iEARN-USA’s Compañeros de Clase Globales Welcomes Students from Oaxaca Through New Stevens Initiative Partnership
iEARN-USA is proud to announce that Compañeros de Clase Globales, our dynamic virtual exchange program implemented with iEARN Mexico, will now include students from the State of Oaxaca, Mexico, as part of a new partnership between The Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute and the Ministry of Education of Oaxaca. This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in expanding access to transformative virtual exchange opportunities for young people in Mexico, the United States, and beyond.
The partnership, formalized through a Letter of Intent between the Stevens Initiative and the Ministry of Education of Oaxaca, underscores a shared commitment to fostering global leadership through virtual exchange. This initiative will enable students from Oaxaca to connect with their peers across the United States, engaging in meaningful cross-cultural collaboration and dialogue.
Expanding Virtual Exchange Opportunities
Through this partnership, 250 high school students in Oaxaca will participate in virtual exchange programs in spring 2025, including Compañeros de Clase Globales, a program that fosters language learning and mutual understanding among Spanish-speaking classrooms. The program integrates real-world projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), helping students explore topics such as robotics, environmental sustainability, and cultural exchange through literature.
Compañeros de Clase Globales provides an opportunity for students in Oaxaca to collaborate with peers in U.S. cities such as Bozeman, MT; Henderson, NC; Nashville, TN; Oconomowoc, WI; Santa Fe, NM; Riverside, CA; and Washington, DC. This exchange enables students to engage in global conversations, develop their language skills, and work on solutions to shared challenges.
A Commitment to Global Learning
The partnership was announced in Oaxaca in a ceremony chaired by Delfina Guzmán, Secretary of Education of the State of Oaxaca, and Christine Shiau, Executive Director of the Stevens Initiative. Both leaders emphasized the importance of international virtual exchange programs in preparing young people to become future leaders and problem solvers in an increasingly interconnected world.
“The Stevens Initiative is proud to support the expansion of opportunities for young people in Oaxaca and the United States to engage in transformative cross-cultural exchanges, preparing them to lead a more peaceful and prosperous world,” said Christine Shiau. “This partnership represents a shared commitment to building bridges of understanding and opportunity for rising generations of leaders.”
In addition to Compañeros de Clase Globales, the partnership will also support Global Nomads Group’s Building Understanding Through Language Learning, which promotes empathy and awareness through language learning by connecting people in Mexico and the United States. Students also join live conversations with their international peers where they can interact with each other, share aspects of their cultures, and practice English or Spanish with native speakers as they discuss the curriculum.
iEARN-USA’s Compañeros de Clase Globales virtual program is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation. To learn more about iEARN-USA and how to join this or other virtual exchange programs, visit https://projects.us.iearn.org/.
Looking Ahead
As iEARN-USA continues to expand its reach and impact through virtual exchange, we are honored to be part of this initiative that connects students across borders and empowers them with the tools to collaborate on global issues. This partnership is an important milestone in our mission to foster mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among young people worldwide.
For more details on the Stevens Initiative’s partnership with the State of Oaxaca, visit the official announcement here.
On September 28, Moldova saw an unprecedented convergence of 250 educators at the Ion Creangă State University in Chișinău for the iEARN-Moldova Global Education Conference. Organized by the iEARN-Moldova network in collaboration with the General Directorate for Education, Youth, and Sports, and America House Cultural Center, the conference marked a pivotal moment for Moldova’s educational future. At the event’s core was a vision to enrich Moldova’s educational ecosystem by fostering international collaboration, introducing innovative teaching practices, and expanding Moldovan educators’ engagement through global partnerships.
250 Moldovian educators taking pictures at the end of the conference.
Reframing Moldovan Education Through Global Collaboration
The iEARN Global Education Conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange and the cultivation of international relationships. The event emphasized Moldova’s ambition to modernize its educational practices by aligning with global trends. Participants discussed how Moldovan educators can actively contribute to the international educational community, improving student learning experiences and fostering global citizenship.
