ICES Study Abroad Programs

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. 💙

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:

The Butte Central Maroons closed out the 2026 MHSA State Swim Meet with one of the program’s strongest all‑around showings in recent years. Competing in Great Falls against the top swimmers in Class AB, the Maroons combined a state championship performance, multiple top‑four finishes, and impr...

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 🇩🇪

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. 🍀

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! ⭐️

03/07/2026

A heartfelt message from our very own Francesca celebrating how student exchange connects families and builds lifelong friendships around the world. 🌍❤️✨

“Hi everyone!

My name is Francesca, I’m from Italy, and I’m currently an exchange student in Pennsylvania since 7 months.

Here I made wonderful experiences and I met amazing people. I joined different sports: cheerleading, exactly like in the movies, basketball and I’m now doing track and field.
This experience already taught me a lot of things, but the most important one is that going abroad means building a new life in which you can be whoever you want and the better versions of yourself!

I will always cherish this experience in my life and I’m sure I’ll come back one day!”

03/03/2026

“EVERYTHING’S BIGGER IN TEXAS” ❤️

Calling all families across the USA! Contact International Cultural Exchange Services today to learn how hosting a high school exchange student can be a life-changing experience. 🌎✨

03/01/2026

STATE CHAMPS AND ICES PROUD! 🏆⚽🎉

As everyone has been watching closely and following their journey with excitement, we are thrilled to share that our very own ICES students, Walter Sulas and Lucas Kurihara, have won their first Class 1 3A State Championship with St. Patrick Catholic High School in Biloxi!

What an unforgettable moment for these two incredible students. From exchange students to state champions, their hard work, dedication, and teamwork truly paid off. ICES could not be more proud to be part of this amazing story! 🌎✨

02/27/2026

🎉 February ICES Student of the Month 🎉
Please join us in celebrating Bera Martinez, who is placed in Ohio! Bera attends Middletown Christian School and has embraced every opportunity to get involved. From joining the girls’ cheerleading squad and a community swim team to working behind the scenes on stage crew for the school play, she approaches each new experience with enthusiasm—and her words say it best: “I may not be very good… but I can give it a try.” 💙

Bera also volunteers daily in a 1st-grade classroom during study hall, serving as a classroom aide and finding true joy in helping young students. Whether she’s planning a surprise birthday party for her host sister, signing up first for every ICES activity, or cheering on her classmates, Bera’s constant smile and eagerness to participate make her a wonderful example of living the exchange dream.

02/26/2026

Becoming a host family to an international high school exchange student is a truly life changing experience. 🌎✨ It is an opportunity to open your home and heart to a student from another country, share your everyday traditions, and learn about a new culture without ever leaving your living room. 🏡❤️ The relationships you build often last a lifetime, turning strangers into family. 💙 Hosting brings a fresh perspective, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable memories to your household while making a lasting impact on a young person’s future. 🎓

If you are ready to open your home and start this incredible journey, contact us today to learn more about becoming a host family 📩🌟

02/23/2026

We want to give a huge shoutout to two students from our very own ICES program, Walter Sulas and Lucas Kurihara ⚽️🎉 They will compete in the State Championship soccer game with St. Patrick Catholic High School.

Both boys have been key players on the team throughout the season, and it has been incredible to watch their growth both on and off the field. From adjusting to a new culture and school to stepping into important roles on their team, they have shown dedication, resilience, and heart.

We have attached the news video from Tuesday’s South State Game, and the winning goal you will see was scored by Lucas ⚽️🔥 It is such an exciting moment and a true testament to his hard work and determination.

Beyond the goals and the victories, we love seeing the friendships they have built and the meaningful way they have contributed to their team. This is what cultural exchange is all about, connection, growth, and making an impact. A special thank you to our very own District Representative, Emily Aldrich, for sharing this beautiful story and celebrating these incredible students with us 💙

Walter and Lucas, we are so proud of you and will be cheering you on at the State Championship 🙌