International Education Week (IEW) is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. IEW is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.
We asked the Spirit team to describe what international exchange means to them and share why they wanted to be involved in international exchange. You can read their responses below!
Kailei | Professional Programs
“After graduating from college, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Peace Corps in Thailand and I experienced firsthand how life-changing international exchange can be. I am thankful for international exchange programs because it creates meaningful opportunities for people who are different to come together and have shared experiences. I’m inspired when I hear stories from our participants on how welcomed they felt in their host communities and how they plan to share the things they learned when they return to their home country.”
Christina and Colleen | Work & Travel
Christina: “I believe international exchange is vital for people to dispel myths they have about the outside world. Exchange programs go deeper than travel. They help people build personal connections that lead to a better understanding of others from differing backgrounds. But also they are just fun!”
Colleen: “My first international visit to Kenya at the young age of 12 changed my life and set me on a pursuit for more adventures to experience different cultures. I got into international exchanges to help other young adults have a life changing experience like I did. Our world becomes stronger with more understanding and knowledge.”
Chelsea | Marketing
“Being at Spirit has opened my eyes to what travel can really be – an opportunity to engage with people from different backgrounds and to experience life from their eyes. Up until now, travel was impersonal. It was an escape rather than an experience. Now I travel to discover, not just to ‘get away.’ I love sharing the stories of our participants who have been impacted by their experiences. They have taught me how to engage and explore, and the world is a brighter place because of it.”
Kathleen | Professional Programs
“I started my adventure in cultural exchange in college when I studied for a semester in Denmark. I was immediately hooked! I’m inspired every day by our exchange teachers who bring their home culture alive for their American students.”
April | Work & Travel
“Studying abroad in Russia gave me a passion for international travel, meeting people from all over the world, and for giving that experience to other students. I hope similar opportunities let young people understand not only different perspectives, but also what is unique about their own culture and share it with others.”
Rafal and Susie | Work & Travel
Rafal: “I fell into international exchange by accident but have found the work to be very interesting and rewarding. I hope that this program and others like it allow more people from different cultures to meet and learn about each other.”
Susie: “Studying abroad in Australia changed my life forever. I traveled throughout a beautiful country, made lasting friendships, and even honed my skill of driving on the other side of the road! The experience positively impacted my world view and made me realize we are more alike than we are different. I hope every student can have a positive experience abroad and share those experiences with others.“
Madison | Work & Travel
“I am involved in international exchange because I enjoy learning about other cultures and languages. I think it is important for everyone to expand their worldview, and hopefully this will lead to more unity, peace, and understanding in the future.”
Julie | Work & Travel
“I love being involved with international exchange because I believe in the power of learning and growing together to make our world the best it can be. The more we have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate new people and new cultures, the more we can incorporate the beauty and richness within all of us to create more peace in the world.”
Rich | Work & Travel
“Peaceful coexistence comes from understanding the people and cultures around us. We learn that we share many of the same fears and aspirations. We find common ground can then work towards a jointly prosperous future.”
Gloria | Work & Travel
“I believe in cultural exchange because I truly feel that when you learn about other cultures your mind opens and your heart softens. You begin to feel a connection to others around the world.”
Anna Marie | Work & Travel
“I got into cultural exchange after studying abroad in college then working as a Language and Culture Assistant in Spain after graduating. I saw the lasting impact exchange programs had on my life, my view of the world as a community, and my own personal growth and felt called to work in an industry that works passionately toward creating these same opportunities for others.”
Rachel | Work & Travel
“I was drawn to international exchange because I love traveling and learning about other cultures. I think we all have so many things we can learn from each other, and it helps us grow when we exchange cultures and broaden our horizons.”
Suzanne | Professional Programs
“After studying abroad and experiencing Spanish culture, I knew I wanted to keep learning about new places! Working at Spirit has allowed me to meet so many unique people from around the world and has only increased my desire to travel and visit new places.”
Michelle | Work & Travel
“I lived in Japan as a child and then again three different times as an adult. This experience opened my mind and heart to different ways of thinking and living and being in community with each other. That experience shaped who I am and made me want to provide that opportunity to others.”