The opening video address from Melissa Rowker, Director of Global Education at iEARN-USA, stressed the transformative power of global networks, highlighting that cross-border collaboration allows educators to create more meaningful learning experiences and address common challenges. This message underscored the conference’s objective of integrating international perspectives into daily teaching practices.
iEARN Moldova Greeting: Melissa Rowker, Director of Global Education at iEARN-USA welcomes the iEARN-Moldova community.
Following this, Daniela Munca-Aftenev, Deputy Chief of the Chișinău Municipal Department of Education, Youth and Sport, illustrated how Moldova’s educational framework can synergize with iEARN’s global projects, providing students with skills and intercultural competencies essential in today’s interconnected world.
Daniela Munca- Aftenev, Deputy Chief of the Chișinău Municipal Department of Education, Youth and Sport presenting
Thepresentation of Olga Morozan, iEARN Moldova Country Coordinator emphasized the expanding opportunities for Moldovan educators through iEARN, such as professional development, international exchanges, and mentorships. These resources help teachers stay aligned with global educational trends, improving their skills and student outcomes. The impact of global collaboration fosters innovation and cooperation, benefiting both teachers and students alike.
Olga Morozan, iEARN-Moldova Country Coordinator presenting the iEARN Teachers’ Guide
iEARN Projects: Catalysts for Global Learning
The conference showcased several impactful iEARN projects that the 7 most active Moldovan teachers have already integrated into their classrooms. These projects demonstrate how international collaboration can yield tangible educational benefits by providing students with the opportunity to explore global issues, enhance digital skills, and develop cross-cultural understanding.
One such project, “One Day in Life,” encourages students from Nisporeni to document and share a day in their lives with peers worldwide, linking personal experiences to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project fosters global empathy and teaches students to view the world through a shared lens of responsibility.
Another project, “My Hero,” engages students from Mihai Eminescu Lyceum from Edinet in storytelling, allowing them to share stories of individuals who inspire them. This initiative promotes cultural pride and teaches students the importance of values like resilience and compassion. The “Places and Perspectives” project further enriches the same students’ cultural knowledge through the exchange of personal experiences, fostering a greater appreciation for diverse cultural identities.
Most active iEARN-Moldova educators sharing their best practices
The conference also highlighted the role of young people in community service and global activism, as evidenced by their involvement in the Global Youth Service Day. For example, Moldovan students from Balti municipality participating in this initiative took on leadership roles, addressing local challenges, while simultaneously learning about the importance of global solidarity.
Other significant projects showcased by 2 iEARN educators from Drochia and Ungheni districts included initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and digital citizenship, crucial in preparing students to navigate the digital landscape with ethical awareness. Such projects ensure that Moldovan students are not only prepared for future academic challenges but also equipped to become responsible digital citizens.
Cornelia Platon’s Invitation: Connecting Cultures Through “Folk Costumes Around the Globe”
A significant highlight of the conference was the invitation from Cornelia Platon, iEARN-Romania Country Representative, who warmly encouraged Moldovan educators to participate in the “Folk Costumes Around the Globe” project. Cornelia spoke passionately about preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of traditional folk costumes from different countries. She highlighted how the project serves as a powerful tool for exploring national identity and fostering cross-cultural respect.
Cornelia Platon, iEARN-Romanina Country Coordinator inviting Moldovan educators to join the “Folk Costumes Around the Globe” project.
Through virtual exhibitions and exchanges, this initiative allows students to share the beauty and significance of their traditional garments while learning about the cultural expressions of others. This project represents a bridge between cultural appreciation and global understanding, and many Moldovan teachers were eager to participate.
The Conference was transmitted online in two parts (Part 1 and Part 2) reaching out to more people willing to explore new global learning opportunities from the country and abroad.
A New Educational Frontier: Moldovan Teachers Reflect
As the conference concluded, participants reflected on the wealth of ideas and strategies shared, with many educators expressing their renewed enthusiasm for joining the iEARN community and transforming their teaching practices. The conference opened new pathways for professional growth, providing access to international networks that could enhance the learning environment for Moldovan students.
The discussions surrounding cross-border collaboration and shared learning experiences resonated deeply with the participants, who recognized that global education is crucial for preparing students to thrive in today’s interconnected world. As one teacher commented, “Our classrooms no longer exist in isolation—our students are part of a global society, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the tools to succeed.”
