CSIET & GLS Host CSIET International Symposium: Shaping the New Normal

On May 19-20, 2026 CSIET hosted the 3rd Annual International Symposium, Shaping the New Normal, brought together international agencies, U.S. exchange programs, and advocates in Berlin to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing secondary student exchange. Discussions focused on key issues including declining participation trends, visa uncertainty, host family and school placement shortages, and the growing importance of student mental wellness. Participants collaborated on strategies to strengthen advocacy, improve program sustainability, and reinforce the value of international exchange across cultures and generations. 

 

The discussions in Berlin provided incredible insights into the changing landscape of student exchange, highlighting the competitive environment, host family and school placement bottlenecks, and the vital importance of student mental wellness. As we operationalize our newly introduced FY 2027-2029 Strategic Plan, CSIET is committed to using these takeaways to step fully into our role as the definitive “Gold Standard Bridge” connecting U.S. exchange programs, international sending agencies, schools, and communities.

Moving forward, we will use the feedback and collaboration generated at this symposium to help CSIET transition to a meaningful, engagement-based certification model and expand our specialized professional training, such as the new online mental wellness modules. Together, we will ensure that international student exchange remains a prioritized, sustainable, and essential component of the global educational landscape.

Event Sponsors

 

GLS Berlin, a five-time STAR SCHOOL GERMANY award winner, is led by a dynamic mother-daughter trio. Founded in 1983 as a one-woman show, it is now the only language school in Germany with two on-campus boutique hotels – right in the heart of Berlin.

Every year, more than 5,000 students from 80+ countries join our German courses for adults and teenagers. At GLS, “Where interesting people meet” is more than a motto; it’s a promise. We don’t just teach German – we create a space for you to connect and build friendships that transcend borders.
   

 

Silver Level

ELTiS Certify delivers secure, fully proctored ELTiS 2.0 testing that saves time and ensures reliable English proficiency results. Flexible for test takers and efficient for organizations, we provide trusted scores through technology.

Bronze Level

       

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

The U.S. Embassy Berlin