International Experience (iE) provides a platform for international high school students, their host families and their host communities to connect, relate and explore both the differences that define us as well as the similarities that unite us. We believe that learning about other cultures, languages and customs is the best way to dispel prejudice and embrace global citizenship.
Our presence in Chattanooga has grown from 4 host families in 2020 to nearly 30 in 2022! Families can host anywhere in Hamilton County as well as Bradley, Sequatchie, Polk, Loudon, Knox, and surrounding counties.
Sara is reachable by text, phone, or email and has a team of 5 Local coordinators ready to help you get started on your journey with your exchange student! Students arrive in August 2023, but students are being matched to host families now!
The Bright School was founded in 1913 by progressive educator Mary G. Bright and currently enrolls about 300 students from preschool age to fifth grade.
Located in Chattanooga, McCallie welcomes students from all around the country and around the world. This private school serves boys in grades 6 through 12.
Baylor welcomes students from 12 countries, 23 states, and dozens of area neighborhoods. This private school serves students in grades 6 through 12.
Catoosa County Public Schools is a student-focused learning community, where excellence is expected from staff and students, every day, without exception. They serve students in grades pre-k through 12.
Walker County Schools is a public school district in Walker County, Georgia. They serve children in grades pre-k through 12.
The Hamilton County School District is comprised of 576-square miles in southeastern Tennessee with a population of 357,738 residents. The 79 schools consist of Pre-K through grade twelve with nearly 2,800 full-time teachers responsible for educating over 44,500 students.
Founded in 1923, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre offers high-quality, live stage productions year round on two stages from their beautiful facility on the Tennessee River.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has a wonderful fine arts program and center that is open to the public. You can view visual arts, hear music, or watch plays at the center.
If you’re a sports fan, UTC is the place for you! With their year-round athletic scheduling, you can be sure to find a game to watch no matter what season.
The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera was the first combined professional resident symphony and opera company in the nation, merging in 1985. Kayoko Dan, Music Director and Conductor, leads the company’s artistic vision and is in her third season with the CSO.
Chattanooga’s “Jewel of the South” is the perfect place to watch a live performance, concert, or movie. This beautiful theatre is sure to make the whole family happy.
City Cafe is known for its large portions and delicious desserts. It’s open 24/7, so you can get your cake fix whenever you want!
Siskin Children’s Institute works to improve the quality of life for children with special needs and their families. Siskin Children’s Institute has operated the Siskin Early Learning Center for more than 70 years. The center educates children with special needs and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders, as well as typically developing children in an inclusive environment where children learn and play together.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly gym to join, the YMCA has several locations to serve you in greater Chattanooga. Kids and adults will love the pools, play places, and family nights they offer.
The Miracle League of Chattanooga is a fantastic athletic league that is inclusive for everyone! The YMCA runs the league, and their facilities are beautiful.
The Downtown YMCA Preschool is a Three-Star Preschool, meeting the needs of working parents by providing affordable tuition for exemplary care in the Downtown area.
Venya Portrait is owned and operated by one of our Chattanooga Moms contributors. Jessica specializes in portrait photography.
The unbelievable taste of Champy’s is the result of 40 years of family secrets and Mississippi Delta magic. We fry every tender, breast, thigh, wing, and leg right when it’s ordered so every bite is hot, fresh, and filled with unbelievable flavor. That same love and craft goes into the legendary side items and desserts that we make by hand every single day. Throw in a fun, family atmosphere, a round of your favorite beverages, and you’ve got everything you need for a meal to remember.
If you’re craving a burger, Urban Stack is the place to go!
Rated the #7 children’s museum in the US by Trekaroo! Fun, hands-on learning exhibits for children of all ages.
From bouldering and lead climbing to our outdoor walls and Kid Zone, High Point Climbing has something great for everyone!
The UTC Children’s Center is an early childhood program operated by the School of Education, College of Health, Education and Professional Studies. The center serves children from six weeks of age through prekindergarten at two local sites: Brown Academy on the UTC campus and Battle Academy downtown. The Tennessee Department of Human Services licenses the center. The prekindergarten program is approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. Priority for enrollment is given to children of UTC faculty, staff and students.
The Songbirds Foundation shares the transformative experience of music in eastern Tennessee by delivering educational programming, preserving music history, hosting enriching events, and providing concrete resources to emerging artists.
The Chattanooga Lookouts are a Minor League Baseball team located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and are named for nearby Lookout Mountain. The team plays its home games at AT&T Field.
If you’re a sports fan, UTC is the place for you! With their year-round athletic scheduling, you can be sure to find a game to watch no matter what season.
Bluff View Art District is Chattanooga’s premiere spot for all things art! It stretches over 1.5 blocks high above the Tennessee River. It’s dedicated to visual, horticultural, and culinary arts.
The Hunter Art Museum is the perfect place to enjoy fine art in Chattanooga. With permanent and traveling exhibitions, there’s always something new to explore.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has a wonderful fine arts program and center that is open to the public. You can view visual arts, hear music, or watch plays at the center.