--- title: "Best of the Blog: Ten Top Posts" description: Whether you are hosting an exchange student or just want to become more culturally saavy, you'll love reading our most popular blog posts! image: https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/Top%2010.png --- [![ices@2x](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/ICES_Logo_%20sm_wht.png?width=77&name=ICES_Logo_%20sm_wht.png)](https://www.icesusa.org/)   - [INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS](https://www.icesusa.org/international-student-exchange-programs/) - [HOST A STUDENT](https://www.icesusa.org/host-a-student-overview/) - [AMERICAN STUDENTS](https://www.icesusa.org/american-student-exchange-programs/) - [WORK WITH US](https://www.icesusa.org/student-exchange-careers-and-partnerships/) - [ABOUT US](https://www.icesusa.org/about-us-overview/) - [CONTACT US](https://www.icesusa.org/contact-ices/) - [BLOG](https://blog.icesusa.org) [Let's Talk](https://blog.icesusa.org/contact)subscribe ### I’d like to learn more about Campaign Creators! read # Best of the Blog: Ten Top Posts By [Kari Owens](https://blog.icesusa.org/author/kari-owens) ![](https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/Top%2010.png) If you love a good story, we’ve got it. If you love to learn, we can help. If you’re curious about other perspectives, step right this way. . . For several years now, we’ve been cranking out weekly blog posts to share our love of culture, exchange students, and host families--and all the fun the combination of those things brings.   Just in case you missed them the first time around, today we’re highlighting some of our most popular past blog posts. So grab some java, settle into your favorite chair, and prepare to be delighted!   ## **Americans Do the Strangest Things** ![confused man](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/confused-1.jpg?width=1002&name=confused-1.jpg) Ever wonder what the rest of the world thinks of typical American customs? Here’s your chance to find out, as this post shares some of the most “normal” American habits that makes the rest of the world raise their eyebrows.  Read the post [here](https://blog.icesusa.org/americans-do-the-strangest-things).     ## **Are Foreign Exchange Students Still Coming This Fall?** ![boy with backpack at airport](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/airport%20boy.jpg?width=948&name=airport%20boy.jpg) In 2020, as the pandemic dragged on from spring into fall, this was the question of the hour. This article shares the reasons many exchange students still wanted to come to the U.S. and what they hoped to gain—even in the middle of a pandemic.  Even though things are more-or-less back to normal, there's still so much good stuff in this post, [right here](https://blog.icesusa.org/are-foreign-exchange-students-still-coming-this-fall).     ## **Hosting an Exchange Student Leads to Happily Ever After** ![bride and groom with ocean behind](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Bob7%20(2).jpg?width=1290&name=Bob7%20(2).jpg) This too-good-to-be-true story sounds like something from a fairytale or romance novel—but it’s 100% real-life true!  We don't want to give too much away, so just grab a tissue and read the whole story [here](https://blog.icesusa.org/hosting-an-exchange-student-leads-to-happily-ever-after).     ## **European Gift-Giving Customs** ![woman gives gift to a teenage boy](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/woman%20gives%20gift%20to%20a%20teenage%20boy.jpg?width=739&name=woman%20gives%20gift%20to%20a%20teenage%20boy.jpg) Everyone loves getting gifts, but who knew gift-giving varies so much around the world? This fascinating post takes a look at when, how, and what people give as gifts on the other side of the pond.  Check out the post [here](https://blog.icesusa.org/european-gift-giving-customs).     ## **American Values that Intrigue, Baffle or Shock the World** ![american flag to represent american cultural values](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/american%20flag%20to%20represent%20american%20cultural%20values.jpg?width=740&name=american%20flag%20to%20represent%20american%20cultural%20values.jpg) What’s important to Americans? It’s true we are a diverse nation, but you might be surprised to learn how many values we share, despite all our diversity.  A fascinating read [right here](https://blog.icesusa.org/american-values-that-intrigue-baffle-or-shock-the-world-).     ## **Take Two: Hosting After a Storm** ![host mom with son from Thailand](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/host%20mom%20with%20son%20from%20Thailand.png?width=730&name=host%20mom%20with%20son%20from%20Thailand.png) When hosting an exchange student ends badly, it’s tempting to throw in the towel and never try again. This family shares why they dared to give hosting another shot—and why it was worth it!  Read their story [here](https://blog.icesusa.org/take-two-hosting-after-a-storm).     ## **Exchange Students & Contact with Home: Helpful or Harmful?** ![teen girl with cell phone](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/teen-girl-with-mobile-phone-P7ECMDM.jpg?width=1685&name=teen-girl-with-mobile-phone-P7ECMDM.jpg) This is a hot-button topic that comes up ALL. THE. TIME.  Seriously, it's one of the most common issues we deal with in this new digital age.  If you’re a host family or an exchange student, you really should read [this post](https://blog.icesusa.org/how-often-should-my-exchange-student-contact-home).     ## **Don’t Make My Mistake!** ![frustrated mom with hand over face](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/frustrated%20mom.png?width=940&name=frustrated%20mom.png) A real-life host mom opens up and shares this oh-so-common mistake.  If you're a host family who's been there, done that, this post will reassure you that you're not alone.  And whether you're a seasoned host family or a first-timer, you can learn some very helpful tips and tools [here](https://blog.icesusa.org/dont-make-my-mistake).     ## **A Guide to Parenting Around the World** ![mother and child holding hands in nature](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/simon-rae-Ppckx1ce6SM-unsplash.jpg?width=2738&name=simon-rae-Ppckx1ce6SM-unsplash.jpg) Hosting an exchange student (or reading this blog post) will demonstrate that when it comes turning children into happy, productive adults, there’s more than one way to get the job done. Take a peek at some parenting philosophies from around the world.  It's all [right here](https://blog.icesusa.org/a-guide-to-parenting-around-the-world).   ## **8 Reasons I Love Being a Host Mom** ![mom with sons kissing each cheek](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/gabe4%20(2).jpg?width=720&name=gabe4%20(2).jpg) There are many reasons families choose to host an exchange student. This host mom shares her top 8.  You can probably guess some of her reasons, but I'm betting some will take you by surprise.  Read the post [here](https://blog.icesusa.org/8-reasons-i-love-being-a-host-mom).   --- Which post was your favorite?  Got ideas for future posts? Share in the comments below!   Still hungry for more? Check out our complete blog index [here](https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/Blog%20Index.pdf).   Have every blog post delivered right to your inbox!  Subscribe to the blog [here](https://blog.icesusa.org/).         Tags: [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange) ### Related Articles ## [Why January Is the Best Time to Say Yes to Hosting](https://blog.icesusa.org/why-january-is-the-best-time-to-say-yes-to-hosting) *( read )* Topics: [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange) ## [How Different Cultures Celebrate the New Year](https://blog.icesusa.org/how-different-cultures-celebrate-the-new-year) *( read )* Topics: [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange) ## [Winter Break Bucket List](https://blog.icesusa.org/winter-break-bucket-list) *( read )* Topics: [Cultural Exchange](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange) ### Subscribe to The Chronicles of Marketing Newsletter ### Posts by Tag - [Cultural Exchange (141)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/cultural-exchange) - [Exchange Student (106)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/exchange-student) - [Host Families (97)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-families) - [Host an exchange student (78)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/host-an-exchange-student) - [Youth Exchange (68)](https://blog.icesusa.org/tag/youth-exchange) ## Subscribe to Our Blog Today! ![Boris_ICES_Ads](https://blog.icesusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Boris_ICES_Ads.png?width=749&height=698&name=Boris_ICES_Ads.png) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kari Owens", "url" : "https://blog.icesusa.org/author/kari-owens" }, "dateModified" : "2022-09-09T14:26:02.022Z", "datePublished" : "2022-09-09T14:26:02.000Z", "headline" : "Best of the Blog: Ten Top Posts", "image" : [ "https://blog.icesusa.org/hubfs/Top%2010.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.icesusa.org/best-of-the-blog-ten-top-posts", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "International Cultural Exchange Services" } } ```