CETUSA is a not-for-profit international student exchange organization coordinating exchange experiences for high school students, university students and young professionals. CETUSA is a US Department of State Exchange Visitor (J-1 visa) sponsor organization.
We’re on a mission to transform lives through cultural exchange.
Each program has specific eligibility requirements with the opportunity to live in cities and towns across the United States.
CETUSA has a Corporate Office in Grand Rapids Michigan and also has an office in Bellingham, Washington. There are Regional Directors as well as Local Coordinators who are located in the communities where the international students are placed.
Trainee and Internship Programs Director
Olivia was a high school exchange student in 1993 in Grand Rapids, MI and she also she spent a semester in Bonn, Germany during her International Business degree studies. Upon completion of her MBA, she joined CETUSA in 2002 and since then has helped the company grow and develop different programs, including the Trainee and Internship Program where she currently overseas the department.
Executive Director of J-1 Operations
Michael started in 2018 with CETUSA. He comes from a finance and organizational management background in the post secondary higher education industry.
Trainee and Internship Operations Manager
Cara has had an interest in international cultures and affairs for as long as she can remember. While earning her degree in International Studies, Cara studied abroad in Rome, Italy and then went on to teach English to middle school students in South Korea. Cara has a deep passion for bridging cultures, people, and ideas, and loves to help other people navigate and experience life outside of their home countries.
Director of HS Placement Division
Lisa and her family hosted their first high school student in 1981. Lisa began her career in student exchange in 2006 after a number of years in the corporate world and succeeded her mother, Peg Spoelstra, as Program Director in 2015.
Executive Director
Stephanie joined CETUSA in 2025. She comes to CETUSA with experience as a host parent and sixteen years in international nonprofit management, including 11 years working with exchange programs.
Director of Operations and Compliance
Karissa has been with CETUSA since 2011. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles with the organization, gaining a wide view and understanding of its operations and programs. Karissa has a deep commitment to CETUSA’s mission of promoting global exchange experiences
CETUSA is granted full listing in the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) Advisory List and is a commitment member of IIE’s Generation Study Abroad initiative.