As Local Coordinators with United Studies Inc. who live and work in the Pikes Peak region, our agency provides international exchange opportunities with local families. We work directly with local schools and volunteer host families through a U.S. Department of State–designated high school exchange program. We support both schools and families throughout the process to ensure a positive, well-supported experience.

High school exchange programs have been part of U.S. public diplomacy since 1949, welcoming approximately 20,000 students from around the world each year. United Studies Inc., founded in 1985, places about 150 students annually with volunteer host families across the United States, including families here in the Pikes Peak region. This year we have 6 families hosting exchange students from Germany, Spain and Italy!

This work is personal for us because we both have experience hosting international exchange students in our homes and now as Local Coordinators we want to share this life changing opportunity with others in our community.

Hosting offers families the experience to travel to another country without boarding a plane. Meet some of our current students looking to travel to the United States for the 2026-2027 school year:
Irene, a 16-year-old student from Spain, enjoys cooking, travel, board games, and soccer. Hosting her allows a family to experience Spanish culture through everyday moments—shared meals, local outings, and family traditions.

Joaquim, a 17-year-old from Brazil with interests ranging from sports and outdoor activities to music, chess, and technology. Hosting Joaquim offers families the opportunity to welcome a curious, well-rounded young person eager to become part of daily life while sharing Brazilian culture along the way.

For families who value experiences over material gifts, hosting is often described as one of the most meaningful experiences they’ve ever shared. If you are interested in hosting please contact Eve Sullivan at eveliasullivan10@gmail.com.
If you  know someone that would be a good host family, please feel free to scan the QR code below to refer a family and receive a $300 thank you if they decide to host.