Double the Fun

March 5, 2021By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

Jamie and Caroline, or “Caro” as her friends call her, are PSE students from Germany attending a small private high school in Camden, Maine. Caro is a Sophomore and had never visited America prior to this exchange year.  Jamie, a Junior, had visited the United States with her dad and sister to visit relatives in … Read More

Soccer, Family, and American Friends

January 5, 2021By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

Alvaro, a senior from Spain attending high school in Pennsylvania, decided to join the PSE program “to learn English and the American culture, and to make American friends.” He has made huge strides in accomplishing all of his goals since arriving on the program last Fall. Recently, he celebrated a traditional American Thanksgiving holiday with … Read More

Second Year, Going Strong

December 3, 2020By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

Wendy, from China, is a Sophomore in high school in Tennessee and a second-year PSE student. Wendy made an impression on her teachers, peers and community from the time she first arrived on the PSE program last year. In fact, she was featured in a blog post her Freshman year for her accomplishments, which you … Read More

An Immediate Bond

November 6, 2020By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

Elisa, a senior from Italy attending school in Ohio, has experienced at least a full year of adventures in the three short months she has been on the PSE Trimester program. She has made friends at school, participated in theater and orchestra, attended football games, and has gone on countless excursions with her host family, … Read More

A Drive to Meet Others

November 3, 2020By Ann SteffenHost families, Students 1 Comment

Ruiyang, or Peter as his friends know him, is from China and currently completing his junior year of high school in North Carolina. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges to meeting people, Peter has made several successful efforts to connect with others. Because of the altered school schedule and social distancing protocols in … Read More

Adjusting to COVID-19 Times

June 11, 2020By Ann SteffenStudents No Comments

Nina, a 15 year-old from France, arrived to Rochester, NY on the PSE Trimester program with a strong desire to live as an American and improve her English skills. “I had visited other countries, but this is my first time in the U.S. The PSE program corresponded with my desires of becoming comfortable with the … Read More

A Passion for Law

April 21, 2020By Ann SteffenStudents No Comments

Sujin, or Irene as her friends know her, is a 16-year-old sophomore from South Korea attending school in Wisconsin. Irene shares that after spending a year in Washington state with her natural family, and attending public school as an 8th grader, she decided to become an exchange student. “I just enjoyed how education was done … Read More

Never Say Never

March 6, 2020By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

Sofia, a senior from Italy studying in Rochester, NY, had two goals for her PSE program experience: to improve her English skills and live a unique experience. She has done a great job of achieving both. One of the first things she did upon arrival was join the volleyball team, which quickly resulted in her … Read More

A Stage from which to View the World

February 14, 2020By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

Wendy, a 15-year-old girl from China who attends high school in Tennessee, is described by her host mother, Jennifer, as a “smart, strong, and fearless Freshman student.” Jennifer has been surprised by Wendy’s strength and independent nature while transitioning and adjusting to American culture and to their family. “Wendy is a great addition to our … Read More

Confidence Breeds Success

February 6, 2020By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

When Jiawen, or Angela, arrived to Grants Pass, Oregon two years ago, she was quiet, shy, and spent most of her time observing other students. Fast-forward to today and you will find that Angela, a senior preparing to graduate this May, has found her voice and left an indelible mark on Grants Pass and everyone … Read More