The Catholic Student Exchange began in 1998. The original name was Saint Elizabeth Academic Student Exchange – SEASE – The first participating school, was Dunham, in Baton Rouge, LA.

In 1999, Rev. Fr. Juan Ramon Vega, had the vision to create a unique and complete experience between cultures, for Latin and American students. It began in St. Elizabeth community, where it took its first name from.

St. Elizabeth School became the model for a student exchange program that has grown and succeeded greatly since 1999. Rev. Fr. Ramon Vega, has always been a special youth leader and has taught many values to young students. Together, with Diane Leblanc, principal at the time, and Deann Ponciano, began the cultural exchange between two cultures.

Since 1998, many students and families have traveled to and from the United States and Guatemala

Each year, more schools have become involved in the program. There are now, more than 43 Catholic, Private, Diocesan participating schools. Louisiana was the first state. The trust and confidence in the Catholic Student Exchange Program helped overcome difficult trials along its way. 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike strengthened the bonds between nations and involved other states in the program. Students have traveled to Ohio, Alabama, Wisconsin, and Georgia. These states have opened their schools, homes and hearts to the unforgettable opportunity this experience provides to their children and communities.

Many families have traveled to Guatemala since 2000. Beginning in 2007, Guatemalan people are blessed with 3 Catholic Mission groups: Encontrandome con Cristo, Nicholls and Fletcher Community College, and Family Missions Company. They travel to work on community projects in Chimaltenango, Suchitepéquez, Mazatenango and Retalhuleu. Voluntary students, families, professionals and parishioners who have met the exchange students get to visit and help needy people in Latin America.

Many friendship bonds have been strengthened along the way. Many similarities among families, cultures, traditions, manners and other traits make this program unique and different. The experiences and memories of so many years have made the Program very enlightening for all.