Cultural Homestay International

🎉 Happy Exchange Day! At CHI, we’re celebrating all week long with our Eat. Play. Give. challenge! Not every participant can attend an in-person or virtual event, so we’ve created a flexible way for them to celebrate cultural exchange on their own time. From now through August 10, participants are invited to: 🍽️ EAT – Share a dish from their home country or try something new 🎉 PLAY – Explore their host communities and connect with others 💝 GIVE – Spread kindness through simple acts of service This challenge is open to all CHI participants, past and present. We invite our hosts and international partners to join in or follow along as we celebrate cultural exchange together! We’ll be posting a recap soon, so be sure to tag us and use #ExchangeDay2025 #EatPlayGive #ThisIsCHI #ExchangesImpact so we can see how you’re celebrating!

🎉 Join us today for CHI’s Virtual Exchange Day event! We’re celebrating the power of cultural exchange with stories, connection, and community from across the globe. This event is open to all participants, alumni, hosts, and our international partners. We’d love to see you there! 🕛 When: Monday, August 4 at 12:00 PM (Pacific) 🔗 Join here: https://lnkd.in/gEHBH9yV #ExchangeDay2025 #ThisIsCHI #ExchangesImpact #EatPlayGive

This morning, our founder Tom Areton and CHI team members had the pleasure of sharing breakfast with representatives from our valued partner organization, iHappy Education Thailand 🇹🇭 iHappy plays a key role in connecting participants from Thailand with CHI’s Work & Travel and Internship and Training Program. We’re grateful for their partnership and their ongoing commitment to cultural exchange!

The government's FY26 budget proposal includes a major reduction to international exchange program funding—a change that could limit opportunities in the future for our program participants, hosts, and local communities across the U.S. This is just a proposal, and there's still time to make a difference. These programs build mutual understanding, strengthen diplomacy, and support American communities. Let Congress know you support full funding for exchange programs: https://lnkd.in/g8Sdbpri

CHI Advocates for International Exchange on Capitol Hill 🇺🇸 Last week, three CHI team members joined industry leaders in Washington, D.C., for Advocacy Day 2025, meeting with legislators to emphasize the critical role of international exchange programs in the U.S. economy, workforce, and public diplomacy. 🔹 Kelly Asmus, Supervising Operations Manager for Work and Travel, highlighted the event’s record-breaking turnout of 160+ advocates, underscoring the strong presence of exchange program supporters on Capitol Hill. 🔹 Scott Morton, CHI Camp Leaders Program Operations Associate, met with Texas Senator John Cornyn’s office and Congressman John Carter’s staff to discuss the role of BridgeUSA in strengthening public diplomacy and global partnerships. These meetings reinforced how cultural exchange programs help foster international understanding, support U.S. foreign policy goals, and create lasting connections between communities worldwide. 🔹 Lindsay Ibanescu, Regional Manager for Work and Travel, met with representatives from South Carolina, including the offices of Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and Congressman Russell Fry. With Myrtle Beach welcoming 500+ CHI Summer Work Travel participants annually, she emphasized the program’s economic and cultural contributions to local businesses and communities. CHI remains committed to advocating for exchange programs that strengthen businesses, support communities, and build international connections. These programs don’t just change lives—they help shape the future of global collaboration. #CulturalExchange #BridgeUSA #AdvocacyDay #ExchangesImpact #CHI #ExchangesMatter #2025AdvocacyDay

There’s still time to meet with the CHI Camp Leaders team at the American Camp Association National Conference happening now in Dallas, Texas! Stop by booth 411, and we would be happy to chat about how our incredible international camp counselors and support staff can bring a global perspective to American camps this summer.

CHI understands that recent news about immigration enforcement may be causing concern or confusion. With so much happening rapidly, it’s easy to feel uncertain. We want to take a moment to reassure our participants and hosts that CHI’s exchange visitors are here legally on a non-immigrant J-1 visa. This visa is part of the BridgeUSA program, which was created to promote cultural exchange. The individuals Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) is targeting are not J-1 visa holders. That said, if it brings peace of mind, we encourage participants to carry a copy of their passport and DS-2019 form with them. While we do not expect any issues, having these documents on hand can serve as an extra layer of reassurance. We remain committed to supporting our participants and hosts. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Keep CHI’s toll-free number handy if you have questions or concerns.

Join CHI in the Movement! Show your support for cultural exchange. In 2023 alone, BridgeUSA exchange participants brought $811.2 million into the U.S. economy and contributed $277 million in federal taxes. These programs don’t just connect cultures—they sustain local businesses, empower families, and enrich communities. CHI proudly supports Americans for Cultural Exchange in uniting employers, families, associations, and community leaders to champion the essential U.S. Department of State BridgeUSA programs, including CHI’s: - Au Pair - Camp Counselor - High School - Intern & Trainee - Work & Travel Join us today to ensure cultural exchange programs continue to thrive. Visit https://lnkd.in/gf4WYqzH to make a difference. These programs fuel our economy, strengthen communities, and foster global understanding. They’re not just important—they’re essential. #ExchangeOurWorld #ExchangesImpact

In memoriam. We share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and CHI family member, Cathy Johnson. Cathy dedicated her life to bringing people together, fostering cultural exchange, and spreading joy wherever she went. Cathy’s CHI journey began in the 1980s, and she quickly became a cornerstone of our Group Homestay Program and later our Academic Year Program (AYP). Under her leadership, the Sacramento, CA territory thrived, and Cathy supported and inspired countless students and host families with her expertise, kindness, and contagious smile. More than her remarkable achievements, Cathy’s true legacy lies in the love and connection she fostered. Susan Campbell, who succeeded Cathy as a Program Administrator, shared, “Cathy was an amazing woman who knew how to make others feel loved. She was the life of the party and had a talent for making others laugh and enjoy life with her.” Cathy brought unmatched creativity and warmth to CHI events, infusing our AYP conferences with laughter, elaborate games, scavenger hunts, and costumes. Micki Lalonde, former AYP Director, recalled, “She created the most elaborate and hilarious activities to build our sense of team... Cathy made everyone feel included and important.” Program Administrator Mauna Davin beautifully summarized Cathy’s impact: “She was a bright, shiny light that drew you in and shed nothing but love on you. She was fun, creative, competitive, loving, kind, and simply full of joy.” Even after her retirement in 2016, Cathy continued to support CHI by helping organize annual AYP conferences, demonstrating her unstoppable spirit and unwavering dedication to CHI’s mission. Her influence will forever be woven into the fabric of our organization. To Cathy’s family and all who knew and loved her, we extend our deepest condolences. Rest in peace, Cathy. You will always be remembered as the heart and soul of CHI.

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving!  Gratitude is a universal language that knows no borders. Today, we reflect on our extended CHI family and their support for cultural exchange, as well as the lifelong connections created through our programs. We are deeply thankful for every connection and every CHI family member who contributes to the impact of cultural exchange. What are you grateful for today?