ACES Portland Homestays

From Tokyo to Portland 🇯🇵✈️🇺🇸

We loved welcoming students from Nichidai High School for an unforgettable week of cultural exchange! Hosted by amazing local families, these students dove into life in Portland, attending classes at Pacific International Academy, exploring the coast, cheering at a Thorns game, and making sweet memories.

🥧 A Bite of New Zealand! ✨

Get ready to fall in love with the Kiwi Pie – New Zealand’s ultimate comfort food and national favorite! Flaky on the outside, rich and savory on the inside, this golden beauty is often filled with tender minced meat, gravy, cheese, or veggies—simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious. Every bite feels like a warm hug from Aotearoa itself.

🥰Food is more than flavor, it’s a story of community, tradition, and pride. 🌏❤️

Have you tried a classic Kiwi Pie yet? Or baked your own twist at home? Tag us in your creation—we’d love to see your masterpiece!

Happy International Day of Forests! 🌲💚

One of the most amazing parts of hosting exchange students in Portland is watching them discover our deep connection to nature. From exploring Forest Park and Multnomah Falls to learning from local sustainability organizations and hands-on environmental classes, students get to see firsthand how our city protects and celebrates its green spaces.

These experiences don’t just teach ecology, they inspire a lifelong love for the environment. 🌍✨

🍽️ Flavors of Iraq! ✨
Meet Masgouf – Iraq’s iconic grilled fish and a true culinary treasure! 🐟

This legendary dish features fresh river fish, traditionally grilled over an open flame, seasoned with olive oil, tamarind, and aromatic spices, and served with fresh herbs, rice, or flatbread. Every bite is a taste of Iraq’s rich heritage and love for bold, authentic flavors. 💛

Exploring a country’s signature dishes is one of the best ways to experience its culture, as every plate tells a story of tradition, family, and pride. 🌍❤️

Have you ever tried Masgouf? Or tried making it yourself at home? Let us know in the comments!

This past weekend, we said goodbye to our amazing America Plus students! During their three weeks here, they learned about Portland culture through hands-on activities including a coffee study, a Blazers game, and quality time with their local host families. We want to say thank you to our incredible hosts. From arrival to departure, they were there every step of the way offering a home away from home.

Check out all the cute pets that our exchange students get to live with! 🐾✨

For some students, it’s their first time having a furry (or feathered!) friend- and it’s such a special experience. 💕

Our host families love sharing their pets, and students get to experience that same love for animals firsthand. 🐶🐱🐰

Happy World Wildlife Day! 🐾🌍

One of the most exciting parts of welcoming exchange students to the Pacific Northwest is watching them encounter wildlife they’ve never seen before. From spotting bald eagles and sea lions to learning about salmon runs, forest ecosystems, and local conservation efforts, students discover a whole new world of animals and habitats.

These experiences help them understand biodiversity on a deeper level and remind us all how unique and precious our wildlife truly is. 🦅🌲💙

🍽️ Taste of Belgium! ✨
Say hello to Moules-Frites – Belgium’s beloved classic and a true feast for the senses! 🦪
This iconic dish pairs plump, juicy mussels cooked in flavorful broth with crispy golden fries, creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. Often served with fresh herbs, garlic, or a touch of white wine, every bite is a celebration of Belgian culinary tradition. 💛
Diving into local dishes is one of the tastiest ways to explore a culture—each plate tells a story of heritage, family, and pride. 🌍❤️
Have you tried Moules-Frites before? Or maybe whipped up your own version at home? Tag us—we’d love to see your creation!

🍽️ Flavors of Malaysia! ✨
Meet Nasi Lemak – Malaysia’s iconic dish and a true celebration of flavor! 🥥🍚🌶️
This delicious plate usually features fragrant coconut rice, spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, boiled eggs, peanuts, and fresh cucumber slices, all coming together in perfect harmony. Each bite is a taste of Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage.💛
Exploring new foods is a delicious way to dive into a culture—every flavor tells a story of tradition, family, and pride. 🌏❤️
Have you tried Nasi Lemak yet? Or cooked your own version at home? Tag us—we’d love to see your take!

First day of class for these students was a success! These Japanese students had a fun day of ice breakers, orientations and campus tours at PSU- but tomorrow the classes start for real!

Students from Japan have safely arrived in Portland- We’re so glad they’re here!
Big thanks to the host families who came to meet us at the airport- The next few weeks are going to be a blast!