ICES Blog | Kari Owens

Kari Owens

Kari is the National Training Director for International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES). She’s passionate about youth exchange and has experienced it from every angle. In high school, she spent an academic year in Rancagua, Chile as an exchange student, and has since been a host mom to more than a dozen exchange students. She and her husband also supported both of their daughters during their exchange years to Germany and Ecuador. Currently, Kari spends her days providing training to ICES field staff to equip them to provide outstanding support to students and host families throughout the U.S.

Recent Posts

By Kari Owens On April 10, 2020

Why Social Distancing Feels So Hard--and Tips for Getting Through It

Each fall, I welcome a new group of exchange students to the Oregon coast and watch them begin the process of adapting to...

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Tags: Cultural Exchange, Culture Shock, Youth Exchange

By Kari Owens On November 20, 2019

Double Placements--Twice the Fun!

Two exchange students living with the same host family bring double the opportunity to learn about other cultures. This type...

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Tags: Host Families, Cultural Exchange, Exchange Student,

By Kari Owens On October 28, 2019

Eight Tips for Becoming Fluent Faster

Many exchange students say one of their top reasons for spending a year in the U.S. is to gain fluency in English. Being...

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Tags: Cultural Exchange, Student Support, Exchange Student

By Kari Owens On October 17, 2019

Culture Shock - What's Bugging You?

For most exchange students, October and November are the most difficult months of the exchange. Cultural differences that were...

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Tags: Host Families, Cultural Exchange, Student Support,

By Kari Owens On October 4, 2019

The Key to a Great Exchange

Every exchange student hopes to have an awesome exchange experience, including a great relationship with the host family, lots...

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Tags: Student Support, Exchange Student

By Kari Owens On September 28, 2019

Student Orientation

New language. New customs. New foods. New family. New school. New rules. New friends. The list of things an exchange...

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Tags: Host Families, Cultural Exchange

By Kari Owens On September 18, 2019

Starting on the Right Track

The exchange begins! After weeks or months of waiting, the exchange student is finally here. It is such an exciting time for...

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Tags: Host Families, Cultural Exchange

By Kari Owens On July 31, 2019

Arrival Day

The day you—and your student—have been waiting for is almost here: arrival day! There are few things more exciting than...

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