In Part Three of our Global Youth Service Day series, International Coordinators Susan and Elizabeth in Colorado joined their students to support a local kitten shower. Susan tells us how they donated supplies, learned about TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), and how to care for vulnerable kittens. We want to give a big thank you to everyone who … Continue reading
Category Archives: Life in the U.S.
Thank You Thursday – Isaure from Belgium
Mother’s Day has just passed, and Isaure from Belgium, who is spending her 2024–25 school year in Texas, wanted to share something truly special. She wrote the sweetest thank-you letter to her host mom, reflecting on the love, support, and unforgettable memories they’ve created together! Dear Sharon, Today is Mother’s Day, and I wanted to … Continue reading
Looking Back on a Moment That Brought Us Together
As the school year comes to a close and students begin to say their goodbyes, it’s the perfect time to look back on the moments that made this school year unforgettable. Community Manager Becky from Utah shares a special memory from her Mid-Stay Orientation, where host families and exchange students came together over good food, … Continue reading
Making a Splash in a New Sport
Julie from Belgium is spending her 2024-25 school year in Nebraska, diving into a new challenge with a passion for precision. With her gymnastics background, she’s found a natural fit in the world of diving. Read on to see how Julie is taking her skills to new heights, making waves in the pool, and embracing … Continue reading
Celebrating Global Youth Service Day – Part Two
In Part One, we shared how students spent time with furry friends at a local pet kennel. Now in Part Two, we’re excited to continue celebrating the spirit of Global Youth Service Day. Community Manager Kristine from Washington shares how her students helped restore a wildlife refuge, while Community Manager Brittani from Texas tells us … Continue reading
Making History on the Court as an Exchange Student
Isaure from Belgium is spending her 2024-25 school year in Texas, where she brought her lifelong love for basketball to the court. This season, she helped make school history as part of the first girls basketball team in her district to win the state championship, and her teammates even called her their lucky charm. Congratulations … Continue reading
Celebrating Global Youth Service Day – Part One
Global Youth Service Day has just finished, and thousands of young people around the world have made a positive impact in their communities! This year, we’re excited to highlight some of the inspiring ways our students gave back. In Part One, we hear from International Coordinator Deana from Nebraska, who shares how her students spent … Continue reading
Student Spotlight – Jony from Egypt
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Jony from Egypt, who is spending the 2024–25 school year with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State in Washington State! Since arriving, he’s become a true part of his host family, loving every moment with them and with his exchange … Continue reading
Meet our International Coordinator – Kristine from Washington!
Meet Kristine, one of our amazing coordinators from Washington who’s been making a difference since 2016! Having placed more than 170 students with loving host families, Kristine is passionate about helping students feel supported and seen. In this spotlight, Kristine shares some of her favorite memories as a coordinator along with helpful tips for keeping … Continue reading
Celebrating Ramadan Together as a Host Family
Now that Ramadan has come to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how host families support their students during this spiritual time. Host mom Deborah shares how supporting Maddie from Mali, who is spending the 2024-25 school year with the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program sponsored by the US Department of State in Utah, during Ramadan has … Continue reading