BROOKINGS – International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) welcomes Julie Erickson as a new local coordinator.
“I grew up in South Dakota and I have lived in Brookings for 23 years. I have also lived in Oklahoma, Colorado and Germany. I am the director of the Brookings Police Department Foundation, own a travel agency, and manage a convenience store in town, she said.
“I have three grown children, each of which hosted a Japanese exchange student, my oldest son having also gone to Japan as an exchange student. I look forward to hosting more students and to helping other students and families experience the wonderful opportunity of hosting. I also have a very precious grandson who is a true miracle.
“I am excited to work with exchange students because it is so much fun getting to know the students and their culture as well as watching them learn about us and our culture. It is fun to see their excitement about all they are doing, seeing and learning,” Erickson said in a release
She said she is excited opportunity to work with international high school students and the local families that host them and feels that having exchange students in our local schools and communities increases mutual understanding and improves relationships between countries. Erickson will be working with families and schools in Brookings and in the surrounding area. Erickson is currently looking for families that would like to host for the school year of 2021.
Exchange students live as a member of the host family – not a guest or boarder. They participate in family activities, follow host family rules, and help with chores.
Students have their own medical insurance and spending money to cover all personal expenses; host families provide room and board and loving parental guidance to the student. As the local coordinator, Erickson is available to answer questions, give advice, and provide general support to students and host families throughout the experience.
For more information about hosting or working with ICES, contact Julie Erickson.
