Celebrating International Day of Families: The Heart of Global Exchange

May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 CAEP

Each year on May 15, the world comes together to recognize the International Day of Families—a United Nations observance that highlights the critical role families play in social development, education, inclusion, and sustainability. CAEP is proud to join the celebration by honoring a special kind of family: the exchange family.

Whether it’s a vineyard in California, a dairy farm in Wisconsin, or a horticulture greenhouse in Massachusetts, exchange families across the U.S. are the heart of our international agricultural programs. These families open their homes, farms, businesses, and most importantly, their hearts to young professionals worldwide. They create life-changing opportunities, foster mutual understanding, and build relationships that go far beyond borders.

As we reflect on the meaning of family, we’re reminded that families come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds—and that exchange families are helping to shape a stronger, more connected global community.

Why International Day of Families Matters

According to the United Nations, families are “the basic units of society.” They are the foundation of care, protection, and belonging. But families are more than a support system—they are also key players in sustainable development. Family farms make up about 80% of all farms worldwide, playing a vital role in food security, rural employment, cultural preservation, and ecosystem sustainability.

CAEP’s mission is deeply aligned with this global vision. Our exchange programs empower the next generation of agricultural leaders by connecting them with U.S. host families and businesses that offer real-world, hands-on training. From winemaking and livestock production to swine management and turfgrass care, our programs celebrate the incredible diversity and strength of agriculture—and the people behind it.

The Power of Exchange Families

An exchange family is more than just a host for an international exchange visitor—they become mentors, role models, and often lifelong friends. These families on the CAEP program open their farms, ranches, vineyards, greenhouses, and homes, teaching practical skills like driving a tractor, planting crops, or caring for livestock, while also offering a warm welcome into American culture through shared meals, local traditions, and everyday experiences.

Through this personal connection, a meaningful cultural exchange unfolds. Interns bring stories and customs from around the world—places like Brazil, South Africa, and the Philippines—while host families share their own values and way of life. These relationships foster mutual understanding and embody true people-to-people diplomacy, building bridges that strengthen global connections and peace.

Strengthening Global Community and Public Diplomacy

In a world that often feels divided, international exchange programs like CAEP serve as a vital tool for building bridges. By bringing people from different cultures together to train, learn, and live side-by-side, these programs promote:

• Mutual respect and understanding

• Cross-cultural communication

• Professional growth and global networking

• Shared commitment to sustainable agriculture

When an intern from Argentina learns how to manage a vineyard in Washington, or when a swine trainee from Tanzania experiences modern farming technology in Iowa, the ripple effects extend far beyond the farm. These young professionals return home with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for collaboration—and in many cases, a second family in the U.S. they’ll never forget.

Public diplomacy isn’t only about political leaders or international summits. It’s about people—families, farmers, interns—sharing stories and building friendships that shape how we view one another across continents.

A Family Beyond Borders: Real Stories, Real Impact

At CAEP, we hear stories every day of interns who arrive in the U.S. as strangers and leave as family. Like Bernize from South Africa, who called her equine exchange “life-changing,” and Tatiana from Colombia, who described her horticulture host family as her “home away from home.”

Or hosts like Mike, a dairy farmer in Minnesota, who proudly shares that “our interns become like our own kids.” These aren’t isolated experiences—they’re the core of what makes our program work.

It’s this family feeling, this deep-rooted sense of connection, that makes exchange programs more than just internships. They’re a celebration of humanity.

How You Can Celebrate International Day of Families

Whether you’re a current host, a past intern, or someone who believes in the power of cultural exchange, here are a few ways to honor May 15 and celebrate exchange families:

Share your story: Post a photo of your host family or exchange visitor with a message of thanks and use the hashtag #CAEPFamily.

Reach out: Send a message to a former intern or host. Let them know how much they mean to you.

Spread the word: Encourage your friends, farm neighbors, or local businesses to get involved in hosting with CAEP or becoming an international exchange visitor.

Reflect: Take a moment to appreciate the people—blood or not—who’ve shaped your journey, supported your dreams, and helped you grow.

This International Day of Families, we celebrate every single host and exchange visitor who has helped build the global CAEP family. You are the reason this program exists—not just to train future agricultural leaders, but to create meaningful, lasting relationships that inspire connection and community across the globe.

To all our exchange families, thank you for opening your hearts and your homes. You are changing lives, one handshake, one lesson, and one experience at a time.

Happy International Day of Families!

Join the CAEP family today: www.caep.org