Exchange Student February Cultural Activity
| Dear exchange students, host families, and local coordinators, We’ve had some amazing cultural experiences recently! Our local coordinator, Tanja, put together a great lesson on Texas history, and Theresa and our program director, Diedra, visited their students. Exchange student Ariel shared a beautiful Chinese New Year tradition by writing Spring couplets for her host family. Meanwhile, Sofia was overjoyed to see snow for the first time! It’s been wonderful seeing everyone embrace new cultures. Important Dates in February. February 14th: Valentine’s Day – Celebrate love and friendship with your host family. Please express appreciation for your wonderful host family. Here are some easy ways to show appreciation this month! – A heartfelt thank-you note/card thanking your host family for having you! – Offer to help without being asked . – Give a hug. Yes-it can be that simple. – Tell them what you think they are particularly great at. – Write notes to leave on the fridge, keyboard, or in a lunch box. – Give them a handmade gift. Super Bowl is this month- The Super Bowl is a fun way to spend time with family and friends and the most highly anticipated annual event in American football. Every football team wants to get to the Super Bowl, and only one team leaves with the victory and a Super Bowl ring telling the world they are the greatest football team. Sit down with your host family or friends and tune in to the most-watched game of the year. Help your family get ready for the BIG Game. Make snacks and team posters, and wear the colors of the team you are cheering for. Scheduled for February 9, 2025, this will be Super Bowl LIX (59) and will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event will feature the top two teams from the NFL competing for the championship, along with a spectacular halftime show and unforgettable commercials. Whether you’re a football fan or just watching for entertainment, the Super Bowl is a major part of American culture! Show Your Creativity – Win $500! CSIET is hosting its 23rd Annual Art Cover Contest, and you have a chance to win $500! This is a great opportunity to showcase your creativity, and if you win, your artwork will be featured on CSIET’s website, social media, and in their 2025-2026 Advisory List. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity—start creating today! Let us know if you’re interested, and we’ll share more details. Good luck! For more information, visit Art Cover Design Contest | CSIET |
Welcome 2025-SAE January Cultural Activities
If your exchange students were still in their home countries during Christmas, they probably would have unwrapped gifts with their parents and enjoyed their traditional holiday meals. But the past half-year was something new and special! Thanks to our caring host families, the students enjoyed trying new foods, going caroling, seeing snow for the first time, going to midnight Christmas Eve services, and playing family board games.
We’re so thankful to our families for opening your hearts and homes to these students. We are also thankful to the local coordinators for all your support. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and fantastic New Year for everyone!🎉
Read More
From Exchange Student Irene
This exchange year was the best decision and experience I ever had. It can be scary at first, but once it starts everything is amazing. I learned so much during this year, not only the US culture and traditions, and to speak and communicate with a much more fluent english, but also how to be independent and mature.
As I mentioned you learn how to be independent and that is so helpful. Since you start knowing nobody you need to be brave and mature to build your relationships with the people you meet during the year. I’ve always been really shy, but making the effort to be brave made me meet the sweetest people, my friends. They’ve helped me a lot to grow as a person this year too!
Also, thanks to my host family I had the chance to learn the different traditions and culture in the US households, as well as traveling and getting to know new states and other amazing parts from the US.
Being an exchange student is the best decision I ever took, and I would definitely recommend it to everyone!”.
Read More
