as
a person.
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SPRING
TIME
PROM
TIME
2016
… around
the country
- 20 -
Dear Student,
Each year it is with a degree of sadness that ICES has to say "good-bye" to our
students. It takes a special young person to be an exchange student; equally, it takes a
special family to be a host family. Students not only assimilate into a new country,
language, culture, family, and school, but they also learn independence, patience, and
tolerance.
Counselor’s
Corner
Some of you came from large cities, yet you have lived in small towns and have
attended small schools. You have had to rely on your host family and/or American
friends to provide rides for you. Many of you have ridden the famous "yellow school
bus," and probably that is one thing you WON'T miss about America!
You have survived English and U.S. History or U.S. Government class. You may
have had the opportunity to join a club or play a sport, and with that school
participation, you have witnessed the amazing school spirit!
It is sometimes hard to prepare to leave, however, there are some final reminders:
• Make sure you do not leave owing monies to anyone for anything. Included
would be school fees, cell phone bills, or medical bills not covered by insurance.
• Confirm your flight 24 hours prior to your return flight.
• Make sure you know any charge for checked luggage and have the money or
credit card to pay for this.
• Keep your passport and visa documents safely in your possession.
• For those of you who need to convalidate your American high school transcript,
make sure you have covered this process.
We hope that you will stay in contact with your host family for a lifetime. They have
so unselfishly provided you with so much more than just "a place to live." Finally,
make sure you thank your local coordinator who worked hard to find your host family
and has overseen you throughout your experience. May you have a safe return and
find happiness and success wherever life leads you.
Finally, a special heart felt "thank you" to our host families. In today's society what
better way to make a difference in our world than by hosting a child from another
country! Your patience and tolerance have been well beyond what you thought was
humanly possible, yet you have continued to give this young person a place in your
hearts as well as a home. It is with sincere hope that you will host yet another ICES
student. May you and your family have a wonderful summer! Feel free to call or
email if you are truly interested in making a difference in another child's life.
Sincerely,
ICES Student Support Center
Bonnie Gunter
ICES Director of Student Services
5556 Stage Road
Concord, VA 24538
Cheryl Crowther
ICES Director of Student Services East
Phone: 434-993-1973 or 1-800-344-3566
Fax: 434-993-9129
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.icesusa.org
Joseph Watson
ICES Director of Student Services West
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Thank You … for
opening your heart
and home …
by Sarah Duncan, ICES Regional
Administrator, Oklahoma
Last night I was finally able to
spend some time with Emma’s
parents and her host family.
Lisa and Tomas flew all the
way from Sweden to meet her
amazing host family and see
their little girl. We laughed and
cried reminiscing about our
lives.
10 months ago I was sitting in
the Davison's living room
trying to talk them into hosting
a student and now I see a
relationship that will continue
to grow in the future AND this
is why I do this. It's not all
sunshine and roses, but at the
end of the day you feel that
you are part of something
bigger than the four walls in
your home. You're moving
mountains, making dreams
come true and changing lives
forever.
I am sure that Lisa and Tomas
were scared to let their little
girl go 10 months ago, but this
crazy girl has changed so
many lives during her journey
in Oklahoma and I couldn't
imagine this year without her
and each one of you will
always hold a little piece of my
heart.
Thank you Lisa and Tomas for
allowing Emma to be a part of
our lives, thank you Emma for
being an amazing student,
daughter and friend and thank
you Chelley and Mike for
opening your heart and home
to this beautiful young lady
you will forever call your
Swedish daughter.
ICES exchange student Lorenzo from Italy was recognized at
an Agricultural Event with his school in Oklahoma.
He lived with his host family in a small agricultural
community where most neighbors owned cattle and horses.
His spirit brought so much joy to the school where they
gladly accepted him in the AG team and went to State finals
where they competed against other teams.
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Isaline from Belgium braiding
the gir'l softball teams hair
before one of their games.
