CIEE Bridge USA High School

10/01/2026

The outfits. The photos. The excitement before the big night. ✨

Homecoming is more than a school dance. It’s one of those all-American high school moments your exchange student will remember long after the music stops. And as a host family, you get a front-row seat. ❤️

Share your photos in the comments!

09/25/2026

Hosting isn't about curating a Pinterest-worthy experience.

📸 Share your favorite hosting photos and show us what hosting really looks like.

🔗 And then read Shannon Johnston's story about not needing to be a perfect parent:

In this Q&A, an Iowa host mother/local coordinator reflects on raising teenagers from around the world – and why she believes more families should open their doors to hosting.

09/22/2026

"It's all about connecting people," says Laurel Sapp, a CIEE BridgeUSA High School local coordinator.

For more than 20 years, Laurel has helped students and host families build relationships that last long after the exchange ends.

As an LC, you can help create those connections in your own community. Learn more: http://ciee.org/local-coordinator?utm_campaign=hsib-fy26&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=laurel-sapp-lc

09/21/2026

Fall in the U.S. is full of traditions. 🍂 What fall activity has been your favorite so far with your exchange student?

Share your favorite fall tradition (or photos!) in the comments!

09/16/2026

Game nights are a fun, screen-free way to connect with your exchange student. 🎲🧩🃏♟️

Share in the comments which games or activities have been a hit in your home!

09/15/2026

Culture shock is a normal part of the exchange experience, but it can be tough for both students and host families.

If your student seems homesick, frustrated, withdrawn, or overwhelmed, they may be experiencing one of the four stages of culture shock. Knowing what to expect can help you better support them through the ups and downs of adjusting to life in the U.S.

🔗 Read our blog to learn about the 4 stages of culture shock, and download a practical guide with tips to help your student feel supported, connected, and at home: https://www.ciee.org/partner/hosts/host-families/blog/what-culture-shock-guide-help-your-exchange-students-get-comfortable-us?utm_campaign=hsib-fy27&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=culture-shock-2026

09/14/2026

What does it take to be a local coordinator?

If you enjoy helping people, meeting students from around the world, making a difference in your community – and getting paid for it – becoming an LC could be a great fit for you. 🌎

👉🏿 Learn what local coordinators do, why they love it, and how to get started: https://www.ciee.org/partner/hosts/host-families/blog/what-does-local-student-exchange-coordinator-do-and-how-become-one?utm_campaign=hsib-fy26&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=what-lc-does

09/11/2026

As a CIEE BridgeUSA local coordinator, Tiffany Reynolds has seen how cultural exchange reaches far beyond the host family.

In her community, exchange students have become part of church activities, built relationships with local teens, and shared perspectives that help people learn about different cultures firsthand.

"It's not just them impacting your life, but you're impacting them as well," she said.

▶ If you enjoy connecting with people, supporting students, and helping create meaningful cultural exchange experiences, consider becoming a local coordinator with CIEE BridgeUSA: https://www.ciee.org/partner/hosts/become-local-coordinator?utm_campaign=hsib-fy26&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=tiffany-reynolds-lc

09/10/2026

What new tradition, food, or activity turns your mood around as an exchange student in the U.S.? Share it in the comments!

09/09/2026

What does being a host mom really add to your life? 💙

For Maggie Foster, hosting BridgeUSA exchange students has helped her family grow in ways she never expected. Her most recent student, Antonio from Spain, became part of the family, building strong friendships with his host brothers and sharing his culture along the way.

Hosting has helped Foster's children become more compassionate, open-minded, and understanding of people from different backgrounds. And for host mom Foster, the experience has filled her home with connection, learning, and joy.

🔗 Interested in becoming a host family? Contact CIEE to learn more: https://www.ciee.org/host-today?utm_campaign=hsib-fy27&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=maggie-foster-long