The FIUTS blog shares stories, reflections, and updates from our global community of students, hosts, alumni, and friends, celebrating connection, learning, and cross-cultural exchange.
At a recent FIUTS Board of Trustees meeting, we asked a simple question:
What’s a favorite PNW spot you’d recommend to a new student… that they might not find on their own?
The answers were thoughtful, a little unexpected, and very Seattle. Some are tucked into neighborhoods. Some are a drive away. All of them offer a different way to experience the Pacific Northwest.
Read MoreThis spring, FIUTS wants to provide opportunities for students to experience the beauty of Puget Sound—but rising transportation costs make group excursions harder to afford.
Contribute to our Puget Sound Adventures campaign to keep participation fees reasonable, so more students can join trips around the region—from forests and mountains to beaches and waterfronts.
Read More1961 FIUTS Alumna Ludmila Marjanska helped bring the texture of English‑language poetry to readers in Poland and enriched her own work through this cross‑cultural dialogue. Her experience was meaningful, and she stayed connected with FIUTS for decades after. In a heartfelt letter dated January 1, 1991 she shared a copy of her poem “Canyons”.
Read MoreIn the early nineteen fifties, FIUTS was part of a special program called Operation Goodwill. Each Thanksgiving, 30-40 international students studying in Seattle traveled to Chehalis, Washington to spend the holiday with local families.
Read More“Being part of a community where everyone brought their own stories, perspectives, and knowledge was truly inspiring. It reminded me how powerful learning and cultural exchange can be. My FIUTS experience helped shape my understanding of global perspectives and motivated me to bring those insights back home to empower my own community.”
Read MoreFocusing on what we have in common, building empathy, and connecting across differences shaped how I approach both work and life.
Read MoreThis short guide is a great resource for anyone who wants simple, actionable ways to bring more understanding, appreciation, and connection into daily life.
Read MoreWe’re relaunching our language exchange program! Join to practice your desired language with native speakers and make new friends!
Read MoreThis Thanksgiving, you can share more than just a meal, you can share an experience that connects people across the world.
Read MoreYour Seattle-area company can play a key role in cross-cultural exchange by hosting a Fellow through the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative in spring 2026!
Read MoreYour support makes it possible for students to explore, connect, and grow through FIUTS programs, and to develop skills that last a lifetime.
Read MoreNew students, new neighbors, and new adventures! Read about how we celebrated Welcome to Seattle Week at FIUTS!
Read MoreNada has been with FIUTS for 3 years now and she is ready to embark on a new professional journey. During her last days at FIUTS, we reflect on her experience. Read more about Nada’s time at FIUTS…
Read MoreStudents from Koishikawa High School in Tokyo visited in August for a week of science exploration at the University of Washington and across the Seattle region.
Read MoreAfter 19 years, FIUTS Executive Director Era Schrepfer is stepping down from her role in a few months. Read her reflections on her long tenure and the incredible work of FIUTS during her time here.
Read MoreJoin us in strengthening our community—give today to support FIUTS at 77 and help us meet the rising need.
Read MoreAt FIUTS, we believe that leadership is not only about taking action. It’s also about listening, reflection, and knowing what you stand for.
Read MoreA guest post by longtime FIUTS hosts, Kim and Chavi.
Read MoreAs we send our congratulations to fresh graduates in the region, we look back at a year around FIUTS..
Read MoreThere are so many things to learn when you’re a new international student in Seattle - here are 8 important tips to get you started on your journey.
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