Our Mission
The Mission of Terra Lingua USA is to provide quality international exchange experiences in an effort to promote global understanding and experiential education to people worldwide.
Learn more about Terra Lingua USA.
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1997 year organization was founded
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16 countries our students come from
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50 US States our students are placed in
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181 schools our students go to
There is no better way to understand another culture than to immerse yourself in it. As a former Peace Corps Volunteer, I am forever appreciative to my Ugandan families for their guidance and support. I love helping our Terra Lingua students find loving American families to expose them to all the wonderful, diverse aspects of life in the USA.
Meet our Management Team
Terra Lingua USA is an established and accredited non-profit organization specializing in cultural and educational opportunities for high school aged students worldwide. Our vision is to promote global awareness one student at a time. We offer affordable and quality cultural exchanges through an experienced and caring network.
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Kellie
Kellie Iacovella
Executive Director
F1 Program, Summer, Short-Term, ESL Programs
Kellie comes from an exchange background dating back to her Junior year in high school when her family hosted their first exchange student. During her senior year, Kellie spent time in Germany after hosting a German student. After college she went on to a career in purchasing and planning but ended up back in international exchange as a Representative. She then moved on to Regional Coordinator, President of the TLUSA Board of Directors, to the Executive Director of TLUSA. She has held this position for 16 years. -
Christine
Christine Rizzo Thompson
J1 Academic Program Director
Christine also began her experience in international exchange by hosting several student in her home as a teenager. After college graduation and several years in marketing, she found herself back in the business. Christine was hired by TLUSA to perform initial screening of exchange applicants but has since moved on to become the Director of J1 Programs. Christine has 17 years with Terra Lingua USA!
Want to join our team?
We’re growing fast and always looking for Community coordinators.
Interested in joining us?
Designations and Accreditations
The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) has reviewed our organization for compliance with CSIET Standards. Terra Lingua USA holds full accreditation for the J1 Visa Inbound program.
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has designated Terra Lingua USA as a sponsor of an exchange visitor program in accordance with the administrative regulations issued under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Public Law 87-256, also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act).
Terra Lingua USA proudly supports the BridgeUSA program.
BridgeUSA brings together the next generation of current and emerging leaders through unmatched and immersive cultural and professional exchange programs. These programs promote cross-cultural understanding and serve as a launch pad for career advancement.
BridgeUSA is about making lasting connections. It is more than just a cultural exchange. It builds enduring bridges of friendship between peoples and nations and is a bridge to experiencing the United States and connecting with the world.
Connect with TLUSA
We are represented in the United States by an experienced network of local and state coordinators who work in cooperation with students, host families, and local high schools to ensure quality programs.