Compañeros de Clase Globales
Building Global Citizenship With Our Latin American Neighbors
Together with the Stevens Initiative, the Aspen Institute, and the Bezos Family Foundation, iEARN-USA’s virtual exchange program, Compañeros de Clase Globales, inspires and develops global leaders by connecting Spanish-speaking students and educators from the U.S., Guatemala, and Mexico. Through dynamic, cross-cultural exchanges, participants engage in collaborative projects that spark curiosity, explore real-world challenges, and promote global competencies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The program fosters meaningful connections, enhances language skills, and broadens perspectives by bringing diverse voices together to address shared global issues.
Engaging Peers Through Educational Exchanges
Spanning three 9-week cohorts in 2024 and 2025, the program combines asynchronous activities such as shared multimedia projects and discussion forums with live video calls that enable real-time interaction and cultural exchange. Educators receive professional development to support the program’s implementation, ensuring a rich and impactful experience for all participants.
iEARN-USA is currently seeking U.S. Spanish-speaking classrooms to join the Spring 2025 cohort and be part of this transformative journey, empowering students to make a difference in their communities and the world.
iEARN-USA is currently looking for U.S. Spanish-speaking classrooms to join Compañeros de Clase Globales for their Spring 2025 cohort beginning in March 2025.
What are the Benefits of Virtual Exchange?
- A Tool for Equity – An opportunity for students who are unable to travel to explore the world from their classrooms.
- Meet New People Globally – Students connect with peers from around the world, sharing experiences and building international friendships.
- Broadens Perspectives – Exposure to different viewpoints helps students understand diverse perspectives and develop critical thinking.
- Understanding Global Issues -Students learn about global challenges and explore ways they can contribute to positive change in their local communities and beyond.
- Real-World Context to Language Practice– Engaging with native Spanish speakers improves language proficiency and cultural understanding.
- Offers Cultural Immersion – Students discover new cultures and customs, enriching students’ appreciation for diversity
- Develops Life Skills – Through project work, students gain practical skills and global competencies that are valuable in any career.
- Boosts Confidence and Empowers Students – Sharing ideas in a supportive environment helps students grow in confidence and empowers them to direct their own learning, take action, and use their voice to make change on both local and global levels.
About Compañeros de Clase Globales
This program is a grant-funded international virtual exchange program focused on igniting learning and sparking curiosity about the world through a series of collaborative projects, inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Students examine compelling real-world issues and explore how they can make a difference in the world.
- Who can join: K-12 Spanish Speaking Classes from Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States
- Duration: 9-week virtual exchange program
- Activities:
- Pre-Program Orientation – Students will complete a series of activities to prepare them for their virtual exchange.
- Asynchronous Activities & Discussions – Students will engage with each other on our LMS platform called the Collaboration Centre powered by Schoology through various activities and discussion boards that support their project work.
- Project Work – Students collaboratively work on a project, exploring a common idea, analyzing cultural differences and similarities, and the impact on their local communities.
- Three Live Synchronous Classes – Students will participate in a live class with international peers at least three times throughout the duration of the program. They will get to know each other, provide feedback, and support each other with project work.
Program Goals
- Develop 21st Century Skills – Students enhance their skills in intercultural communication, collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, and technology.
- Global Awareness – Students gain a deeper understanding of global issues from different cultural perspectives.
- Active Citizenship – The program aims to inspire students to become active citizens in their local communities and globally.
Program Timeline
- Spring 2025 – March 3, 2025 – May 16, 2025
Enrollment for our Spring 2025 cohort has opened. Enroll today to secure your school’s spot in our upcoming cohort!
Program Impact
- Over 1,500 students: By May 2025, over 1,500 students will have participated in the program.
- 3 countries: Compañeros de Clase Globales is implemented in the United States, Guatemala, and Mexico, fostering a diverse learning environment that brings together Spanish-speaking students from different cultural backgrounds and communities.
- 30 Hours of Educational Content: Each cohort engages with around 10 hours of educational content designed to equip students with new knowledge and skills.
FAQ
Who can participate?
The program is open to any K-12 Spanish-speaking class for example: English Language Learners whose first language is Spanish, Dual Language (English/Spanish) Classes, Spanish for Native Speakers classes. Preference is for schools who can meet in the mornings/early afternoon to accommodate time zones and school schedules in Mexico and Guatemala.
How long is the program?
The program is 9 weeks long.
What language is the program conducted in?
The program is conducted in Spanish.
What are the school commitments?
Schools must commit to:
- Recruiting at least 25 students
- Dedicate 1-1.5 hours of class time to the program each week.
- Provide 1:1 technology for participating students (computer/tablet/laptop)
- Ensure students have access to the website domains used during the exchange.
- Participate in educator training sessions
- Support students with completing assignments
- Meet with the project facilitator at least three times during the exchange
Is there a cost for my school to participate?
This is a fully-funded program. Selected schools do not pay to participate.
How are the live sessions organized?
Students will join a total of 3 live synchronous sessions throughout the exchange. For older students, sessions will focus on breakout rooms, where students have the opportunity to connect in a small group setting. For younger students, sessions will focus on full class discussions. Each session is led by a trained and experienced facilitator.
Our International Partners
iEARN Guatemala – IDEAREd
Carolina Salazar is the iEARN representative for Guatemala and a key leader in advancing educational technology. With a Master’s in Educational Technology and Digital Competencies, she brings extensive experience as a university professor and technology trainer. Carolina leads the Innovation in Educational Technology Unit at USAC, where she drives initiatives to enhance digital skills in academia. As founder and president of IDEARED, she empowers educators through technology and innovation, fostering collaboration and growth. We are thrilled to have Carolina supporting global learning and educators in Guatemala through her dedication to transformative education.
Erick Calderón is the Project Facilitator in Guatemala for the Compañeros Globales program. He has more than 20 years of teaching experience, dedicating his career to the training of students at the elementary school level. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as he has also played a crucial role as a teacher in Information and Communication Technology. In addition to his teaching experience, Erick actively participates in robotics and STEM projects. His ability to integrate technology into the educational process has been instrumental in inspiring his students and their interest in innovative fields. His commitment to global education is reflected in his collaboration with iEARN LATINA, where he has served as a facilitator for several global projects. We are excited to have him supporting our teachers and students in Guatemala as they embark on their Compañeros de Clase Globales journey.
iEARN Mexico
Núria de Alva Ruiz is the representative of iEARN Mexico and the Program Coordinator for Compañeros de Clase Globales. Specializing in Virtual Learning Environments and Management, she has extensive experience in online education. As Deputy Director of Educational Projects and Academic Director of Red Escolar, she designed its first version and coordinated various online projects and courses. She has consulted for several institutions, focusing on digital educational resources and online course delivery. Representing iEARN in Mexico since 2003, Núria promotes school participation in collaborative projects. We are thrilled to have her ensure a transformative experience for our partner schools in Mexico.
Vianney Ávila Esquivel is the Project Facilitator for Compañeros de Clase Globales in Mexico. With over 35 years at the Instituto Latinoamericano de la Comunicación Educativa (ILCE), she currently serves as the Head of Special Projects, designing online collaborative projects and teacher training programs. She holds Master’s degrees in Educational Technology and Art History. Vianney directed RedEscolar for over 15 years, managing educational platforms and international projects. She has represented ILCE in forums on distance education worldwide. We are excited to have her support our partnering teachers in Mexico for a rewarding virtual exchange experience.
Inquiry - Companeros De Clase Globales
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