Council for Educational Travel, USA (CETUSA) is a nonprofit organization authorized by the U.S. Our main office is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Since 1995, together with international partners, Council for Educational Travel USA (CETUSA) a non-profit, global exchange organization is dedicated to helping people from different cultures develop more compassion and understanding for one another. Department of State to coordinate cultural exchange experiences for high school exchange students and their host families, and international interns
06/24/2026
The general consensus about hosting an exchange student is that saying “See you later” is the hardest part. Exchange students truly become a part of our family and daily lives. Would you consider opening your home and heart to an exchange student in 2026?
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” ~ Winnie the Pooh
06/23/2026
Summer means grilling season! ☀️
One of the best parts of cultural exchange is discovering new foods from around the world. Would you be interested in trying…
🇩🇪 German Bratwurst — a classic grilled sausage served with mustard and fresh rolls
OR
🇧🇷 Brazilian Barbecue — flavorful, fire-roasted meats cooked to perfection
Which would you choose to learn how to grill to perfection from your future exchange student?
06/22/2026
Many students around the world are checking their phones multiple times a day to see if they have received an email saying that a family in the U.S. has picked them to join their family for either the 2026 fall semester or the 2026-27 school year. Could that be YOURS?
Visit: https://www.cetusa.org/high-school-exchange-program/host-a-student/ to submit your inquiry today!
06/21/2026
Happy Father’s Day from CETUSA! 💙
Today we celebrate all the dads, host dads, grandfathers, stepdads, and father figures who make a lasting impact through their love, guidance, understanding, and support.
Thank you for opening your hearts and homes to cultural exchange and helping create memories that last a lifetime.
In observance of Juneteenth, CETUSA office will be closed on June 19th.
If you have an emergency and need immediate assistance, please contact our 24/7 Support Line at 888.238.8721.
Thank you, and we wish everyone a meaningful Juneteenth!
06/18/2026
The dream for most exchange students is to make new friendships and build lifelong connections. Alex from Poland was able to do both with his Wisconsin-based friend, Karter. We always hear from our exchange students about their experiences, but this time, we were able to hear directly from an American high schooler.
“It’s hard to put into words how much this year meant. What started as meeting an exchange student turned into gaining a lifelong best friend. Thank you for all the memories, laughs, adventures, and lessons you shared with me. While it’s heartbreaking to see you go back home, I’m so grateful for the friendship we’ve built. No matter how many miles separate us, you’ll always have a place here and a friend for life. See you again soon.❤️”
Pictured Alex from Poland (left) with Karter in Wisconsin!
Thanks to our Local Coordinator, Theresa for sharing this with us!
06/17/2026
Before being accepted into CETUSA's high school cultural exchange program, every student composes a letter to "Their Future Host Family."
This letter is Leo’s! Leo has been approved to enroll in a U.S. high school for the 2026-27 school year. But first, he needs a family in the U.S. to say YES to hosting him!
Could YOURS be that family? If you're open to hosting Leo for 10 months starting this August, DM us or comment below. (Seriously, how cool would it be to learn 3 different cultures from one student?)
06/16/2026
Visit the link below to see just a few of the available students waiting for Host Families through CETUSA for the upcoming 2026-27 school year!
https://www.cetusa.org/high-school-exchange-program/view-available-students-and-countries/
Ana from Spain spent her entire exchange program in Michigan, while her very close cousin was attending college in Delaware. With both girls being extremely busy during the 2025-26 school year, and therefore unable to visit one another until the end-of-the-program. Here is what Host Mom, Elizabeth Blank had to say about the family reunion:
“Ana’s cousin who lives in Delaware flew in to surprise her. Her cousin and Ana are super close, and her cousin just graduated from college and in pursuit of a job. She won’t be going back to Spain anytime soon, so she really wanted to see Ana before she left.”
06/14/2026
On National Flag Day, we celebrate the symbol that represents the United States — and the values of freedom and opportunity.
For exchange students and host families, the American flag often becomes more than just a symbol. It represents new friendships, shared traditions, and a chance to learn from one another across cultures.
By opening our homes and communities to international students, we help build bridges that reach far beyond borders.
Today — we celebrate the Stars & Stripes and global friendships that make our world stronger together!
