Today we are showcasing some of the fun and educational cultural enhancement activities that our stellar exchange students and their coordinators have participated in throughout the year! 

With Aspect Foundation’s mission of bridging cultures and offering culturally enriching experiences to all participants under the Department of State’s Leadership Education and Diplomacy (LEAD) program, our students have the chance to participate in the following opportunities during their exchange year:

International Exchange Week (IEW) is a global initiative by the US Department of State which highlights the benefits of international education and exchange. Many students give wonderful presentations of their home countries and traditions:

Top Left: Yui from Japan in traditional Japanese attire during International Night in Washington.

Top Right: Hasan from Turkey representing his country flag during IEW in Wisconsin!

Bottom Left: Yulia from Ukraine giving a class presentation on her home country in Nebraska.

Bottom Right: Beesan from West Bank with classmates after her presentation in Michigan.

Cultural Enhancement Activities include two different categories (American culture and government/civic education) and give students the chance to visit local historical sites and museums, celebrate US diversity, have fun doing American past times, and even meet local politicians or attend city council meetings!

Top Left: Riccardo from Italy and Bernardo from Brazil with their coordinator, Andrea, and student ambassadors in Washington DC.

Top Right: Exchange students studying in Washington participated in a cross-cultural activity by going to the Burke Museum in Seattle!

Bottom Left: Exchange students in Nebraska visited the law library at the State Capitol.

Bottom Right: Students in Wisconsin give the winter sport of curling a whirl!

Top Left: Exchange students in Michigan enjoy a day at the roller skating rink!

Top Right: “Our students spent the morning discovering what leadership is, what particular leadership qualities they possess, and what qualities they’d like to develop. Afterwards, they all took the Leap of Faith on the ropes course!” Coordinator, Elizabeth in CO

Bottom Left: Exchange students in Illinois point out their home countries from Brazil to Kazakhstan and everywhere in between while visiting the State Capitol.

Bottom Right: Students studying in Utah take hold of the American flag after their Leadership Conference.

Coming up: Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) April 12-14!

Stay tuned to see how our students give back to the American communities that have welcomed them into their hearts and homes!

Here are some photos from past years on Global Youth Service Day:

Do you enjoy fun cultural activities and working with youth? Why not become an International Coordinator with Aspect Foundation? Click on the image below for more information! 

Would you like to give an exchange student the opportunity to participate in cultural exchange by welcoming them into your home? Click below to find out more!