America celebrates Exchange Day 2026
Exchange Day was launched in 2014 as an opportunity to showcase international exchange programs, share their benefits within communities across the United States, and champion American excellence on the world stage. This year's celebrations did just that.
Exchange Day 2026 was celebrated throughout the United States, spanning from rural Midwest communities, mountain towns, southern coasts and major metropolitans. These examples represent the power exchanges have in showcasing American innovation, education, and opportunity within a vast range of communities. To demonstrate this power, we’ve highlighted some of this year’s celebrations.
Walworth, Wisconsin
Odyssey International Group and Spirit Cultural Exchange celebrated the Summer Work Travel and Intern/Trainee communities during the “Exchange Day World Cup” event at Lake Geneva Hospitality Academy in Walworth, Wisconsin. Throughout the day, they celebrated cultural exchanges through an afternoon of friendly competition and bringing participants together from across the Lake Geneva area. As part of the “Give” component of Exchange Day, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa organized a blanket-making activity benefiting Lakeland Animal Shelter, a valued community partner that has supported many local host companies over the years.
———
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
International Residence Hall’s (IRH) Wisconsin Dells community held a block party featuring a dunk tank, fun games, great food, and amazing prizes. The event allowed them to connect with the community and celebrate the bonds made through the Summer Work Travel program.
———
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Pigeon Forge community hosted a rodeo-themed celebration to get into the Exchange Day spirit. IRH teamed up with Orange Hospitality to bring a little piece of Tennessee to their residents with an unforgettable country rodeo-themed celebration including a mechanical bull, a delicious fried chicken dinner and square dancing. The celebration was a night full of fun, laughter, and cultural connection.
———
Foley, Alabama
In Foley, Alabama, IRH residents enjoyed a picnic by the water. During the event, participants celebrated the global connections that strengthen South Baldwin by connecting with fellow students and the local community while enjoying good food and fun activities.
———
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
IRH’s Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, location spent the day at Myrtle Waves Water Park enjoying exhilarating rides and building connections. As part of the “Give” component of Exchange Day, entrance fees to the event were donated to Myrtle Beach Boys and Girls Club.
———
Port Clinton, Ohio
Port Clinton and Lake Erie Islands Support Group, along with InterExchange and Spirit Cultural Exchange, hosted an Exchange Day event with 70 exchange visitors in attendance and volunteers from Shores and Islands, The Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs. During the celebrations, St John's Lutheran Church taught exchange visitors how to make flowers with pipe cleaners which were then delivered to people in nursing homes within the area. Also, in attendance to show support for exchanges was Ashley Aston, Deputy Director for Northwest Ohio region in Senator Jon Husted’s office and Mayor of Port Clinton, Mike Snider.
———
Estes Park, Colorado
The Estes Park Community Support Group’s (CSG) Exchange Day brought together exchange visitors from nine countries, host employer representatives, visa sponsors, community members, the Chamber, and the mayor to celebrate the personal and professional growth of BridgeUSA participants and the positive social and economic impact they have on the Estes Park, Colorado, community. The event featured an American picnic-style BBQ, field day games with local souvenir prizes, and friendship bracelet making to bring joy to hospitalized children through the Confetti Foundation.
———
Orlando, Florida
LifeTRAVELED hosted exchange visitors at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Orlando, Florida, for an afternoon centered around giving back, connecting, and having fun together. As part of the “Give” component of Exchange Day’s #EatPlayGive mission, exchange visitors donated school supplies that will be provided to a local school. For the “Play” portion, participants enjoyed pizza and drinks before taking part in friendly indoor go-kart races to compete for the fastest lap, followed by arcade games.
———
These Exchange Day 2026 events and many others across the United States provide an opportunity for everyone involved in exchange programs to celebrate its impact in their lives, give back to the local community, and share American culture with participants from around the world. Celebrations like these remind us of the benefits that exchanges bring to American communities and that Exchanges are America.
