From Speakers
“Taking the time to meet with these exceptionally intelligent students, really kept me on my toes and engaged in an amazing conversation.”
“This program allows me to share my story, my culture, and to create a space where students feel welcome. It’s a powerful reminder that connection, empathy, and cultural exchange can truly change lives.”
“The best way to learn about the world and other cultures is through travel. However, if you can't travel (or in addition to travel), hosting an international student is the next best thing. What an enriching experience, both the host and the guest, not to mention a lifelong relationship!” - Solen Sanli Vasquez, Ph.D. Sociology Instructor, Santa Rosa Junior College
“Sharing time with a Swedish Program student brings global connection to your doorstep and an opportunity to experience an enriching cultural exchange that inspires growth and learning.”
“Together WE are stronger - in the human experience, we are more similar than we want to believe.” - Brijida “Brijit” Alemán, SRJC advisor
From Host Families
“What a unique and special experience it was to host our Swedish exchange student! We learned so much from each other, and feel we've gained a lifelong friendship with him and his family. We are honored to have been a part of the program.” - Tricia Mills
“It was a truly memorable experience for both sides and we all came out with new insights and understandings.”
“Hosting a Swedish student is a win-win for everyone. As the host we get a glimpse into another culture and way of life. The student also gets an opportunity to experience life in an American family. The students all speak excellent English and are knowledgeable about many topics which encourages robust conversations.”
“Hosting a student is a wonderful way to not only learn about Sweden, but to also learn about our own country and community by seeing it through their eyes.” - Dana B
“Hosting a student from Sweden is such a rewarding experience! We loved getting to know our student, and we consider him to be part of our family. We look forward to visiting his family in Sweden someday!”
“Opening your heart and your home to an exchange student from Sweden will change all of your lives for the better.”
From Previous Students
“My experience was absolutely amazing, I got really close to my family and will definitely have contact with them for the rest of my life. Plus, I thought it was SO much fun with both the basketball and baseball that I attended.”
“I was really positively surprised by how friendly and open Americans are. You can literally turn to a stranger while choosing tacos and ask for their opinion, and they’ll happily chat with you. That openness really stood out to me and made me feel welcome.”
“My experience as a student in the EP California Experience was like a rollercoaster – in the best way possible. There was never a dull moment. We were constantly doing things, exploring new places, and getting to know the country from different angles. It was intense, but also exciting and rewarding.”
“All the host families I encountered were incredibly open and flexible, which made everything feel very welcoming and homey. The food we were offered was amazing – I especially loved trying new things. One of the biggest (and spiciest) surprises was how a tiny Mexican taco could be that incredibly hot!”
“It was such a fun and memorable experience, full of adventures and new connections. I’m really grateful I got to meet so many different people and experience the U.S. in such a unique way.”
“I was wrong about the fast food. Most of the people I met didn’t like American fast food. If they had to choose, they would prefer taco trucks.”
“As a student, I learned a lot - it covered a huge amount of information with this trip. And I had fun - that’s the most important one.”
“I have had the absolute best time ever. It is a trip that has changed me so much, I have learn so much and have had so much fun. It is such a valuable experience, and I am so thankful that I have had the chance to experience that.”
“My time in California was amazing and full of growth. I really enjoyed the sports and the variety of food. The trip was a fun way to connect with people. I had so many meaningful conversations that opened my mind and helped me learn not just about American culture, but also about myself. It was an unforgettable experience that I’ll always be grateful for.”
“My experience as a student in the EP California Experience was unforgettable! I had so much fun exploring new places, trying out different activities, and connecting with people. It was a good mix of learning and adventure and I got to practice my English and gained insight into American culture. I also made deeper connections with people that I’ll always remember. From beach days to classroom discussions, every moment was meaningful to me.”
“My experience as a student in the EP California Experience has been amazing. I am incredibly grateful for my host family they were so kind and truly took great care of us. I have had the chance to explore a lot of exciting culture and food, and overall it have been a fun and unforgettable journey.”
“I only have three words: Best Trip Ever. The opportunity to go to the US with your classmates and experience a culture, without economical boundaries, is something extraordinary in itself. However, to live with a host family has really been an experience for a lifetime. The trip would still have been enjoyable without it, but it wouldn’t have had nearly as much of an impact on me as a young adult as it did. This provided real “proof” of how it really is to live in the US. and how normal inhabitants think and see California, the government and the rest of the world.”
“My experience as a student in EP California Experience has been very positive, it truly is an experience and I am so glad that I got to have it. It is very cool refreshing to get to build your own perception of another country from what you see in real life, and I am very grateful that I got to do that.”
“The whole trip has been amazing and I have almost nothing to complain about.
I've encountered countless people and had many conversations that I will remember for a long time (although a lot of them were just small talk in the line at the local grocery store (culture shock!)). My takeaway is the people, the diverse perspectives on life and a deeper understanding of what it's actually like to live in California, especially as a student.”
From Teachers
“You did a fantastic job with the program, from the host families to the lectures and all the activities for the students. I don't think there is anything that needs improvement from my point of view.
Most importantly, students get to experience the culture of another country, meeting and interacting with people from other parts of the world, who have different thoughts and ideas about the world than they do. New doors are opened for the students, because this stay and experience will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It simply broadens the horizons of the young people and gives them a bit more confidence.” – Martina Holmgren
“To me, it seemed that the program was great this year. Our students were able to meet lecturers with different paths and hear about different subjects that can capture the interest, for students with different interests. The only thing right now that I think can be an improvement is that every day, before you say goodbye, talk to the students about what lecture it will be the next day, about the subject and the lecturer, so that they can prepare questions, and also be prepared for what’s expected from our students. For example, I think that it would have been great to talk to our students before they went to the school council meeting, so that our students would know what to expect from that kind of meeting.
One huge benefit for our students is the possibility to stay at host families, but also, as I wrote in the last question, the possibility to meet lecturers and be able to visit and spend their days at Santa Rosa Junior College, to see and experience cultural similarities and differences. For our students, to be able to see and experience a different culture that gives them the opportunity to grow and develop as human beings. I think that you have made an amazing experience and program for our students!” – Josefina Öhrström