Cultural Homestay International

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

CHI is excited to see Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed as the 72nd U.S. Secretary of State! As a longtime supporter of international exchange programs, we look forward to his leadership in advancing these initiatives.

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?

We had the pleasure of attending the World Waterpark Association Convention in Las Vegas to showcase CHI’s Work & Travel program! Engaging with waterpark professionals from all over the U.S., we shared our mission and highlighted the value of the program. Interest in Summer 2025 is already brewing, and we look forward to new partnerships that promote cultural exchange and seasonal support for businesses across the US. Interested in learning how our W&T program can help with your seasonal hiring woes? Visit https://lnkd.in/gfgi3MYw to learn more and connect with a Regional Manager today!  #CulturalExchange #CHIworkandtravel #WorldWaterparkAssociation #GlobalTalent

Happy Founders' Day! Today, on CHI's 44th Anniversary, we honor the spirit that started it all. Co-founder Tom Areton shares a message, reflecting on how a simple exchange blossomed into lifelong friendships and a vision for a better world. “When Lilka and I left our “regular” jobs and stepped into the brave new, but uncertain, world on November 1, 1980, our motivation in starting CHI was simply to share with American Host Families the joy our own family felt when we opened our doors to a young Japanese high school girl, Chiharu. Although she could hardly speak English, we quickly realized how similar we were in our humanity, in our dreams and hopes. Our children learned the value of sharing, understanding, and acceptance. Wasn’t this the most direct way to eliminate cultural prejudices and usher in a better world for future generations? Now, 44 years later, we know this to be true. CHI has touched millions of people both here in the U.S. and in 106 countries around the globe. We helped create friendships, and we affected many lives in the most profound ways. Even today, we believe there is hope for the future, and CHI is committed to being on the leading edge of this effort. CHI has gone through many changes, ups and downs, joys and sorrows… We have lost directors, employees, and Board members. But, in addition to our professional staff, we also gained a new CHI generation, children who grew up around us and today continue to carry CHI forward, just as Lilka and I did in 1980, into the brave new world.” Here’s to the millions of lives CHI has touched and to the many more connections waiting to be made in the years to come.  #CHIAnniversary #FoundersDay

We’re stronger together! CHI proudly sponsored Camp Collab — a global staffing conference uniting the U.S. camp community with cultural exchange program sponsors to learn ways to elevate and support approaches to camp programming and staffing.  Department of State representatives from the Educational Cultural Affairs division as well as staff from Alliance for International Exchange, CNET, CIEE and Greenheart joined in collaborative expert-led sessions, talks and workshops all with the intent to strengthen the camp experience for all stakeholders, including international camp counselors and support staff.  Camp Collab offered a fresh network, perspective and mindset to the camp world as CHI prepares to partner with our host camps for the 2025 season. #CHICampLeaders #ExchangeOurWorld #CampCollab

Seeing the world through new perspectives can make our communities even stronger. #GlobalExchangesLocalImpact #ExchangesImpact #ExchangesMatter

Exchange programs, such as our STEP (Short Term Enrichment Program), offer more than just the opportunity to improve language skills—they provide a glimpse into the diverse experiences that shape American culture. From exploring the historic streets of Salem, Massachusetts, to baking cinnamon rolls to celebrate fall, participants like Paola from Italy immerse themselves in the rich traditions and diversity that define American life. #GlobalExchangesLocalImpact #ExchangesMatter #exchangesimpact #getouttherechi #chistep

More than 1.3 million student and professional participants are immersed in American society and culture every year, with over 1 million of those studying in U.S. colleges and universities. #GlobalExchangesLocalImpact #ExchangesImpact #ExchangesMatter