Building Global Families, One Exchange at a Time
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At OCEAN, we believe the world becomes a better place when people truly understand one another—not through headlines or textbooks, but through shared meals, conversations, and everyday life.
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That’s why we connect international students with host families across the United States, creating meaningful cultural exchange experiences that last far beyond a single school year.
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This isn’t just a program. It’s a relationship that changes lives—on both sides.
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Who We Are
OCEAN (Organization for Cultural Exchange Among Nations) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994. For over 30 years, we have sponsored international exchange students, ages 15–18, placing them with carefully selected volunteer host families and local high schools throughout the United States for a semester or full academic year.
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Our program is designed to promote international understanding, cultural awareness, and academic excellence—values that are more important now than ever.
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OCEAN is officially designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 sponsor for the Secondary School Student Exchange Visitor Program. We are also proud to be granted full listing by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) in the 2024–2025 Advisory List.
Our Mission
We exist to bring people together across cultures in a way that is personal, safe, and deeply impactful.
By matching students with caring host families, we create opportunities for growth, understanding, and lifelong connection.
Because when a student becomes part of your family, the world doesn’t feel so far away anymore.
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What Makes OCEAN Different
Not all exchange programs are created equal. At OCEAN, we focus on quality, support, and trust at every step.
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Thoughtful Matching
We carefully match students and host families based on personalities, interests, and expectations—not just availability.
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Strong Support System
Our local coordinators provide ongoing guidance and are actively involved throughout the entire program.
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Commitment to Safety & Standards
We strictly follow Department of State regulations and uphold the highest standards in student exchange, ensuring a safe and structured experience.
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A Community Experience
Exchange isn’t just about the student—it’s about the entire community. Host families, schools, and local communities all play a role in creating meaningful cultural connections.
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A Two-Way Cultural Exchange
For students, this experience goes far beyond academics. They build friendships, experience daily life in an American community, and gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives, cultures, and values.
For host families and communities, the experience is just as meaningful.
Welcoming an international student into your home offers a unique opportunity to learn about another country’s history, traditions, and way of life—right from your living room.
Through this shared experience, both students and hosts gain something lasting: a broader worldview, meaningful relationships, and a deeper sense of global connection.
And through their generosity, host families play a small but powerful role in helping shape future global citizens and leaders.
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Who We Serve
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Host Families
Open your home—and your world.
Hosting an exchange student is about more than providing a place to stay. It’s about sharing your life, your traditions, and your everyday moments. You don’t need to be perfect—just welcoming.
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International Students
Step beyond the classroom and into real American life.
As an exchange student with OCEAN, you’ll become part of a family, a school, and a community—gaining independence, confidence, and a new perspective on the world.
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Our Commitment
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in international student exchange, with a strong focus on safety, structure, and support.
We also take student privacy seriously and are intentional about how stories and images are shared, always prioritizing the safety and dignity of the young people in our programs.
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Be Part of Something Bigger
Whether you’re opening your home or exploring the world, you’re not just joining a program—you’re becoming part of a global family.
Start your journey today:
Meet Our Team
The people behind OCEAN are more than staff—they’re mentors, problem-solvers, and advocates for every student and host family we serve. From first placement to final goodbye, we’re here every step of the way.
Jose Newton DePontes
Director/CEO
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Jose Depontes leads OCEAN with a strong commitment to building genuine connections between students and host families. He believes that cultural exchange is not just about travel—it’s about relationships that broaden perspectives and last a lifetime.
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With a focus on student safety, thoughtful placements, and ongoing support, Jose works closely with coordinators, families, and students to ensure every experience is meaningful and successful.
Dawna Marez
National Services Director / Host & Student Counselor
Dawna Marez plays a key role in supporting OCEAN’s nationwide programs, working closely with students, host families, and coordinators to ensure a smooth and successful exchange experience.
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As both a leader and counselor, she provides guidance, problem-solving, and ongoing support, helping create positive, meaningful connections for everyone involved.
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Frances Severino
Human Resources/Host & Student Counselor
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Frances Severino supports both the people behind OCEAN’s programs and the participants within them. Through her work in human resources and as a counselor, she helps ensure that staff, students, and host families feel supported throughout the exchange experience.
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Her role combines organizational support with direct guidance, contributing to a positive and well-managed program for everyone involved.
Cody Marez
Director of Participant Management
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Cody Marez leads participant management at OCEAN, making sure every student and host family is supported from placement through the full exchange experience.
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He focuses on coordination, communication, and consistency—ensuring a smooth, well-managed program every step of the way.