Boudreaux joins International Cultural Exchange

International Cultural Exchange Services recently welcomed Heather Boudreaux as a new local coordinator.

“I love to hike, kayak and go camping. I recently graduated from culinary school, so I also love to cook. I am very involved in my church and regularly volunteer with an organization that feeds the homeless in the area. I’m excited to work with exchange students because I got to know several of the students where I lived before and

I loved getting to interact with them, getting to know them and helping them to be introduced to new things and new culture,” Boudreaux said in a news release.

“Heather is excited for this new opportunity to work with international high school students and the local families that host them and feels that having exchange students in our local schools and communities increase mutual understanding and improves relationships between countries. Heather will be working with families and schools in Hot Springs and in the surrounding area,” the release said.

Boudreaux is currently looking for families that would like to host for the school year of 2023. “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,” the release said.

Students have their own medical insurance and spending money to cover all personal expenses; host families provide room and board and “loving parental guidance to the student.”

As the local coordinator, Boudreaux 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, email Boudreaux at hboudreaux@icesusa.org.