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.

Laura's St. Thomas Graduation from St. Thomas

Congratulations Nacel Open Door Star, Laura Hankins!

Nacel Open Door (NOD) is excited to introduce one of our amazing Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) alumni students and a Nacel Open Door Star, Laura Hankins, of North Mankato, Minnesota!
Marie and Tim Shaner with their 2 children and international daughter

Congratulations Nacel Open Door Stars, Marie and Tim Shaner!

NOD is excited to introduce two of our amazing international student exchange host parents and Nacel Open Door Stars, Marie and Tim Shaner, of Pennsylvania!
Santi and his Host mom and Brother befor a Milwaukee Bucks Game

Congratulations Nacel Open Door Star, Jose Santiago Gutierrez!

Jose Santiago Gutierrez, who goes by Santi, is a Mexican student in NOD’s Academic Year Program living in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Jiahuiu Hu

Jiahui Hu, Congratulations on being Nacel Open Door latest Star

Jiahui Hu was nominated by her Local Representative, Carla Sherman, who said, “Jiahui first came to America for the 2021-22 school year and returned again this year as a Junior." She is once again living with her same host family from last year as it was such a great fit for all involved.
Poling Family with their 2 international sons at a Cal game

NOD gives shout-out to amazing host family, The Polings

Congratulations Nacel Open Door Stars, Mike and Sherrie Poling!
Happy Lunar New Year Photos card

Happy Lunar New Year 2023

Nacel Open Door sends our wishes that the joy of the Spring Festival will fill you all year round.

Chenxi Li with Her Local Rep, Hope Egolf

Congratulations Nacel Open Door Star, Chenxi Li!

Chenxi Li was nominated by her Local Representative, Hope Egolf, who said, “Chenxi works very hard at her studies and consistently does an outstanding job."
Georgia Tews, NOD Local Rep, and January Star Recognition Award Recipient

NOD Local Rep Georgia Tews, Latest Star Recognized

Nacel Open Door (NOD) is excited to give a Star Award one of our amazing Local Representatives, Georgia Tews, of Weyauwega, Wisconsin!
Arthur sitting in an Alpine Slide

Congratulations Nacel Open Door Star, Arthur Wellenstein!

NOD is excited to introduce one of our amazing Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) students and a Nacel Open Door Star, Arthur Wellenstein, of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin!
Ella Wilson, sitting in her Ofice at Nacel Open Door's National Office, her host famly never far from mind.

How One Year Abroad, Turned into a Lifetime of Passion

Besides simply meeting amazing people, the memories I created, and the language skills I developed, my time as an exchange student solidified my love of study abroad, and clearly shaped the direction of my life.
Flags at Fort Snelling National Cemetary in Minnesota

What is Memorial Day Really About

Memorial Day is about a lot more than parades and pool parties. Memorial Day is about honoring all of our service men and women who have given the greatest sacrifice for our country. It is about remembering those who have died in the line of duty. Perhaps since many of us have had to change our plans this year, we can take time to remember what Memorial Day is supposed to be about.
What it looks like working from my home with my daughter who is now learning how to learn form a distance as well...

In this Together; Vol. 2

I heard an interesting statistic this week, currently throughout the world OVER 4 BILLION people are under some type of "Shelter-In-Place" / "Stay-at-home" order! We truly are in this together! It makes me wonder how everyone is doing. How are you keep your mind sharp? If you are working from home, how do you stay on task? If you have kids who are attending school through distance learning platforms, how do you help them prepare for class? How do we all keep from going bonkers while being trapped at home?