Moldovan teachers ready to access the iEARN global learning path.
As Moldova continues to navigate educational reform, conferences like this provide crucial opportunities for reflection and collaboration, offering a vision of education that transcends geographical borders. Through global connections and the adoption of iEARN projects, Moldovan educators are poised to guide the next generation toward a future defined by collaboration, intercultural understanding, and global responsibility.
Are you interested in globalizing your classroom, school or district, but not sure where or how to start? Join iEARN-USA for a live webinar on Thursday, June 20th from 1pm-2pm EDT/12pm-1pm CDT to learn about our global education programming and how iEARN-USA can work with you to engage your teachers and students in global project collaboration through virtual exchange!
iEARN is a global network of engaged educators and students learning, skill-sharing, and working together virtually on meaningful curriculum-based projects aligned with the UN’s Sustainable development goals (SDGs). Learning with the world…not just about it
Register for the Webinar
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MvExCwCnShykqG5mW2mdUQ?mc_cid=35faa5df72&mc_eid=7179332ed3
iEARN-USA has recently added three fantastic individuals to its staff as it continues to grow and support study abroad and virtual project educational opportunities in the United States. We are excited to have added Shannon Pedersen as Program Manager and Kate Tankel and Program Coordinator supporting the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program administration in partnership with the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). We have hired Lindsay Myers as Program Coordinator to support the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) also in partnership with the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Lindsay Myers
Lindsay was hired earlier in 2024 as a Program Coordinator to support the NSLI-Y team, which supports students who share their stories on NSLI-Y Interactive. Lindsay first heard about iEARN-USA from her partner teacher when she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Moldova. Lindsay is currently based in New York and has a BA in International Relations from William and Mary and MS from The New School.
Lindsay is originally from Ohio and is passionate about dog training, aerial dance, and of course, language learning.
Kate Tankel
Kate was recently hired as a Yes Program Coordinator, supporting several aspects of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program implementation. This includes application review, on-program support, alumni programming, reporting, and social media outreach. Kate began her career in education as a Fulbright Ecuador English Teaching Assistant. Upon her return to the United States, she taught Spanish to public high school students for nine years and led cross-cultural student and alumni programming. Her time as an educator culminated in a 2021 Kansas Teacher of the Year nomination in recognition of her student-centered approach to facilitating global learning. She is thrilled to join the YES team in support of it’s mission to empower YES students and partners through transformative local and international programming.
Kate is based in Kansas and earned her B.A. in K-12 Spanish Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her M.A. in Spanish Teaching at Southern Oregon University through an immersion program in Guanajuato, Mexico. Kate also enjoys spending time in nature, making up new chords on the piano, and slow travel with a good book.
Shannon Pedersen
Shannon was recently hired as YES Program Manager to work with our YES team to recruit and support YES inbound students from eight countries across the globe. Her primary duties include financial management and reporting along with additional aspects supporting the program during recruitment, pre-departure, on-program, ad alumni programming. Previously, Shannon worked as a non-profit J-1 visa sponsor on the operations team supporting Work & Travel participants. Shannon transitioned to outbound high school exchange program management. Most recently before working for iEARN-USA, Shannon was the Senior Manager of Grant Programs where she managed the FLEX and YES programs for a placement organization.
Shannon is based in Illinois and has a B.A. in Politics & International Relations from Messiah University, and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University.
New York City, NY, November 8, 2023 – Today, iEARN-USA (International Education and Resource Network) announced the launch of Compañeros de Clase Globales, a series of projects that will ignite learning and spark students’ curiosity about the world and their role in it by bringing the world into U.S. classrooms. Through this International Virtual Exchange program, iEARN-USA will pair elementary and high school classrooms in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, with peer classrooms in Guatemala, challenging students to explore real world issues and think about what it means to make a positive difference in the world.
It often feels that the world is facing insurmountable challenges. Virtual exchange can empower young people to be agents of change alongside their international peers. iEARN projects are designed to support students’ understanding of one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This provides an entry point for students across diverse countries and cultures. Additionally, across each project, classrooms explore a common idea such as robotics, building cultural competencies through shared literature, and investigating environmental issues that impact local and global communities. This dual alignment means classrooms can engage around a global “big idea” while simultaneously supporting the instructional standards in each classroom location.
iEARN-USA’s Compañeros de Clase Globales is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation.
Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik, Executive Director of iEARN-USA, expressed her appreciation and excitement about this program saying, “We are grateful to the Stevens Initiative and the Bezos Family Foundation for their support of Compañeros de Clase Globales. Their support is helping iEARN achieve our mission to develop a global community that is breaking down cultural barriers and making a difference in the world. I truly believe that virtual exchange can be the spark that ignites a young person’s interest in the world. It’s incredibly cool to be able to meet and talk with peers from other countries and together learn about everything from different cultures, to different climates, to our shared human experience!“
“The Stevens Initiative envisions a day where every young person can say that virtual exchange empowered them to learn and connect with peers from around the world. This can only be possible with the support of the dedicated virtual exchange providers, strategic partners, and education and exchange leaders who have joined our global movement. The Stevens Initiative’s collaboration with iEARN-USA represents a pivotal moment for the future of virtual exchange, and we are proud to work alongside them as they work on the ground to make this vision possible in the years ahead,” said Christine Shiau, Executive Director of the Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute.
Ortiz-Cidlik went on to say, “Demand for virtual exchange can’t be met by one program alone because of the unique interests and needs of young people. By joining forces with the Stevens Initiative and other providers, we can magnify our impact and ensure that communities everywhere have access to programs that excite them.”
To learn more about iEARN-USA and how to join this or other virtual exchange programs, visit https://projects.us.iearn.org/.
iEARN-USA is a founder and the U.S. center of the International Education and Resource Network. With nearly 5,000 classrooms in 145 countries and virtual exchange projects in 30 languages, iEARN is one of the largest, most experienced non-profit networks enabling K-12 educators and students to engage in global virtual exchange through project-based & collaborative learning. The iEARN model has been cited for impact and reliance through its founding; most recently, the World Economic Forum named the iEARN model one of its top 16 frameworks for the future of education.
The Stevens Initiative is an international leader in virtual exchange, which brings young people from diverse places together to collaborate and connect through everyday technology. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption. Learn more: https://www.stevensinitiative.org
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
The Bezos Family Foundation supports rigorous, inspired learning environments for young people, from birth through high school, to put their education into action. Through investments in research, public awareness, systems building and programs, the foundation works to elevate the field of education and improve life outcomes for all children.
New York, April 25, 2023 –– Today, the Stevens Initiative announced iEARN-USA is one of 15 schools, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations to receive funding to run virtual exchange programs that connect young people in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Social Change builds global leaders by engaging Algerian, Tunisian, and American youth in global collaboration to tell stories about real world issues in their local communities.
Storytelling for Social Change is implemented by iEARN-USA and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.
Virtual exchange connects young people from diverse places using everyday technology for collaborative learning and interaction through sustained and facilitated engagement. Through virtual exchange programs, young people have access to life-changing opportunities that can shape their trajectories, bring new friends into their lives, and expand their worldviews. Virtual exchange is a vital learning tool with the capacity to connect people around the world on an unprecedented scale without a need for travel.
“At a time when education remains in flux in a post-pandemic world, complex global issues are front of mind, and young people excitedly return to in-person gatherings, virtual exchange continues to be an important learning tool. By fostering unique online spaces for young people to come together over shared challenges and triumphs, virtual exchange moves us toward a more connected and inclusive world. These new grantees play a critical role in making this possible, and participants of this program will undoubtedly approach the future with the belief they can impact their communities and the world around them,†said Christine Shiau, Executive Director of the Stevens Initiative.
iEARN-USA’s Storytelling for Social Change draws on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to explore the transformative power of storytelling. High school-aged youth from Algeria, Tunisia, and the United States collaborate with international partners through virtual exchange as they choose a local or global issue inspired by the SDGs and examine their personal connections to it. Participants learn a range of storytelling, communication, and technical skills through media analysis and hands-on audiovisual assignments. By developing a deeper understanding of global issues from different social and cultural perspectives, participants ultimately create a more equitable society and become active global citizens.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Stevens Initiative for this opportunity. Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for learning and creating change. Stories connect people and ideas and help us learn about different places, people and cultures. Good stories can change the way we view the world and our role in it. Leveraging technology to connect students from different parts of the world who might otherwise never meet, and engaging them in an exploration of issues that impact them and their communities and sharing their stories elevates the excitement and the learning,†added Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik, Executive Director of iEARN-USA.
