1. A-SMYLE Student of the Month – October 2014

   Natasa from Serbia embraces her exchange experience whole-heartedly, volunteering in her host community and joining many clubs at school including yearbook, photography, and choir.

2. January 2025 CBYX German Participant of the Month

   We are pleased to announce Julian Schmid as the January 2025 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) German Participant of the Month! Julian, a CBYX Young Professionals program participant from Schongau, Bavaria and placed by Cultural Vistas, is hosted by the Ramsey Family in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

3. Unpublished

   FLEX Student of the Month –April 2016

   Davit, a States’ 4-H placed Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) student from Georgia, always has a positive attitude and smile for everyone around him. He is eager to learn and proudly represents his home country.

4. January American Abroad Student of the Month: Elizabeth Stifel

   Lizzie Stifel, a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad Program (YES Abroad) participant from Easton, Pennsylvania, is the U.S. Department of State’s January 2020 American Abroad Student of the Month.

5. Unpublished

   Caitlyn Carpio Interview

   Caitlyn Carpio, who studied Mandarin in Suzhou, China through the CLS program, experienced firsthand the power of cultural exchange in sparking new friendships and reaching mutual understanding.

6. Unpublished

   Lasting Friendships in the Middle East

   The diversity of the U.S. is a phenomenon I have yet to see anywhere else and visiting our country gives an inside snapshot of the world. People should feel comfortable knowing that they are welcome here.

7. Building Strong Ties Through Friendship

   A “teacher at heart,” John Balsam has long been interested in hosting international visitors. Sharing his experiences with them and learning from them, he says, has given him a new perspective on the United States and the challenges it faces.

8. Unpublished

   From Professional Fellow to Lifelong Friend

   Leslie Jensen, Vice President and Commercial Banker at First Interstate Bank, has always been interested in learning more about people and places outside of the United States. After hearing about the Professional Fellows Economic Empowerment Program, she felt a strong connection to the goals of the program and decided to host a participant from Burma.

9. FLEX April Student of the Month

   We are pleased to announce Faziia Kasymova from Kyrgyzstan as the April FLEX Student of the Month!

10. While You're There

    A wonderful experience is sure to ensue once you’ve reached your new host country.

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