Elizabeth Grabotin of Keizer has been named a local coordinator for International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES).
ICES is an international nonprofit youth exchange organization committed to educational study abroad programs. International Cultural Exchange Service, headquarted in West Virginia, promotes peace by advancing international awareness and cultural understanding to thousands of American families and exchange students from all over the world.
Grabotin will work to promote cultural exchanges.
“I live in Keizer, and I have lived here for 26 years,” said Grabotin.
Before moving to the United States she and her family lived in Australia. The family hosted their first exchange student in 2016 and has hosted four others over the years.
“I love learning about other cultures from around the world. It makes me happy to know that the students I place will be in loving homes and families will be enjoying the hosting experience,” she said.
Grabotin is seeking families that would like to host for the school year of 2023. Her goal is to find up to 12 host families. 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 parental guidance to the student.
The duties of a local coordinator for ICES include recruiting and screening host families to assure each student is placed in a safe and nurturing home. They will host orientations for host families as well as providing ongoing support. Building and maintaining relationships with Keizer-Salem’s six high schools will be key component of Grabotin’s work.
Aside from working for ICES, Grabotin is a tutor for students in elementary, middle and high school.
As the local coordinator, she 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, please contact Elizabeth Grabotin at
[email protected].