EF High School Exchange Year New Mexico

02/28/2026

Ice skating ⛸️ with some of our exchange students.

02/28/2026

"If there were Host Family Olympics, mine would take home gold in every single category."

Host Family Appreciation Week continues with these glowing remarks from Mia-Maria, who is staying with the Lanzara family in Illinois ❤ Her reflections are a perfect example of how all the little things can make such a big impact.

"My host family should be recognized during Host Family Appreciation Week because they are the best host family a exchange student could ever wish for - and I’m aware that a lot of exchange students claim this but I truly hit the host family jackpot. If there were Host Family Olympics, mine would take home gold in every single category. They made me feel like I was part of their family since day one.

"My host parents truly treat me like their third daughter and my host sisters truly treat me like their lifelong sister. The small acts of my host family make me feel like I have been part of their family forever. Their incredible kindness and openness towards me, my family, and the people I love should definitely be recognized and honored because it is truly exceptional.

"They include me in every little family tradition, like giving me my own stocking for Christmas or matching Christmas PJs or giving me the same room decorations that my host sisters have too. However, we have also started our own traditions like blasting “The Greatest Showman” and dancing to it while cleaning up after dinner or randomly starting to dance the Let's Dance dance “Rasputin”, even if it’s in the middle of Walmart.

"I am grateful for my host family every day, whether it is while they drive me to Lacrosse practice, while my host mom straightens my hair almost every morning, while my host dad tells me his latest dad jokes, or while I grab ice cream with my host sisters. These different experiences show me that I genuinely could not have been placed with a better host family.

"I value every second I spend with them and every trip that we take in the camper or exploring the country. I love board or card game nights, where we spend hours laughing when they bust me cheating because I hate losing, and every late night talk that ends up being way longer than we intended. We definitely all share the same humor and love making sarcastic jokes around each other.

"Whenever I feel homesick my host family and I go to Aldi to pick up a German snack that instantly makes me feel better. Whenever I get nervous, I know that I have an entire support system behind me. For example, before my first ever Lacrosse open gym, I was extremely nervous because it was way out of my comfort zone to try a new sport with people I have never seen before. However, my host family guided me through it and encouraged me to try it even though I was scared and in the end it was an awesome decision but I would have never done it if my host family hadn’t encouraged and supported me.

"I have made lifelong connections with every single member of my host family and love them very much.

"Call me biased, but I didn’t just get a good host family - I got the best one! I may have arrived as an exchange student, but I’m leaving as a part of their family." ❤

This is what exchange is all about. Sharing your everyday life ... until one day... you're family! ❤🤍💙

02/26/2026

Behind every successful exchange story lies a wonderful host family who decided to say YES to the unknown, said YES to an adventure, said YES to learning something new….

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine’s Day from EF! ❤️💙💛💚🩷

This Valentine’s Day, we’re sending all our love to the host families who make exchange what it is ❤️

To every host family who’s opened their door, pulled up a chair, and made room for someone new – past, present, and future – thank you.

You’re not just part of this experience. You’re the heart of it. ❤️

02/14/2026

Team New Mexico at EF National Conference is gearing up to make dreams come true, one exchange student and one host family at a time!

02/13/2026

We are attending the EF national conference the next few days, and we are searching for some amazing host families in New Mexico for the upcoming school year!

We work with students from different European and Asian countries, and we’ll be getting firsthand insight from our foreign office staff about the students hoping to come on program this fall. All we need is You!

Would you open your home for 8–10 weeks to welcome an exchange student, or maybe even a semester or a full school year?

Hosting isn’t about being perfect in any way. It’s about sharing your everyday life and making memories together, like backyard BBQ’s, baking brownies, going shopping Target or Costco, or a Chick-fil-A visit. Things we take for granted is what exchange students want to experience.
Our every day life in America is completely new to these brave young people who chose to learn about our culturewhile sharing theirs with us!

Are you ready to say YES to something special and unforgettable?

01/07/2026

Some of our exchange students headed home today, including these two pictured.
Since our fall semester students are not here for graduation in May, they had the opportunity to take pictures in our EF cap & gowns before leaving New Mexico.

They successfully completed the EF High School Exchange Year program by sharing their cultures in their local communities, successfully attending American High School, and building a beautiful bond with their host families.

One of our host moms whose student left today, she made a beautiful statement that she allowed me to quote:

“Hosting an international student is a profoundly transformative experience that transcends words, filled with moments that illuminate the path to mutual growth. As these eager individuals arrive with a mix of excitement and trepidation, they're enveloped by the complexities of being far from home. Together, host families embark on this journey, confronting their own uncertainties while providing steadfast support. When the time comes for reunions, joy and pride mingle with the bittersweet pang of goodbye. This journey teaches us that welcoming an exchange student into our lives demands courage, trust, and an understanding that a part of us will forever be intertwined with theirs. Though challenges arise, the rewards are immense, and the personal growth extraordinary. The farewell, an emotional milestone, underscores the depth of our connection. As we bid farewell, we find solace in knowing fragments of our hearts will reside in the diverse global landscapes our students call home🫶🏼It’s not goodbye it’s see you later🥺”
By Tiffany

01/07/2026

Time flies! The holidays are over, kids are bacj in school, the Christmas decorations are being put away…. but I still wanted to share about our EF Christmas party!
We had a lovely time with 20 students, and most of our host families were able to join us as well.
We had some yummy international foods since every student brought a dish that represented their country.
Exchange students and host siblings enjoyed a White Elephant gift exchange.
We also played Holiday Bingo with some happy winners, as well as a fun “Dress the Santa” game.

11/26/2025

Our annual pumpkin carving party with exchange students and host families is such a great event!

For most of our exchange students it’s their first time carving a jack-o-lantern. 🎃 Students and host siblings had a blast. Yummy food and games made it for a great afternoon together.