My name is Mr. Ferreyra. In the year 2006 I had the opportunity of participating in an I.S.S.E.  to Australia,  as chaperone, during my stay I met the most wonderful people. My responsibility was to take care of the Mexican delegation.

At  Regency Park School  I  met the staff, and they were very kind, to me, which I appreciated very much.

Students had the great opportunity of practicing English, developed themselves and learning a different culture in which they did very well.

"It was one of the  greatest experiences of my life"

México,Colegio Springfield  /  Australia, Regency park

We have hosted 6 students from Japan, Peru, Mexico (*3), and the USA. We've sent 2 of our 4 children to Mexico and the USA. It can be hard work, but like most things in life, the more you put in the more you get out. The benefits of the exchange program far out weigh the effort required. Each of the 6 students were different, for some the language barrier was huge, but it is amazing how laughter can get the message across. For others there were no barriers, a good sense of humour and an attitude to make the most of the opportunity make the distance from host to home seem so very small. Before you know it the 3 weeks are up, and the guest is packing their bags. They have become a true part of the family in the short period of time and parting can be a challenge. For the next 2 weeks you will find underpants, shirts and other articles in places you never expected, little tokens of the wonderful time shared with someone so young.

As parents we send our children off into the big wide world, out of the comfort of the bubble we cocoon them in. The apron strings are cut and their little independence allowed to assert itself. Communication may or may not be frequent, it depends on the teachers and the host family. Some believe no contact is the right thing, for others frequent contact is the way to go - but can have its down side. The internet and social networking allows an overview of the experiences, but the return has to be the best part. For some they didn't want to leave and can be a challenge on their return, for others the experience was one to be shared with everyone.

I recall the foreign language dictionaries, the laughter, the cultural cringe, the humour, the tears of joy, home sickness, and sadness of the departure, but most of all the friendships made that will endure for a long time to come.

HELLO MY NAME IS ERNESTO, PARTICIPANT OF AN ISSE EXCHANGE TO AUSTRALIA IN 1997.  MY EXPERIENCE WAS INCREDIBLE SINCE THE FIRST MOMENT.  I WILL NEVER FORGET HOW DIFFERENT THIS COUNTRY WAS FROM MINE.  IT SEEMED SO WEARD TO ME WHEN I SAW THE CARS GOING ALL THE WAY AROUND, THERE WAS THE VEGEMITE THAT ALL KIDS IN AUSTRALIA LOVED, THE TRUTH IS THAT I DID NOT LIKE IT. I WILL NEVER FORGET  THE FAMILY I WAS WITH, THEY WERE SO KIND TO ME. THE SCHOOL SEEMED SMALL COMPARING TO MINE BUT BEAUTIFUL.  WHAT I LIKED THE MOST WAS THE AMAZING ANIMALS YOU CAN FIND ONLY IN AUSTRALIA.  I WAS SO HAPPY. I AM DEEPLY THANKFUL TO ISSE, THAT WAS A WONDERFUL TRIP!!!

 HELLO  I AM GABY. I WENT  TO ASTRALIA IN MARCH 1997, IN AN ISSE EXCHANGE . IT WAS AN UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCE.

 I LIKED  EVERYTHING. SINCE THE BEGINnING TO THE END. I MET A LOVELY FAMILY FOR ABOUT THREEE WEEKS, THEY WERE A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY TO ME DURING THIS TIME. I LOVED THE SCHOOL, I ALSO EJOYED TO SHARE MY COUNTRY CULTURE WITH THEM.  ISSE ORGANIZATION AND BOTH SCHOOL  ORGANIZATIONS  WERE GREAT.  EVERYTHING WORKED OUT SO WELL. THE AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES I MET WERE POLITE AND NICE, THEY LIKED TO SHOW THEIR COUNTRY TO ALL OF US, THEY TOOK US TO MANY PLACES.  I THANK ISSE AND THE LOVELY FAMILIES WE WERE WITH. 

 HELLO, I AM ANA. I HAD THE OPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EXCHANGE IN MARCH 1997 TO AUTRALIA.

WHAT I LIKED THE MOST WAS THE FAMILY THAT I WAS WITH, ALSO THE SCHOOL THAT I WENT TO. I HAD THE CHANCE OF GETTING TO KNOW THE CLASSMATES THAT I WENT WITH MUCH BETTER.

I LOVED THE EXPERIENCE OF KNOWING A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY SUCH AS AUSTRALIA. I THANK MY PARENTS, MY SCHOOL SPRINGFIELD , THE SCHOOL THAT I WENT TO, THE FAMILY THAT HOSTED  ME, AND THE TEACHER THAT LOOKED  AFTER ME DURING THAT BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE.

 My name is Karla. The trip to Australia was one of the  best experiences I have had. I had a lot of fun.  I met a lot of wonderful people and friends. I went to a lot of places there.  My Australian family was very friendly to me. They really took care of me .They also took me to the beach and to many other places. I had a lot of fun with them.

