Our Stories – Page 3

Our Stories

Discover the real stories of STS Foundation Student Exchange participants. Host Families, students and Local Coordinators share with you how taking part in a cultural exchange program has impacted their lives.

Our Stories

Exchange Student Embraces the American Spirit of Volunteerism

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My Top Achievements as an Exchange Student in the USA

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Exchange Student Gives Back Through Volunteering

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Exchange Student from Spain Breaks Records in the USA

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Follow the stories of real students and families whose lives are forever changed through cultural exchange.

Who doesn't love learning about a new culture thro

Who doesn't love learning about a new culture through food!? Hosting an exchange student not only fills a seat at the table, it also brings a new cuisine to the kitchen. No matter who's cooking, it's bound to be fun when you cook together and get to know each other through your favorite meals. You also have the opportunity to share your favorite family and American dishes with your student, which they always love to try.

Add a new flavor to your next family dinner and host an exchange student!

What's your favorite meal to cook for your exchange student? Comment below 👇

"This ain't my first rodeo" is a common phrase for

"This ain't my first rodeo" is a common phrase for many Americans, whether they've been to a real rodeo or not. But for some exchange students, they mean it when they say it because they've been to the rodeo!

We love when host families share their local culture with their exchange students, whether it's the rodeo, county fair, or another town event. It's a great way for students to better understand real life in America, and it gives American families a new appreciation for things they may have taken for granted.

Learn more about how you can share your community with an exchange student by heading to the link in our bio.

How will you show your culture with your exchange student? And have you even been to a real life rodeo? Comment below! 👇

In honor of #NationalSonsDay we're sharing one hos

In honor of #NationalSonsDay we're sharing one host mom's story of how her exchange sons have enriched her family's life.

"We love hosting two boys each year. It’s proven a very positive arrangement; both boys get to blend other cultures along with our American lifestyle. It felt normal. The conversations were always fun and informative. It was the best immersive learning experience for my husband, myself, and the boys."

Read Laura's full story here and learn more about how you can welcome an international son into your family by heading to the link in our bio!

We often say that the connections made through cul

We often say that the connections made through cultural exchange last a lifetime, and in the case of Melinda, Claudia, and Neele's story, it really is true! Today is #NationalDaughtersDay, and to celebrate, we just had to share how the universe brought these daughters together, and how the power of finding commonalities despite the differences has made for everlasting bonds across the ocean.

"Despite coming from different worlds, we found many common interests and had a lot of fun together. We formed a strong bond over a very short time and we were dreading the end of summer when we could no longer be together. We decided that this time could not be over and Claudia had to come live with me and my family."

"I must say that this exchange year changed my life. I learned to adjust and trust in my abilities and it led to a lifelong friendship with my American host sister Melinda. I am very grateful for this gift."

"Our promise to each other that our kids would know each other someday really seemed to come true when Neele decided that she wanted to come to the US to stay with us to experience American culture, American high school and way of life. We are beyond excited to welcome her into our home."

Head to the link in our bio to read their story.

We see a lot of students and host families posting

We see a lot of students and host families posting their #SeniorSunday photos and we had to join the fun!

Every day is a good day to share the incredible bonds and memories that are formed through exchange. Our Class of 2024 students are taking in every moment and new experience they can, whether they're a senior or not! Each day is a chance to try something new, and to experience a part of American culture they haven't yet discovered. From the big events like Friday Night Football to Spirit Week, to the more casual ones like family dinners and movie nights, students are so thankful to be part of every single moment.

Head to the link in our bio to learn more about how you can give the gift of American culture to an exchange student!

Make sure to tag @stsfoundation in your next #SeniorSunday!

🕊️✨ Embrace the Power of Cultural Exchange

🕊️✨ Embrace the Power of Cultural Exchange for International Day of Peace! ✨🕊️

On this #InternationalDayOfPeace, let's celebrate the beauty of diversity and the profound impact of cultural exchange in fostering harmony and understanding among us all. 🌍❤️

When we engage in cultural exchange, we break down barriers, shatter stereotypes, and build bridges of empathy and friendship. It's a journey of learning, respect, and acceptance, where we discover that our differences are what make us beautifully unique.

So, let's take this moment to reach out, make new friends, and embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that enrich our world. Together, we can create a world where peace thrives through understanding and appreciation.

🙏 Join us in spreading love, respect, and the joy of cultural exchange this International Day of Peace. Together, we can make our world a more peaceful and harmonious place. 🌐❤️ #PeaceDay #CulturalExchange #UnityInDiversity #SpreadLove

A bag of chips? $5 The look on their face when try

A bag of chips? $5
The look on their face when trying them for the first time? Priceless!

Food, whether it's a bag of chips or a birthday cake🎂, plays such a big part in our culture. Each region, state, and even city has its own special dishes and snacks that makes that place unique. When you host an exchange student, you get to share all your favorite foods with them, and try some of their cultural dishes too!👨‍🍳

What's your favorite food to share with your student or host family? Comment below!👇

Head to the link in our bio to learn more about how you can make your next family dinner an international one.

The 2023 NFL season has already kicked off, and we

The 2023 NFL season has already kicked off, and we know hhost families and students are gathering around their TVs to cheer on their favorite teams together! Ask an exchange student what American🇺🇸 tradition they can't wait to partake in and they'll likely say FOOTBALL🏈!! Whether they're joining their high school's team or cheering from the bleachers, they love taking in all the sights and sounds the pastime has to offer.

When you welcome an exchange student in your home, you get to show off all your favorite traditions, whether you're a football fan or love another pastime! Join the fun today, and make your next Super Bowl party an international one.

Who are you rooting for this season? Comment below!👇

"Exchange Student Arrivals! So glad these sweet gi

"Exchange Student Arrivals! So glad these sweet girls are in our lives and a part of our family. 😍😍😍"

Our students hit the ground running (and hiking)! When you host, every day becomes an adventure, whether you're exploring a national forest or your own backyard. Head to the link in our bio to learn more about how you can show off your corner of America and add a new culture to your life.

Today we honor and remember those who lost their l

Today we honor and remember those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001.

Happy #GrandparentsDay to all our host grandparent

Happy #GrandparentsDay to all our host grandparents out there! Our amazing host families come in all shapes and sizes, and we are so thankful for all of them. But today, we celebrate the grandparents and all the gifts and life lessons they pass onto our exchange students. You play an important role in sharing the American way of life with students, and we know they take your love with them long after they have returned home!

Become host grandparents today or give your family the gift of an international grandchild! Head to the link in our bio to learn more.

📣 Join the Helping Hands Community Service Proj

📣 Join the Helping Hands Community Service Project📣

Make memories while making a difference with the Helping Hands Community Service Project! Giving back through volunteering and community service is an important part of American culture. As students, we invite you to embrace the spirit of volunteerism and give back to the communities that have welcomed you!

Students can submit their community service hours using the link in our bio 👆 for the chance to earn a $100 gift card!

Each month we will have a theme to help inspire different ways you can make a difference in your community!

Learn more about Helping Hands 🤝 using the link in our bio, and comment below what your plans are for giving back to your community! 👇

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Information for Schools

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