“When Magda (Magdalena) met with her School Counselor at the beginning of the year, we could tell that she was an academically motivated student. She embraced the most rigorous classes, focusing on the courses that would best prepare her for her school concentration when she returns to Germany. Ultimately, she academically challenged herself by taking four advanced science classes (one being AP Physics) and AP Pre-Calculus. She committed herself to these classes even knowing that she would not receive any credit for this school year.

Magda has demonstrated herself to be an excellent student. She is a role model and tutor for her peers. She has participated in study groups. She has maintained straight A’s while taking the most rigorous classes offered. She is diligent with her studies at school and at home to ensure her work is done with the highest level of quality. She deserves to be recognized for her academic excellence!” – Jessica, Host Mom

“Marta has exceptionally high academic expectations for herself and works tirelessly to meet those expectations. She has maintained a 4.0 during her time in Oregon and has been recognized on the Principal’s Honor Roll for every grading period. She maintains her GPA while doing ballet, volleyball, tap dance, and FBLA several days a week.” – Brittany, Host Mom

“Max has flourished in the U.S., exploring new academic horizons with college-level statistics while embracing the joy of culinary courses.

His dedication to personal growth is evident as he proudly stands among the top 16 in his junior class and has earned acceptance into the National Honor Society. Balancing family commitments, supporting his host brother’s development, managing chores, and participating in school sports, Max exemplifies resilience and a strong sense of purpose.” – Sterling, Host Dad

“As a host family, we were very blessed to have Tola with us for the past year. She started with running cross country in the fall and, while a knee injury ended her season early, it was still a chance to experience long-distance running competitively for the first time.

Next came basketball, a sport that she had never played before. She immediately showed her leadership and determination to succeed, ultimately being selected to play on both the JV and Varsity squads that saw her playing against teams from all over the state. She was even selected as the Captain of the JV team despite being new to both the school and the sport, which speaks to how well she was regarded by her coach and teammates.

Finally, she got to return to her track & field roots by competing for her school in multiple events. Although she’d competed in track before, she’d never done any throwing events before and was the first athlete in the school’s history to compete in the discus event and finished the track season with a personal record in the discus and a top two finish in her sprint event.” -Brian, Host Dad

“He placed 2nd in the Minnesota Swim and Dive Championship for 2025, broke the Mankato West school record in his events twice, and broke the Mankato East pool record twice during the 2024-2025 swim season.” – Mary Clare, Host Mom

“Madelaine has dedicated so much of her exchange experience to improving her swim times. She is in the pool first thing in the morning and last thing at night nearly every day of the week, while still maintaining her grades and establishing a lifelong bond with her host family.

She was an asset to her school team and has continued swimming in a club so stay in the water all year! She even trained through a broken hand injury, staying positive and getting back in the water as soon as possible. She has worked so hard this year going above and beyond to learn how to fuel her body through a swim schedule more grueling than she’d ever attempted back home. I feel she deserves to be recognized for all her efforts.” -Kayla, Local Coordinator

“Though Yohan’s journey began with challenges— including delays in his visa approval that caused him to arrive several months after the academic year had already begun— his impact on our international student community has been nothing short of transformative.

From the moment Yohan set foot on campus, his infectious enthusiasm, strong character, and natural leadership revitalized the spirit of our International Student Program. His talents in sports and commitment to school activities sparked a noticeable shift: students who had previously been more reserved began actively engaging in programs and events, drawn in by Yohan’s inclusive nature and positive example.

Host families shared with us how their students became more motivated to participate in activities that Yohan was involved in.

Yohan’s dedication, leadership, and spirit make him highly deserving of the iE Community Award.” – Manuel, Local Coordinator

“Valeria has worked hard to integrate herself into her community Although English is not her native language, she has participated in a broad array of activities -Hope Club, Cheerleading, Track and Field, Club Lacrosse – as well as other volunteer work for local organizations like the Food Bank, the Human Rights Commission, and the Columbia Mobile Aid Coalition. Her achievements as a foreign exchange student were recognized by Hickman High School when they conferred upon her the “Super Kewp” designation, reserved for those who truly embody a community spirit at her high school. She was nominated for the award by one of her teachers and we are so proud of all she has accomplished this year.” – Jeremy, Host Dad

“Alex arrived as a shy student who was clearly a bit uncomfortable with his surroundings and the English language. He was clearly conscientious about his studies and concerned about getting everything just right. And, he sure got it right,” Local Coordinator Natalie said.

From Wednesday Wing Nights at his local church youth group to fall and spring sports to prom and everything in between, Natalie says Alex “dove in hands and feet to Mckenzie, Tennessee,” a small town with big school spirit and a place in which students may not have met someone from another country.

“He kept up with his studies and served his community by exceeding the volunteer hour requirement, making countless friends along the way. He considers McKenzie home now. I believe that the community knows “Alex from Spain” and he is considered a vital part of their community. I feel Alex is a role model for how to do this exchange experience: do it scared, get involved, be a part of your community, say yes to (almost) everything, and be you. He is well-loved, well-known, and very special to me, his LC, his host family, and his community.” – Natalie, Local Coordinator

“Victor was a volunteer for the Knights of Columbus Thanksgiving and Christmas Programs at Saint Joseph Catholic Church. He was an invaluable asset to packing food boxes, carrying them to families cars, and translating as needed. He also helped in the same way with the toy drive for families at the Christmas Program.

Victor also assisted in an additional program served by our church (not pictured)-The Extension. He served food to men who have experienced homelessness because of alcohol and substance abuse issues. The residents and other volunteers were so grateful for his help in this very valuable community program.” – Patty, Host Mom

“Esther has been volunteering way above what was ever expected of her. She has volunteered with her host family at a local donkey rescue every Wednesday. She has completed 45 hours of volunteer work. She has never once complained about doing this. She has enjoyed giving back to her community and I’m so very proud of her.” – Emily, Local Coordinator

“We became Jonte’s host family in December of last year, and he immediately wanted to help us in our Cub Scout volunteer efforts at a Title 1 elementary school in our school district. He has faithfully helped with Pack 127’s meetings every Monday night throughout the spring semester. He has also helped with a Friday night Pinewood Derby event, a Saturday adventure day at a nearby Scout ranch, and a weekend campout where he not only learned for the first time how to put up his own tent, but he also started helping our parents and young Scouts put up all of their tents! Jonte’s attitude is always cheerful and helpful with whatever needs to be done, and he is especially good at helping our youngest Scouts with tasks that may be a little challenging for them. He has already done 53 hours of service this spring (not counting any of the driving time we do), and he will be doing 7 more hours before he leaves us in a few weeks. The Cub Scouts, parents, and all of our leaders are going to miss Jonte so much when he goes home to Germany!” – Debbie, Host Mom