CETUSA

As graduation season continues, we celebrate not only academic achievements, but also the incredible journeys our exchange students have experienced throughout their program year.

From the first day of school to making lifelong friendships, trying new traditions, and becoming part of a host family, these students have embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and share their cultures with others. While the end of the program often brings bittersweet goodbyes, it also marks the beginning of lifelong connections and unforgettable memories.

Congratulations to all of our exchange students as they complete this chapter of their adventure. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished and grateful for the impact you have made on your host families, schools, and communities. Wherever life takes you next, your exchange experience will always be a part of your story.

Today, Bridget Wright (California) is a Regional Manager for CETUSA, who got her start as a volunteer “Host Mom” to an exchange student, and then a Local Coordinator helping place high school exchange students with other families in her local community. Here is Bridget’s story of how she became a LC with CETUSA. (We are so glad she did!)

“Becoming a Local Coordinator was the last thing I ever imagined for myself. At the time, my life felt strangely suspended. I was freshly divorced, my oldest had gone to college, and the house was quieter than it had ever been.

Then, almost out of nowhere, a friend asked if I would host a high school exchange student. It seemed like such a small question at the time. I had never traveled or even owned a passport (something my exchange student found completely unbelievable!)

But between late-night conversations, unfamiliar traditions, and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, a door cracked open. Over the next ten years, that single “Yes” led to hosting eight international students in my home, more than 125 students whose lives crossed mine, and journeys through 11 countries I once only dreamed about. In helping them discover a new world, I somehow stumbled into discovering my own.”

- Bright Wright (right) with daughter in Greece on 2025 CETUSA Incentive Trip

CETUSA is recruiting Local Coordinators in all 50 states! Learn how you can join CETUSA as a Local Coordinator at: https://www.cetusa.org/high-school-exchange-program/local-coordinators/

Refer a friend or family member to host an exchange student in the 2026-27 school year! If they decide to host a student, we will thank you with a $500 e-gift card.

Refer them at: https://www.cetusa.org/host-family-referral/

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the importance of creating communities where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

At CETUSA, we believe that cultural exchange helps build a more compassionate and connected world. We celebrate the power of acceptance, respect, and cultural understanding. Together, we can continue creating communities where everyone belongs. 

Join our community today by visiting https://www.cetusa.org/high-school-exchange-program/host-a-student/

🎓 Graduation season is here, and we would love to celebrate with you! Has your exchange student recently graduated or reached a special milestone? Share your favorite graduation photos or videos in the comments or send them to us!

As the 2025-26 school year comes to a close, we have loved receiving heartfelt quotes and memories from our exchange students reflecting on their time in the U.S.

Every year, we send out a survey to ask our students how they felt about their experiences, and some of the responses were incredible. We are proud to share a couple of the answers!

Do you have something you would like to share about your experience? Send us a DM or put a comment below!

We are hard at work placing exchange students who are excited to make their dream of studying in the U.S. a reality for the 2026-27 school year!

We have many incredible young men and women from over 20+ countries who are hoping to find a warm, welcoming host family to share in this life-changing experience.

Are you ready to begin your hosting journey and make a difference in a student’s life? Visit https://www.cetusa.org/high-school-exchange-program/host-a-student/