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

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

Achieving Goals

January 13, 2020By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

Benedetta, a 17 year-old from Italy, arrived to Santa Barbara, CA on the PSE program with several goals: Improve her English language skills Become part of an American family Learn new cultures Achieve good grades Try new things According to Emmy, Benedetta’s Local Coordinator, she has achieved these goals plus some during her five months … Read More

A Lasting Impact

December 21, 2019By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

Fifteen year-old Joana is preparing for her return to Spain after spending the last semester attending high school in Anaheim, CA. Her host family, local coordinator, school, and community are sad to see her go, but they hope this isn’t the last they will see of her. During the past five months, Joana has been … Read More

Appreciating Differences

December 10, 2019By Ann SteffenHost families, Students No Comments

Sofia and Aris are 16-year-old students from Rome, Italy attending high school in Eugene, OR. When their school in Rome presented their class with the opportunity to participate on the three-month PSE Trimester program, they both decided it was an adventure they wanted to be a part of. “I wanted to get out of my … Read More

PSE Student Receives Warm Welcome from Host Family

July 24, 2019By Ann SteffenHost families No Comments

Paul and Bonnie Wilkerson of Fort Madison, Iowa, recently welcomed their former PSE student, Jeongwoo Lim from Korea, for a visit and the story was featured in The Fort Madison Daily Democrat. Read the article via the following link: http://www.mississippivalleypublishing.com/daily_democrat/wilkersons-welcome-back-exchange-student/article_a05f6dd2-1ebb-5e4e-b8e9-fdb8b3eab801.html