NWSE Blog
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
The Year of the DS-2019 with NorthWest Student Exchange
For 32 years, NorthWest Student Exchange (NWSE) has promoted cultural exchange, foreign language study, and international education by offering meaningful and affordable exchange programs for high school students from around the world. High school cultural exchanges foster international understanding and personal development, and provide new perspectives and insights into the world for everyone involved. NWSE host families volunteer to open … 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