Meet the World
Connecting Classrooms Through Culture and Collaboration
Meet the World is a virtual program that connects classrooms across the country or around the world. It provides students with the opportunity to explore different cultures, ask meaningful questions, and engage in shared learning experiences with their peers. Educators benefit by forming peer-to-peer teaching partnerships, paving the way for ongoing collaboration on iEARN virtual exchange projects.
Classes are paired based on grade level and/or subject area. Students introduce their classroom, share elements of their culture, and participate in engaging activities such as country trivia in a 30-60 minute live Zoom session.
Participating teachers receive:
- a curated set of iEARN lesson plans to help students prepare for cross-cultural communicationÂ
- access to iEARN’s Collaboration Centre for sharing resources and participating in asynchronous activities before or after the live exchange
Our Exchange Formats
Students from 2 classes in different parts of the world share their schools, cultures, and communities in a fun, interactive session.
Includes trivia, storytelling, and meaningful conversations.
3 Different Models Tailored to your Classroom:Â
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- Get to Know Your Global Peers: Classes learn about each other’s communities
- Focus on SDGs: Classes learn about each other’s work around a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal
- Language Based Exchange: Classes learn about each other’s communities in a language other than English (please note: currently, Spanish is available; other languages may be available upon request)
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Format: Zoom (30–60 mins) or video exchange
Facilitated by: iEARN-USA staff
Why Participate in Meet the World Exchanges?
- Development of global competencies like:
- Understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Examining and communicating local, global, and intercultural issues
- Real-world connections to curriculum
- Equity in international learning experiences
- Long-term educator partnerships and collaboration
Testimonials
The questions that we were able to ask each other were fun and exciting because we were able to learn about each other’s culture by speaking to each other rather than looking it up on the internet. We were able to ask questions like what the most popular sport was or the favorite food which was something I really enjoyed.
Cameron, 8th grade student in Illinois
I think that it’s important for us to do these exchanges with students from abroad because to solve problems in our world we need to work with people from other countries. Climate change and other world problems aren’t just happening in our country but all over the world. We should work with other people from other countries because they’re dealing with the same problems as us and to solve the world’s problems, we need everyone’s help.Â
Elisabeth, 8th grade student in Illinois
I want to thank you for the great experience of communicating with you and your students today. Students from both schools seemed to really enjoy the event and I am glad we had some time to exchange information and questions.
I hope students in both schools could maintain contact and share ideas and feelings on a number of issues into the future.
Greg Reiva, educator in Illinois
I want to thank you for the great experience of communicating with you and your students today. Students from both schools seemed to really enjoy the event and I am glad we had some time to exchange information and questions.
I hope students in both schools could maintain contact and share ideas and feelings on a number of issues into the future.
Greg Reiva, educator in Illinois
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for supporting us every step of the way and making this synchronous meeting possible! It is always educational, fun, and leaves an unforgettable impact on both teachers and students. Thank you once again!
Ekaterina Bozdogan, educator in Turkey
September Virtual Event
iEARN-USA is excited to provide you with the opportunity on September 10, 2025 to hear directly from teachers and students who have already participated in a synchronous exchange! Come learn what the experience was like for them, how they prepared, what the highlights were for them, and how participating impacted them. Register below, bring your questions, and we look forward to seeing you there!Â
Date: September 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am ET
REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OGoCqyxmQ92jItoKQ_XfmQ