OVER 100 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE
working directly with thousands of international students

Located in Nashville, TN, Global Educational Concepts, Inc. (GEC) runs High School in the USA as a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s cultural exchange programs. GEC fully supports and believes in the public diplomacy opportunities these exchange programs offer our participants, host families, and local coordinators.

We seek to provide the best service and support possible to the young people who participate in our programs while adhering to the regulations that govern these programs. Our program participants can be found all across the U.S.

We INVEST in building people. We INSPIRE people to achieve their goals in life. We positively IMPACT the world.

As a proud member of the Southwestern Family of Companies, founded in 1855, our mission is to invest in purpose-driven people who are inspired to build principle-guided businesses that impact the world. We help people develop the skills and character they need to achieve their goals in life. Ultimately, we strive to positively impact the people and communities we serve worldwide.

MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

ELLEN HOGGARD

President

High School in the USA

Global Cultural Exchanges (GCE) is pleased to announce that Ms. Ellen Hoggard will be joining our team as president of GCE effective January 31, 2022. She is a tremendous credit to the exchange community and we are honored to have her join the Southwestern Family of Companies.

Ellen has served in an executive leadership role for the Alliance for International Exchange and her seven-year tenure is the longest period of time anyone has served on the Alliance board. In addition to being arguably the strongest leader in the High School space in the country.

Cathy Galli-Vaneveld

Program Support Manager

High School in the USA

Cathy has been in Student Exchange for over 14 years. She worked with Ayusa as a Regional Manager for the West and Northwest Region for over 10 years. She then was with Pan Atlantic Foundation as Regional Director for a year and half. She has supported thousands of students and families over the course of her career. Throughout her years in student exchange, her greatest passion has been the support for the families and students in order for them to have a life changing experience. Cathy moved to the role of Program Support Manager for High School in the USA in 2022. This has allowed her to make a true difference and allows her to help others work through difficult times and move to a successful year. In this role, she has been able to build strong relationships with Overseas Partners to build support and cooperation with natural parents as well. Cathy has personally hosted 6 Academic students and has had more than 10 students in her home for shorter periods of time.