NOD Voices

The Nacel Open Door Blog is a place to share stories, experiences, photos, information, videos, advice, and just about anything else related to the exchange experience for host families and students.

New website graphic

Introducing Our New Website

See the top five improvements that our new website brings to Nacel Open Door and learn more about the process of making it!
Stories in the Field: North Carolina

Stories in the Field: North Carolina

Melissa has worked with Nacel Open Door as both a host mom and a local representative in North Carolina. Her work has helped many host families and impacted students in great ways.
Exciting things happen in the summer when students visit America through our Short Term Programs!

Exciting things happen in the summer when students visit America through our Short Term Programs!

Over 170 French, German and Italian students were welcomed into families across the United States for a three- or four-week visit.
US Students Getting Ready for Germany

US Students Getting Ready for Germany

The 25 recent high school graduates from across the country who were chosen to participate in the 2019-20 Congress-Bundestag Vocational Youth Exchange met in Washington, D.C., June 27-29, 2019, for their Pre-Departure Orientation immediately prior to leaving for Germany. 
Dream Academy

Dreaming In Africa

For several years we've partnered with Dream Academy to improve the academic standards and performance of a local school outside of the capital city of Gaborone in Oodi, Botswana. This is our fourth summer offering both professional development workshops to the teaching staff as well as a two week STEM camp for middle school students.
Infographic

Where Do They Come From? Where Do They Go? 2018-19

Last year, 955 students from 25 countries came to the US on programs offered through Nacel Open Door. Here's a look at where they came from and where they went!
End of the Year Video Contest

End of the Year Video Contest

Send us a video of yourself (preferably with your student) talking about what you enjoyed most about this past year, and/or how the experience has changed you.
It's Prom Season!

It's Prom Season!

It's that time of year when students across the United States go out with friends for one of the fanciest nights of the year! We hope the students have had great times at their proms, or are still eagerly awaiting theirs!
A Journey Of Connection

A Journey Of Connection

While simple in words, the practice is far more complex, and doubly so in the many small towns our reps and coordinators place students. But for nearly 20 years, one woman has hosted, found families, and infused culture into Boyne City, Michigan, and surrounding communities.
prom

Exchange Student Tips: Prom

I’m about to talk about a big event for American teenagers... PROM! If you have heard of it from the movies, well, it’s very similar in real life. Prom is a school dance where students dress up and (sometimes) name a prom king and queen.
Student advice

Infographic: New Student Advice

Scared to study abroad? Here are some words of advice from former students to ease your mind.
Help! I Have Jet Lag!

Help! I Have Jet Lag!

You have just traveled thousands of miles and over several times zones. Now it is time to adjust to your regular schedule. Here are some tips to help with this transition.