Celebrating International Education Week 2024: Selected Testimonials

Each year, we leverage the power of authentic stories to expand opportunities for young people to forge meaningful cross-cultural connections as a cornerstone of our International Education Week celebrations. To honor the breadth of virtual exchange programs that expand horizons, make connections, and establish mutual understanding between rising generations, we’re spotlighting participants, alumni, and facilitators from Stevens Initiative-funded programs. Their stories highlight the profound impact and transformative value of virtual exchange.

Explore this year’s selected testimonials below.

Hear from virtual exchange participants and alumni who are bridging the cultural divide to unite humanity through virtual exchange. 

Yazan | Palestinian Territories, An-Najah National University's Climate Futures Exchange

Virtual exchange provided me with the environment I needed to accept myself. As a queer person from MENA with a multi-ethnic background, I found solace in strangers online. This inspired me to advocate for human rights in front of the international community, stand up against hate, and thrive to create an accepting environment regardless of identity.

Virtual Exchange Alum From MENA
Malak | Morocco, Global Ties U.S. MENA-USA Empowering Resilient Girls Exchange (MERGE)
Sarah | Florida, United States, IREX's Global Solutions Conversations
Sara | Egypt, the Institute of International Education's HIVER

Virtual exchange is one of the best experiences I've ever had, and it's the easiest way to get young people connected from around the globe for education. It also helps them to improve their language skills. It improved my understanding of the world and global issues, and it gave me the opportunity to connect with other people from Yemen and the people from the United States.

Magd | Yemen, Amideast's Qisasna
Enas | Iraq, World Learning's The Experiment Digital

To create better outcomes for young people, we must support and empower educators and facilitators. Learn how virtual exchange provides international relationships and learning opportunities for the trusted adults who lead them. 

María | Mexico, AMPEI's PIC-AMERICAS
Oswaldo | Mexico, Global Nomads Group's Overcoming Bias Through Language Learning
Alex | Colorado, United States, MapWorks Learning's Ukraine Youth Action Network
Maria | Texas, United States, AMPEI's PIC-AMERICAS