News Summary
East Grand Rapids High School is currently running an exchange program aimed at fostering cultural understanding among high school students worldwide. Managed by CETUSA, the program is seeking host families to provide homes for incoming international students. Notable participant Emilie Perret’s transformative experience highlights the program’s impact on personal growth, community bonds, and the importance of global relationships. The initiative not only enhances the lives of exchange students but also enriches the host families, building lasting connections that cross borders.
East Grand Rapids, Michigan – An exchange program at East Grand Rapids High School is fostering cultural exchange and understanding among high school students from around the globe. The program, managed by CETUSA, is currently seeking host families to welcome hundreds of international students, relationships that aim to last a lifetime.
One notable participant in the exchange program is Emilie Perret, a former exchange student from France. Perret found her year in East Grand Rapids to be a transformative and unforgettable experience. Arriving in the U.S. in 2022, she was warmly welcomed at the airport by her host father, who greeted her with a large sign. This initial display of warmth set the tone for her entire stay.
During her time at East Grand Rapids High School, Perret faced the usual challenges of adapting to a new culture. Originally from a family in France with two younger brothers, she felt like an only child at her host home, as her host brother was away in Tennessee. Despite this adjustment, she received significant individual attention from her host family, which helped ease her transition.
Perret participated in various aspects of American family life, from grocery shopping and gardening to enjoying baseball games. Over time, the bond she formed with her host family deepened to the point where she felt they had become her own family. She reflected on her experience as the best year of her life and expressed a desire to relive it.
The sense of community provided by the residents of East Grand Rapids contributed significantly to her enriching experience. Tiffany Summers, CETUSA’s Placement Director, along with Krystal Nyland, the Regional Director for West Michigan, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange programs like this, especially in today’s politically charged climate. They noted that hosting exchange students not only builds lasting relationships but also offers new perspectives on ordinary activities, such as attending football games.
For many exchange students, even small experiences, like riding a school bus for the first time, become vital and memorable parts of their journey. Perret’s experience highlights personal growth, increased confidence, and a newfound independence that many students gain through such programs.
After returning to France, Perret maintained a close relationship with her American host family, visiting each other across countries. This ongoing connection underscores the lasting impact these exchange programs can have, as they create bonds that go beyond borders.
The positive influence of cultural exchange programs extends to students living in smaller towns, providing them with opportunities to experience diverse cultures. Many students emerge from their exchanges with a broader worldview and a greater appreciation for global understanding.
CETUSA continues its efforts to expand this program, seeking host families that are willing to share their home and culture with students from around the world. The exchange program at East Grand Rapids High School is just one example of how fostering international relationships can benefit both students and host families alike, creating a network of understanding and friendship that spans continents.
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Additional Resources
- Fox17: East Grand Rapids Home Exchange Program
- Christianity Today: Calvin University’s International Students Growth Strategy
- Wood TV: Visas of 2 GVSU International Students Revoked
- MLive: International Students’ Visas Revoked at Grand Valley
- ICEF Monitor: Demand for Study Abroad Shifting
- Wikipedia: Student Exchange Program
- Google Search: International Student Exchange Program
- Google Scholar: International Student Exchange Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Student Exchange
- Google News: Student Exchange News
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
