Virtual Exchange Is Exchange

By Christine Shiau , Executive Director, Stevens Initiative

Today we celebrate the tenth annual Exchange Day with members of the international education and exchange community – from virtual exchange alumni, to our partners at implementing organizations, dedicated educators, and more! No matter what role we play, we all recognize the incredible value of virtual exchange to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.?

Since our founding in 2015, the Initiative has proudly worked to champion global citizenship, empower future leaders, and advance the field of virtual exchange. To do that, we’re committed to showcasing the incredible value and impact of virtual exchange with global leaders, peacekeepers, educators, and business leaders. Virtual exchange gives young people the tools to cultivate a greater understanding of the world and a belief in their ability to address society’s greatest challenges on a local and global scale. The real-world skills gained in virtual exchange — including collaboration, communication, digital literacy, foreign language proficiency, civic engagement, and more — prepare them to prosper and thrive in any industry.?

We envision a world where every young person has the opportunity to gain these valuable global perspectives and connections. But we can’t do it alone. It will take a community of those who share a collective dedication to build a better future for the next generation of global leaders. As more and more people participate in virtual exchange, we can bridge the cultural divide to connect humanity.?

The Initiative's global movement for virtual exchange is an opportunity to continue leading in innovative ways, giving young people enriching global experiences. Ready to join us? Here are five things you can do to show your support today!

1. Spread the Word on Social: Download our social media toolkit with template posts, graphics, and hashtags to show your network what virtual exchange means to you. You can also share your own words and images using the #VirtualExchangeIs and #CelebrateExchangeDay hashtags.
2. Join a Program: Individual educators or entire schools and nonprofit organizations can implement an existing virtual exchange program run by one of our grantees. You’ll benefit from the grantee’s content, partnership network, facilitation training, and other forms of guidance and support. Explore eligible programs and fill out our interest form here.?
3. Mobilize Youth Participation: Open enrollment opportunities enable young people to apply to and participate in a virtual exchange on their own time. Educators, youth organizers, and administrators can visit our Mobilize Youth Participation page to learn how you can receive recruitment materials for spreading the word about these opportunities to young people.?
4. Subscribe to our Mailing List: Join us as an advocate for virtual exchange and stay up-to-date on the latest news, resources, and opportunities in the field by subscribing to our outreach list!
5. Other Exchange Day Activities: Exchange Day, as J Day, was piloted in the summer of 2014 by members of the Alliance for International Exchange . Learn more about the day and how you can celebrate with other member organizations here!?

Visit our website to learn more: https://www.stevensinitiative.org/exchangeday2024?