The 2023 grantees will reach 20,000 young people across the United States and MENA region. Other grants include:
Amideast’s Qisasna facilitates cross-cultural exchange between young people in the United States and Yemen by providing them with the skills they need to produce podcasts on shared challenges and opportunities between youth.
An-Najah National University’s Climate Futures Exchange is a classroom-based exchange that engages students from An-Najah National University and Arizona State University to discuss a range of climate change issues and strategies to address them when designing and implementing new buildings.
Arizona State University’s Future Educators for Inclusion engages college students from Morocco and the United States through mutual discovery, shared learning, and local action to address the global challenge of disability inclusion as they prepare to become classroom teachers.
Culturingua’s Alliance of Young World Actionists engages young American and Libyan leaders focused on local and global public health challenges and their causes.
Global Ties KC’s FIRST Robotics Virtual Exchange connects participants from Libya, Morocco, and the U.S. through cultural exchange and technical sessions related to STEM and robotics.
Institute of International Education’s Harnessing Innovation through Virtual Exchange for Enhanced Results develops intercultural communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills among a diverse group of students at participating universities in the United States and Middle East and North Africa.
IREX’s Global Solutions places college students from the United States with peers in Iraq or Jordan in binational teams to collaborate on innovative solutions related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through virtual exchange.
Missouri State University’s Global Teacher Education Exchange brings new and future K-12 educators from Libya, Morocco, and the United States into a vibrant professional learning community where they engage in cross-cultural collaboration and prepare to teach for global understanding.
PATHWAYSInstitute for Negotiation Education’s Game Changers: Creative Negotiation Skills builds confidence and skills for creative negotiation, problem-solving, and leadership among university students coming together from Israel and the United States.
Plugged In Band Program’s Peace Tracks is a cross-cultural, music-focused online youth exchange that provides high school students with an unforgettable opportunity to connect with peers in other countries to get to know them, learn about their cultures, and collaborate over the course of a semester on an original song.
Smithsonian Science Education Center’s Smithsonian Youth STEM Exchange brings together young people in Iraq and Michigan, United States, to discover, understand, and find solutions to sustainability issues in their local and global communities.
Soliya’s Connect Program brings together college-aged youth in the United States and in the Middle East and North Africa for online, face-to-face dialogues in the presence of facilitators trained in dialogue and conflict resolution.
Soliya’s Global Circles are short online dialogue opportunities, bringing together young people from the United States and from the Middle East and North Africa for a face-to-face exchange around compelling global issues that matter to youth today.
Texas International Education Consortium’s Business & Entrepreneurship Virtual Exchange connects faculty from universities in Iraq and Texas, U.S., through virtual exchange, preparing them to implement project-based virtual exchanges on a variety of business and entrepreneurship topics in their courses that will develop key academic skills and cultural competencies.
World Learning’s The Experiment Digital Leadership in STEM equips high school-aged youth to leverage their interests and skills in STEM to achieve personal and professional goals while giving back to their community.
The Stevens Initiative is an international leader in virtual exchange, which brings young people from diverse places together to collaborate and connect through everyday technology. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption.
iEARN-USA is a global leader in virtual project-based learning for K-12 students that has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the most innovative education models in the world. Through iEARN programs, students work collaboratively across boundaries of geography, time-zones, languages, cultural differences, and educational systems to make a meaningful difference in the world. iEARN-USA is part of a global non-profit network that impacts over 30,000 schools and 50,000 educators in 130 countries.
More Information
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) builds relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, professional and private exchanges, as well as public-private partnerships and mentoring programs. These exchange programs improve foreign relations and strengthen the national security of the United States, support U.S. international leadership, and provide a broad range of domestic benefits by helping break down barriers that often divide us. Visit eca.state.gov.
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
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