Felicitas from Germany
and Isaline from Belgium
have fallen in love
with American softball
and their team went to
the Sectionals at
Richwood High School
Man Kwan from Hong Kong
leaping over the hurdles at
his high school track meet at
Richwood High School
Sport
Activities
in
West
Virginia
Sara from Germany and Sara
from Czech Republic at their
Greenbrier East High school
track meet
nothing will stop
an ICES student
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A rainy but fun evening
watching the Pittsburg Pirates
beat The Cincinnati Reds
at PNC Park
The power of One
by Misty Howse, Gui's host mother
and ICES Local Coordinator in
Alabama
I yelled from the sidelines, so
excited, as Guilherme (Gui)
scored the first two goals of the
game for the Cullman Bearcats in
the 3rd round of state playoffs.
Just three days earlier, he had
made the winning goal that
pushed his team on toward the
state championship. I was so
proud, and I just thought to
myself, what if he was not here,
on this team, this year? How
much difference would it have
made?
The team already had an
And start he did. Every
game. Not only is he a lead
scorer, but he is also a leader in
assists. His team mates have
embraced him and have come to
count on him to help put points
on the scoreboard each and every
game.
It’s been beautiful to watch.
Not
only for him, but for his
teammates who deserved this
incredible opportunity to play for
the state title. Cullman has not
played in the playoffs since 2002,
and this group of seniors,
especially, are beyond excited to
be in the final playoffs. They all
want this legacy, and I feel very
strongly that Gui has played an
integral part in all of this.
incredible group of athletes, but
Gui, our exchange student from
Brazil, brought an intense passion
and love for the game with him.
He was willing to work hard and
put in the time, playing as much
as possible before season, to earn
a starting spot on the Bearcat
team.
- 24 -
The power of One.
One person
in the right place, at the right
time, doing what he loves with
excellence and 100% heart, can
make all the difference in the
world. As a host parent, it has
been a pleasure to be a part of
making history for this Cullman
High School Soccer Team, and
for Guilherme as well.’
Gui has been featured on several
local newspapers.
Cullman High recently
won the final game those boys were fun to
watch! Guilherme
represented Brazil well!
EXCHANGE
STUDENTS
TAKE PART
IN FESTIVAL
Every April for the past 60 plus
years, Wilmington, NC has
hosted the North Carolina Azalea
Festival. Wilmington just
happens to be the azalea capitol
of North Carolina.
This is a demonstration of
southern charm at its finest. A
large part of the festival are the
Azalea Belles. Over a 120 young
women, high school juniors and
seniors, serve as ambassadors for
the City of Wilmington during
the Azalea Festival. Dressed in
antebellum hoop skirts, they have
come to symbolize the Festival
season as much as the flowers
they represent.
The Cape Fear Garden Club
Azalea Belles enhance the beauty
of several activities during the
Festival, but their primary duty is
to act as hostesses, while being
escorted by young men in cadet
military uniforms.
An American
experience...
Something to remember?
Donuts anyone?
- 25 -
Competition is stiff, and it is
quite an honor to become chosen
as an Azalea Belle.
Among those chosen this year
were two exchange students, Julia
from Finland, and Emma from
Denmark. They both enjoyed the
experience immensely. Both girls
were interviewed by a local TV
station. They were identified as
ICES foreign exchange students.
They spoke of their experiences
during their exchange year, as
well as their experiences in the
Festival. Neither had ever worn a
hoop skirt.
Dear ICES Students, Host Families, High Schools and
Local Coordinators,
On behalf of all of the staff at ICES, we want to thank each
of you for your role in making dreams come true.
For more than 25 years, ICES has helped make dreams
come true for thousands of international exchange
students. Without the continued support, effort and
commitment of our wonderful host families, high schools,
communities and local coordinators this would not be
possible.
Thank you for 25 years of opening your hearts, homes and
high schools to international exchange students from
around the world
If you or anyone you know might be interested in helping
make dreams come true for exchange students this
summer, please call ICES toll free at1-800-344-3566 or
contact us via our website at www.icesusa.org.
Warm Regards,
John J. Crist, ICES President, and all ICES staff
© 2016 ICES International Headquarters | Galleria Corporate Center, 375 N. Stephanie St. Building 16, Henderson, NV 89014 | P: 800-344-3566 | F: 888-223-5651 | www.icesusa.org
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