Activities and Sports

When exchange students arrive in their community and high school they need to start building relationships from scratch. CIEE believes that the best way to do this is to become involved in the community and participate in various activities, events, and sports. We encourage students to sign up for sport teams, engage in after school activities, participate in high school events (i.e. homecoming and prom), volunteer, etc.

The Community Service Project

CIEE strongly believes that by volunteering their time to community service, our students will become more involved in the American way of life. Therefore, we require that they participate in a “Community Service Project” (eight hours per semester) to ensure that they reciprocate the exchange to their host community. Volunteering is a great way for exchange students to build strong relationships within the community while sharing a piece of their own unique culture. There are many options for students to complete the Community Service Project:

Give a workshop about their home country at school or in the community
Teach their home country language to members of the community
Help distribute educational materials for a topic that they find important or interesting
Set up and clean up at community, school, and church events
Help with a community cleanup project
Help at a wide range of volunteer organizations such as environmental organizations, nursing homes, animal shelters, second-hand stores, soup kitchens, etc.
Collect clothing and/or toys for people in need

You can help exchange students with their Community Service Project by identifying opportunities for them to share their international experience with other students at your school or members of the community.

Getting Students Involved

CIEE suggests that exchange students inquire about what sports clubs and activities are available for them at school and join at least one club during their program. This is a great way for them to find friends, become a part of the school and experience school life. Social and sports activities in a U.S. high school may be organized differently from what the exchange students are used to. Some students already know what sports or clubs they would like to join while others may need more guidance and may ask their guidance counselor or teachers for additional information.

CIEE does not guarantee participation in extracurricular activities or athletics. Students should follow their host high school guidelines for participation in sports clubs.

“I realize now, that one person can make a difference, and even if I only help just one other person, my mission will be complete. When I return home, I will tell my friends and family of the genuinely amazing country that is America. I will tell of how people are willing to give part of their life to help others…”

- Adam, Slovakia, USA High School Participant