Hello World,
Today is Spirit Cultural Exchange’s 21st birthday! As we wrap up our yearlong 20th anniversary celebration, we wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on the difference Spirit Cultural Exchange has made in the world. And to thank you for making it possible.
Over the last 21 years, Spirit has hosted over 30,000 exchange participants in the USA on its Work and Travel, Intern, Trainee and Teacher Programs – often from countries of strategic importance to the USA such as Ukraine, China and Turkey. Many of our participants will be future leaders in their home countries and their personal understanding of American society and its people will help shape constructive and cooperative relations between our nations. Following are just a few of the Spirit alumni “Where are They Now” entries we shared with you this year. Each in their own way demonstrates the power of cultural exchange in promoting world peace and public diplomacy. We invite you to read their stories.
We could not do this important work without you. Whether you are an international exchange participant, host organization, international sending partner, Spirit staff member or just a fan of international exchange – we thank you. Bridges between nations could not be built without your work and dedication to world peace and international understanding.
Look out world, here’s to the next 20 years!
Warm wishes for a peaceful New Year,
Rich & Kathleen
Rich Baader, CEO
Kathleen Gault, President