ICES Central Oregon - Youth Exchange Programs

ICES Central Oregon - Youth Exchange Programs ICES is an exchange program that connects high school students around the world. Most of all, they gain a new family member for a lifetime.

This page is dedicated to matching Foreign Exchange Students with families in Central Oregon. Host a Student: You will have the chance to establish a wonderful friendship while making a difference in a student's life. Open Your Doors and Hearts: Hosting a student is an exciting and rewarding experience. When you choose to be an ICES Volunteer Host Family and welcome a foreign exchange student into

your home, you will have the chance to establish a wonderful life-long friendship, while making a difference in a student's life. Our host families learn first-hand about a foreign country from the perspective of an exchange student who has grown up there. They share in the evolving process of bringing the world closer through cross-cultural sharing and friendship. Becoming an ICES Volunteer Family: ICES Host Families are the backbone of student exchange. So much of our success is dependent on the environment created for our students by these very special host families.

Please join us in celebrating Amalie from the Czech Republic! From the moment she arrived in Michigan, Amalie has met ch...
03/25/2026

Please join us in celebrating Amalie from the Czech Republic! From the moment she arrived in Michigan, Amalie has met challenge after challenge with maturity, responsibility, and grace. She has embraced her exchange year by trying new things, joining clubs, stepping into creative opportunities, and showing a calm, caring spirit through it all.

Amalie has gotten involved in so many meaningful ways, from EcoClub, yearbook, theater, choir, and Odyssey of the Mind to serving as a docent for the Anne Frank exhibit in her school district. Just as importantly, she is always willing to help, quick to jump in, and deeply appreciated by her host family and community. Her creativity, kindness, and steady presence make her a truly outstanding example of the exchange experience. 💙

Starting our week strong, we at ICES are incredibly proud of Tessa for her remarkable achievement highlighted in the art...
03/23/2026

Starting our week strong, we at ICES are incredibly proud of Tessa for her remarkable achievement highlighted in the article Maroons Make Their Mark at State: Ganzenmueller Claims Championship as BC Posts Breakout Performances. Her state championship performance in the 100 breaststroke reflects her hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence both in and out of the pool. We are so humbled to be a part of her journey, as Tessa’s success is a wonderful example of the dedication and perseverance that student exchange helps inspire, and we are honored to celebrate her accomplishment as she continues to make a lasting impact. 🏆🌎💙

Read the full article here: https://hubs.li/Q047WR-_0

Now is the perfect time to get in the game 🏀 and make an impact by becoming a host family this month! Step onto the cour...
03/19/2026

Now is the perfect time to get in the game 🏀 and make an impact by becoming a host family this month! Step onto the court of cultural exchange 🌍 where every day brings new perspectives, meaningful connections, and unforgettable moments. You do not have to be a pro to make a difference, just bring heart, teamwork, and a willingness to open your home ❤️🤝. Join a winning team of families who are changing lives one student at a time. Contact International Cultural Exchange Services today to get started and take your shot! 🏀🔥

Our Local Coordinator, Karen Koches, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, recently had the pleasure of bringing our students togeth...
03/19/2026

Our Local Coordinator, Karen Koches, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, recently had the pleasure of bringing our students together for a fun bowling event.🎳 It was a wonderful reminder of what makes these experiences so special, with lots of laughs, new friendships forming, and unforgettable moments shared by everyone involved.😊 Events like this are a true reflection of the ICES spirit.🌍 ICES deeply treasures its community, and it is through the dedication, kindness, and enthusiasm of our coordinators, host families, and students that these opportunities continue to thrive and create a lasting impact.💙 A special thank you to Karen Koches for her continued support and leadership. Her passion for this work truly brings our community together and makes moments like these possible. ⭐️

Pictured from left to right are Elenora from Italy 🇮🇹, Aitana from Spain 🇪🇸, Julia from Brazil 🇧🇷, and Katharina from Germany 🇩🇪

Wishing everyone a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today is a celebration of connection, culture, and community—values we ...
03/17/2026

Wishing everyone a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today is a celebration of connection, culture, and community—values we hold close at ICES. We are proud to continue championing the life-changing importance of student exchange, bringing people from around the world together to learn, grow, and create lasting global friendships. 🍀

Sharing cultures and experiences is one of the most meaningful parts of student exchange. 🇺🇸🌍🇮🇹Riccardo Renaiolini and G...
03/16/2026

Sharing cultures and experiences is one of the most meaningful parts of student exchange. 🇺🇸🌍🇮🇹

Riccardo Renaiolini and Giulia Loddi, both from Tuscany, Italy, recently had the opportunity to visit Lizana Elementary School where they spoke with students about the differences between American and Italian schools. Moments like this show just how powerful cultural exchange can be, as young students learn about the world through real stories and personal connections.