“It was fantastic”

México, Colegio  Springfield  /  Australia Regency  Park 

 My name is Mariana.One of my best experiences is when I went to Australia. I Iearned a lot of things.  My family from Australia just treated me wonderfully, they took me to many places and I had a lot of fun with them.  At Regency Park School I learned about their culture and the way they are.

 “It was great”

México, Colegio Springfield /  Australia, Regency Park 

 Ambre ISSE Co-ordinator Australia -

What other program allows students from all over the world to experience

home life and schooling in a foreign country at 10-12 years of age? ISSE is

absolutely amazing in how it breaks down the cultural and religious

barriers and opens the door for lifelong friendships. ISSE is creating

tomorrow's open-minded adults.

 Jesse (Australia) - current exchange student with China

The best part about an exchange program is living with friends and learning

about everyday life. I also really enjoyed the day trips and learning

about other peoples' communities. There is just so much to see and do.

So many great new friends to meet. I especially love trying new food and

the exciting sightseeing tours.

 Lani - exchange student from Australia went to Mexico

I would always highly recommend the ISSE program for anyone with an open

mind and who is not afraid of trying different food. Such experiences

allow students to learn how to accept and learn about different people

and their cultures and traditions. You will never regret going ahead

with this experience of a lifetime.

 Libby - Mother of 2 students from Australia -

Being on an exchange is a fantastic and unique opportunity. I have two

daughters, both of whom enjoyed their experiences immensely. They are

also both having an ongoing  strong friendship with their exchange

students. I believe travel is essential to a complete all-rounded

education as well as providing a real life experience. Travelling abroad

teaches you tolerance, understanding different culture, priorities and

gives us a better ability to be successful in today's society.

 Our family's ISSE experience has been enriching and memorable.  It wasinteresting and fun to learn and appreciate another culture and values through the eyes of a child. Our visitor child was polite, matured and well-mannered. He was a great ambassador! We enjoyed our time spent together, especially the fun activities organised by the school. Our children enjoyed having another "brother" at home too. The 2 weeks flew by quickly and we wished we had more time together. We treasure this new friendship and the fond memories we shared together.

 What an incredible experience it was being a host family.  We enjoyed learning about all the similarities and differences in our cultures and ways of life.  The ISSE experience gave us the opportunity as a family to share our wonderful city with a child from another country and in turn, we heard some amazing stories about their home and city in Colorado.

Being a part of this program and spending time with other host families was also very rewarding.  On many of our group outings there was always a lot of laughter and good times and, we enjoyed each other’s company immensely.

It has now been more than a month since Abby left her ‘second home’ and we still keep in contact via MSN and Skype.  I know my daughter Emily thoroughly enjoyed having Abby stay with us as; she quite effortlessly and quickly became a member of our family.  We hope this bond will remain for many years to come and hopefully, she took home some wonderful memories of Australia and the time she spent here.

 As parents, we could not be more thrilled with the ISSE program. Students engaged in leadership activities and prepared all year for the trip. By staying with families, attending school, and going on field trips, the kids were thoroughly immersed in a cultural and educational experience. They came back more confident and knowledgeable about the world. We would be happy to send our kids to any of the host countries with ISSE!

Kristen & Eric 2010

 I loved going to Australia for three weeks.  I had the best time, and I think everyone should be able to participate in ISSE.  I love the way the program is set up, because you aren't staying in a hotel, but with 
a family.  I learned that I could try a lot of new things.  ISSE rocks!

Eva 2010

 During their stay the group treated us to a wonderful cultural presentation.  It was interesting to learn that even though our cultures are quite similar, there are also many differences. Co-ordinator (Australia – USA 2006)

  It was an amazing experience to go to El Salvador and live in a whole different culture and lifestyle. It is definitely something I will never forget. Catherine (Australia – El Salvador 2007)

 Through ISSE I was able to meet new people, see amazing places, learn about another culture, learn more about the history of America and try new foods.  ISSE was great! Katie (Australia - USA 2009)

  If I were to choose a single word to describe my overall experience it would probably be ‘intense’, because the wonderful sights, sounds, smells and human interactions came so thick and fast. Teacher chaperone (Australia – India 2008)

 The children were fantastic and they really matured from their Indian experience.  ISSE has opened their eyes and they now see the world in a very different way. Teacher Chaperone (Australia – India 2008)

 Bluebells was very welcoming and I had many new experiences. I enjoyed India very much, it was the best!!!  Aimee (Australia - India 2008)

 I had a fantastic time and will remember it for the rest of my life.

Everyone should do ISSE!   Maitlyn (Australia - India 2008)

“The more we learn to know students from other countries, the more we see that we are all alike.”

-Student

“It brought parents, children and teachers together providing an enriched atmosphere and sharing. Programmed activities give drive, enthusiasm and a school focus for all. The promotion of goodwill and friendship - memories that will survive time.”

-Teacher