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
A Heartwarming Father’s Day Tribute: From Host Father to Best Man
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible men who have made a profound impact on our lives. Today, we want to share a story that perfectly captures what it means to be a father figure, transcending borders and creating lifelong bonds. Rob, an amazing NWSE host dad and local coordinator, has touched the hearts and lives of many … Read More
High School Spotlight! La Crescent-Hokah Public Schools
La Crescent, Minnesota – a small town with a BIG heart for cultural exchange High schools partnering with NWSE that actively support cultural exchange programs play a critical role in fostering understanding, diversity and global citizenship among students. They help students broaden their perspectives, appreciate cultural differences, and develop life-long friendships. In this blog, we’d like to spotlight one such … Read More
Dale Nicholson Exchange Student Scholarship
It is with highest honor that NWSE announces the student to receive NWSE’s first Dale Nicholson Exchange Student Scholarship Award for the 2023-24 school year. NWSE created the Dale Nicholson Exchange Student Scholarship in 2022 to spotlight and commemorate Dale’s devotion to cultural exchange, and the passion, care and commitment she had for foreign exchange students. For 30 years, Dale … 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
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 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
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
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
New Year’s Around the World
2017 is almost over and many people are getting ready for the new year. Here are some of the ways people celebrate the New Year around the world! U.S.A. In Times Square, New York City, a giant crystal ball descends down a 140-foot flagpole at the top of the One Times Square building, stopping exactly at midnight. At that moment, … Read More
Christmas Explained
It’s December, and that means it’s the holiday season in the United States! The holiday season can mean different things to different people and communities across the country. While some Americans prefer to celebrate the winter season in general or nothing at all, December brings several important cultural holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Regardless of what you celebrate this … Read More
Five Unique Aspects of American Culture
People traveling to the U.S. often come with an idea of what American life and culture is like, based on what they see in movies and TV shows. One might imagine skyscrapers, bustling city streets, and road trips down Route 66. But how do these ideas measure up to reality? 1. The U.S. is big Travelers from other countries, especially Europe, … Read More