They are pictured here with Giulia’s wonderful host mom, Pam Pannell, whose generosity in opening her home made this experience possible. Hosting an exchange student doesn’t just change the life of the student. It creates opportunities to inspire entire communities, spark curiosity in young minds, and build friendships that cross oceans. ❤️🌎

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to host an exchange student and make a difference in a young person’s life, we’d love to share more with you. Contact ICES to learn about the host family journey and how you can welcome the world into your home. 🏠

✨ Please take a moment to read the wonderful article below! It highlights the heart of what cultural exchange is all abo...
03/13/2026

✨ Please take a moment to read the wonderful article below! It highlights the heart of what cultural exchange is all about and the incredible impact it has on families, students, and communities.
In her wonderful words, longtime host mom and Montana District Representative Gail Knight—who was recently featured in this newspaper article—shares what makes the foreign exchange experience so special. Gail and her family have hosted dozens of exchange students over the years, and their passion for cultural exchange truly shows.

“We love these kids, and we love foreign exchange! It’s about creating family and community—one student at a time. We’re committed to working with our local schools and districts so everyone feels comfortable welcoming more of these amazing students each year. If you’ve ever thought about hosting but would like a little more information or support, please reach out to your local coordinator. We know the students well, we know the process, and we’re happy to help answer questions and ease any concerns you may have about hosting.”

Hosting an exchange student truly is a life-changing experience—for the student and for the host family. ❤️🌎 For more information about hosting an exchange student, please visit our website at https://hubs.li/Q046M2Zh0

🌎 Become a Local Coordinator with ICES!Help international students live their American dream — work from home, connect w...
03/12/2026

🌎 Become a Local Coordinator with ICES!

Help international students live their American dream — work from home, connect with your community, and find host families.

✅ Flexible & rewarding — fits any schedule
✅ Supplemental income per student placed
✅ 80% do this alongside full-time jobs

If this aligns with you, apply to schedule a pre-screening call:

👉 www.icesusa.org/work-in-student-exchange

What a moment for our very own David Babuška from the Czech Republic. 🇨🇿Just recently, David hit an incredible Grand Sla...
03/12/2026

What a moment for our very own David Babuška from the Czech Republic. 🇨🇿

Just recently, David hit an incredible Grand Slam, a moment he will never forget and one that perfectly captures the excitement of playing high school sports in Silsbee, Texas.

David’s dedication, passion, and love for the game truly paid off in this unforgettable highlight. Moments like this are so special, and it is times like this where we simply step back and enjoy everything about the experience. We are so proud of you, David! ⭐️

Emmi from Finland is living an unforgettable experience during her exchange year in the United States, getting the chanc...
03/10/2026

Emmi from Finland is living an unforgettable experience during her exchange year in the United States, getting the chance to play high school basketball and be part of a team far from home. Stories like Emmi’s are a perfect reminder of why we do what we do and the powerful impact of cultural exchange. 🏀🌎⭐️

“So grateful

Being part of this team was honestly one of the biggest highlights of my exchange year. Before I came here, one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to play American high school basketball. I didn’t know what the season would be like or what this team would end up meaning to me. From the very beginning you all made me feel welcome and I’m so grateful for that.

I learned so much this season, not only about basketball but also about pushing myself and supporting each other. Every practice, every game, and every moment in between meant so much to me.

This team became something really special to me and I’m so thankful I got to be a part of it. I love you guys and I’m going to miss you all so much.

Thank you Deer Creek Basketball ❤️” - Emmi

Address

Bend, OR

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ICES Central Oregon - Youth Exchange Programs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to ICES Central Oregon - Youth Exchange Programs:

Share