Thursday, July 31, 2025
Culture Exchange Visitors Life Experience Visas 

Friendship Has No Borders: Celebrating International Day of Friendship with CAEP

CAEP

Today is International Day of Friendship—and we are celebrating at CAEP. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned through decades of experience in the cultural exchange world, it’s this: friendship is the real magic behind it all.

Sure, our programs are about hands-on training, learning new skills, and exploring the world—but more than anything, they’re about people and the incredibly impactful friendships that are formed during these programs.

One World, So Many Friendships

At CAEP, we’ve been connecting people through cultural exchange since 1985. Over the years, we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of friendships spark—between trainees and hosts, coworkers and roommates, mentors and travelers. And while countries, languages, and lifestyles may be different, the friendships built through cultural exchange programs are the kind that stick for life.

We’re talking holiday texts across time zones, reunions years after a program ends, and “you’ve got a couch to crash on anytime” kind of friendships. The kind that change how you see the world—and remind you that you’re never really a stranger.

Cultural Exchange Is Friendship in Action

Cultural exchange brings people together. It breaks down stereotypes, opens minds, and builds bridges across cultures. And even though it might not always get the spotlight, it’s a powerful part of the United States’ public diplomacy—a soft power tool that builds understanding and connection without ever needing a microphone.

These programs may start with a visa and a placement, but what they really do is create real, human connections. They help us learn to appreciate our differences, celebrate what makes us unique, and discover just how much we all have in common.

To All the Friends We’ve Made Along the Way…

To the exchange visitors who became besties with their fellow participants

To the hosts who became second families.

To the coworkers who shared laughs (and maybe a few tears) during a long harvest.

To every person who said “goodbye” with tears and “see you later” with hope—we see you.

And we’re so proud to be a part of your cultural exchange story.

So today, on International Day of Friendship, we celebrate the millions of friendships that have started because of cultural exchange programs.

Here’s to crossing oceans, bridging cultures, and making friends along the way.

CAEP

International Training Program Opportunities for Students and Professionals A CAEP international training program gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while learning a new culture in another part of the world! Whether you are seeking vocational training to enhance your existing skills, or you wish to prepare yourself for a job in agriculture, horticulture, enology, equine or western equine, CAEP has a wide variety of international training programs sure to match your needs. Choose from opportunities in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, and more! Young people around the world are talking about how international training programs are life-changing. Filled with travel and adventure, new knowledge and lifelong friends, international training programs offer real, hands-on experiences that are validated for universities and future employers. Don’t wait! Register today to get started on your experience of a lifetime!