Youth visitors make big connections at American cultural exchange
Exchange program brings youth from across America to St. Ignatius
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From July 16-23, the town of St. Ignatius became a hub of cultural exchange as young adults from across the country spent a week in Montana as part of the American Exchange Project — a program designed to connect students with different communities across the United States.
The program’s mission is to help young people explore what it means to be American by immersing them in places they might not otherwise visit. The goal: foster understanding, connection, and curiosity about life outside their hometowns.
This summer, the exchange brought students from areas like northern California to western Montana, where they got a hands-on experience of rural life, outdoor landscapes, and the values of a small-town community.
“I think the program is a great idea,” said Sariah Gilmore, a participant from Northern California. “I wouldn’t have thought of having a program that brings people across the country together, and I like how the program allows me to experience other walks of life that I wouldn’t have gotten to from where I live.”
During their time in St. Ignatius, the students participated in a cleanup at Mission Dam, visited the National Bison Range, and spent a day in Missoula exploring farmers’ markets and the local downtown scene. They also spent Sunday with their host families, enjoying meals, activities, and personal connections unique to each household.
Jeff Evans, one of the local host parents, said it was a rewarding experience.
“I enjoy being one of the host families since I enjoy getting to see the kids experience the mountains and everything else we have to offer here,” Evans said.
He added that time constraints were a challenge. “The hardest part about being a host family is just getting to know the kids since we only get to spend one full day with them, and the rest of the time we only see them at night and in the morning — so we try and make it as enjoyable as possible.”
According to Ryan Brasseaux, the program’s chief impact officer, the exchange is about far more than just travel. It’s about building bridges.
“The project was started roughly five years ago by David McCullough, and David had a vision of what it meant to be an American — exploring the country and what it meant to be an American in the United States,” Brasseaux said. “He found in his travels that if you are polite and understanding, people are a lot more accepting of those they meet.”
Brasseaux has seen the impact of these programs firsthand.
“I traveled the country and embedded myself in different exchanges, and my jaw hit the floor seeing how young people engage with other young people — bridging the gaps between their understanding and the understanding of others,” he said.
He directs those interested in getting involved – either by being a host family or a high school participant – to check out the program’s website.
As students departed on July 23rd, they left with fresh stories, new friendships, and broadened horizons — the kind of experiences that leave a lasting impact long after suitcases are unpacked.
