A Conversation with Gwen McNallan on the Impact of Exchange Programs

Host Sandrine Clement welcomes Gwen McNallan, president of STS Foundation, to discuss why high school exchange programs matter more than ever and how they create lasting bonds between students, host families, and communities. Gwen shares how her daughter’s interest in studying abroad led her family to host their first exchange student from Germany, sparking an 18-year journey from volunteer coordinator to leadership. She explains the J-1 high school exchange model as powerful “soft diplomacy,” helping people connect face-to-face and see beyond media narratives. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:52 Meet Gwen McNallan01:32 Gwen’s Hosting Origin Story02:38 From Volunteer to Leader03:44 Exchange as a Way of Life05:40 Why High School Exchange08:03 Soft Diplomacy Today10:12 Common Misconceptions11:17 Why a Full Year Matters11:52 STS Foundation History13:04 Impact on Host Families15:20 How Students Transform17:53 What Success Looks Like18:54 Future of Cultural Exchange21:01 Hope for Global Leaders22:24 Final Thanks and Wrap-Up