CSIET, BELTA, & ESPM Host CSIET International Symposium: Mind the Gap

On May 22-23, 2025 CSIET, BELTA and ESPM welcomed over 60 attendees to the 2nd Annual CSIET Symposium: Mind the Gap.  All of us understand how Mental Wellness and effective intercultural communication can set the stage for a fantastic youth exchange experience for all stakeholders, including: international agencies, sending parents, exchange students, U.S. based exchange programs, host families, school administrators and American students. The 2025 symposium sessions offered participants the opportunity to engage, not only with each other, but also with students, parents and experts in the field who are laying the groundwork for improved trust across borders, generations and cultures. 
Building on the success of the 2024 CSIET International Symposium: Promoting Mental Wellness, representatives from over 40 US and internationally based programs came together and shared in the following presentations:
  • Minding the Gap and Building Trust: Welcome and Intro (CSIET, BELTA, ESPM)
  • CSIET Model Practices: Promoting Mental Wellness (CSIET, Dr. Fraser Smith, Dr. Laura Thompson)
  • Mental Health and Intercultural Development of Students in Academic Mobility (ESPM)
  • Exchange Student Well-Being: Expectations, Communication, and Mental Health (U.S. Department of State)
  • Mapping Culture (EF High School Exchange Year)
  • Aligning, Communicating and Managing Expectations (GAP Academy)
Our thanks go out to all the presenters, sponsors and partners who made this event possible, especially BELTA and ESPM!
 
Stay tuned to learn more about next year’s event!

Event Sponsors

 

Founded in 1951, ESPM is a leading Brazilian higher education institution, recognized for excellence in the fields of Communication, Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Management, Creative Economy, and Technology. With a strong commitment to innovation, internationalization, and entrepreneurship, ESPM develops professionals prepared to navigate complex and dynamic global markets.
Since its foundation, ESPM has been driven by a culture of innovation and academic excellence, continuously evolving to create transformative educational solutions and to shape professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who drive meaningful impact in society and industry.

“The Belta – Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association unites the main Brazilian institutions which works in the courses area, internships and exchanges abroad.

Founded in 1st July 1992, Belta is a recognized association both in Brazil and abroad. Nowadays, your partners represent more than 70% of the educational international market – 50 brands and 500 international education agencies in Brazil ”

 

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