International Student Support at American Councils

06/11/2026

⚽ The FIFA World Cup kicks off today, bringing together people, cultures, and communities from every corner of the globe! 🌎

One of the most exciting stories of this year's tournament is Uzbekistan's historic qualification for its first-ever FIFA World Cup. Across the country, fans are celebrating a milestone years in the making and the opportunity to share their nation with the world.

As Uzbekistan prepares for its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, Kamronbek is preparing for a journey of his own!

Kamronbek, a student from Uzbekistan and a passionate soccer player is excited to spend the upcoming school year in the United States. Like so many exchange students, Kamronbek is eager to share his culture, learn about American life, and build lasting friendships with the people he meets along the way.

⚽ Interested in learning more about Kamronbek? Check out his profile and hear his audio here: https://inbound.americancouncils.org/student-profile/kamronbek

06/03/2026

Check out some of the amazing students available for the 2026-27 school year. 🌎

If you've been on the fence about hosting, maybe it's your sign to jump in!

All of our students are selected through a highly competitive merit-based program and are excited to become part of an American family.

05/27/2026

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.

We are grateful for the communities, host families, and traditions that help our international students experience the heart of America through cultural exchange.

05/22/2026

🎉✈️ Congratulations Zoya from Armenia! 🌎💙

We’re excited to share “From Paper Airplanes to Real Journeys,” the first-place winning essay in our My American Experience Essay Contest, written by Zoya from Armenia, hosted in Hawaii. Through her heartfelt reflections, Zoya captures the excitement, growth, and meaningful connections that come from cultural exchange and studying in the United States.

Her story is a beautiful reminder of how exchange programs open doors to new experiences, friendships, and opportunities that can truly change lives.

✨ Check out the link to read Zoya’s award-winning essay and celebrate her incredible achievement! https://inbound.americancouncils.org/exchange-stories

05/19/2026

🌎✨ Every exchange experience tells a powerful story — and we are proud to celebrate the talented runner-up winners of our “My American Experience” Essay Contest!

Congratulations to our 2nd place winner, Ayesha from India, currently spending her exchange year in Minnesota, and our 3rd place winner, Shahriza from Uzbekistan, currently hosted in Hawaii! 🎉

Through thoughtful reflection, personal growth, and unforgettable memories, their essays beautifully capture the heart of cultural exchange. From experiencing new traditions and communities to discovering more about themselves and the world around them, their stories are inspiring reminders of the power of international exchange. 💙

Read their stories here: https://inbound.americancouncils.org/exchange-stories/myamericanexperiencerunnerups

05/14/2026

🌟 Host Family Appreciation Week Spotlight 🌟

💙This week, we are excited to celebrate the Kroetsch family of St. Paul, Minnesota!

As a first-time host family with American Councils, the Kroetsch family jumped right into the hosting experience while welcoming Tokannata from Kiribati into their home. From exploring incredible Minnesota winter traditions like ice sculptures ❄️ to cheering at basketball games 🏀, they have made sure Tokannata’s exchange year is filled with adventure, warmth, and unforgettable memories.

Tokannata shared:
💬 “I really love everyone under this roof… We went on a family trip… we also went swimming in a pool, got to try the water slide. But after swimming we went straight to the bowling alley.”

The Kroetsch family has created a fun, caring, and welcoming environment where Tokannata can truly feel at home while experiencing American culture and family life. Thank you, Kroetsch family, for opening your hearts and home to international exchange! 🌎✨

05/12/2026

💙🏡 Host Family Appreciation Week Spotlight 🏡💙

Today, we are so excited to celebrate the King family from Rapid City, South Dakota, who are hosting Rafia from Pakistan and Marios from Greece this year!

As a first-time host family with small children, the King family has created such a warm, welcoming, and caring home for both students. From celebrating birthdays together to sharing stories around the dinner table, they have truly embraced the spirit of cultural exchange and made Rafia and Marios feel like part of the family.

Rafia shared:
💬 “We went to concert together. It is one of my best memories. Actually, everyday after dinner talking about the whole day is my favorite part.”

It’s the everyday moments — conversations after dinner, family celebrations, laughter, and shared experiences — that make an exchange year so meaningful. ❤️

Thank you, King family, for opening your hearts and home and creating lifelong memories for Rafia and Marios! 🌟

05/11/2026

💙🌎 Happy Host Family Appreciation Week! 🌎💙

It's Host Family Appreciation Week! We are so excited to celebrate our incredible families who open their homes and hearts to international exchange students — including the amazing McMackin family! ✨

The McMackins are currently hosting TWO students this year: Muhammad from Pakistan and Shakarim from Kazakhstan. Although they were not originally planning to host this year, they stepped up in a big way and welcomed not one, but two students into their home. ❤️

The family has a long history with American Councils, and Host Mom Stacey also serves as a dedicated Local Coordinator, supporting students and host families in her community.

When asked about his experience, Muhammad shared:
“The best things I did with my host family were the Christmas and Easter parties because all of us got together, ate food, and had fun.”

The McMackin family creates a warm, loving, and supportive home where students can truly feel like part of the family. Thank you for all you do to make cultural exchange meaningful and life-changing for your students! We couldn't do it without you!🌟