The long flight from Germany is over. Henrik's smiling host family has collected his luggage, and in the quiet of his room he unpacks old relics into his new life. But what happens next?  We often talk about the benefit of exchange for the students. Next, we'll talk...

Austrian student Kathi Schedl came as an exchange student in 2015, and 10 months later she left what had become a second home in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Back home in Austria, Kathi wrote a school essay answering the question, "Is it worth it to spend a year studying...

In November, the world pauses to reflect upon the value and impact of "global learning." International Education Week, November 13-17, engages world leaders from more than 100 countries who pledge support of one unifying goal: to promote intercultural growth,...

October 31 is a highly anticipated day for exchange students, who can't wait to celebrate "American Halloween." Like many US traditions, however, the American celebration of Halloween is actually a blend of historical and cultural influences, none of which originated...

An exchange year is a significant time of growth, and many students continue to unpack its full weight and meaning even years after it ends! We asked three students to reflect upon the best year of their life, and their advice is priceless! Whether we work with...

Dear Laura, it has been my honor to be your dad this past year. I don't think you realize the impact you have had on me and my family. It takes a lot of courage and a big leap of faith for a young lady to leave her home, family and friends and come to a foreign...

We are a unique exchange organization where PEOPLE come first. That may be a peculiar way to begin, but it’s exactly this belief that started iE in 2002. We knew the significance of an exchange year, and the common pitfalls. But what if there could be a better way?...

Exchange students accept a special responsibility to be ambassadors to their communities, tasked with the important job of representing their country to those they meet. We couldn't be more proud of Pablo from Spain, who joined other international students to tangibly...

Natural disasters don't typically rank at the top of an exchange student's bucket list! You can be sure that Hurricane Harvey took these four exchange students by surprise. But when much is lost, oddly enough, there is much to be gained in the aftermath. Johanna from...

Today, September 21, the exchange student community joins the world in prioritizing peace. The International Day of Peace, or "Peace Day," is globally recognized as a day for all humanity to commit to upholding peace above all differences, and to contribute to...

Lea Radomski, an exchange student from Germany, arrived in Cypress, TX just weeks before Hurricane Harvey. Ironically, Lea left behind the devastation of a recent flood in her German hometown. Below she gives us a glimpse of her experience with her host family during...

Hello, my name is Joey, and I’m a German exchange student who was in the USA for a semester. About 4 and a half years ago, I took this one amazing journey that changed my whole life. When I first started thinking about becoming an exchange student, it wasn’t really...

Exchange Student’s Family Opens Their Doors to American Hosts  Guest blog by Mindy O’Bannon, Host Mom in Houston The thing about taking a long-awaited trip abroad to experience another culture and all the history that comes with it is you can't really process it all...

If "home is where the heart is," then exchange students Johanna from Germany and Jade from South Africa have found new roots - and a new home - in a small town neither girl could have guessed would so quickly captivate their hearts. "Jenison is a very friendly...

While many central Texans unwind during the last lazy days of summer, Teal Scott, an exchange student coordinator for iE-USA, is working overtime. "We have over 35 students left looking for a host home before August 31," shares Teal, "and I know so many of the...

What is it like to add an exchange student to your family? How do they "fit in"? Host mom and Local Coordinator Pam Moore shares her story of building a life-long relationship with her host daughter, Laura.   I had talked to Laura by FaceTime, text, and email for...

We love stories from real life host families! Enjoy this interview with the Innes family, who have been a blessing to our program 3 times over! You have hosted three times. What was it that made your family decide to host? Two things: we had had au pairs for a couple...

[perfectpullquote align="full" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]"It can't hurt - we'll try anything once!"[/perfectpullquote] Famous last words, or the start of an epic adventure? Luckily for Kelly and Andy Feulner, it was the beginning of something great....

This summer, two Illinois sisters who share a passion for FAMILY are teaming up!  One is pursuing a missional adoption, and the other works tirelessly to help high school exchange students find a host home. Using our $200 referral program, Lacey Landwehr and Amanda...

Why would a single parent of two teenage girls sign up to host an exchange student? Let's hear from host mom Charlotte Powell to find out! Thanks for being here Charlotte! Can you tell us - What was it that made you decide to host? I saw an ad in the local newspaper...

[perfectpullquote align="full" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]Sparklers dance through hot dusky air, held fast by sticky ice-cream covered fingers. As a day of playful celebration comes to an end, bright explosions illumine the sky -...