Change Makers
INGRID PIÑA'S JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY
From the Director A Note
Dear Friends,
As you may know, executive actions at the federal level have introduced significant uncertainty in our funding. This has resulted in an unexpected pause in financial support, affecting our ability to carry out key initiatives. While we remain committed to our mission, these challenges have necessitated a reassessment of our operations and resources.
Despite this setback and the uncertainty we face, we remain hopeful and proactive. As illustrated in this newsletter, we are actively engaging with policymakers, seeking alternative funding sources, and working to ensure that our programs can continue to make an impact. However, we need your support now more than ever.
Here’s how you can help:
Advocate: Reach out to your members of Congress and urge them to ask Secretary Rubio to lift the freeze on all international exchange program funding at the Department of State. And ask them to support continued funding for the Department of State Educational and Cultural Exchanges.
Donate: Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us sustain critical initiatives.
Stay Engaged: Follow our updates and share our message within your networks.
Your unwavering dedication has always been the backbone of our efforts, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support during this challenging time. We will keep you informed of any developments and appreciate your commitment to our shared cause.
Thank you for standing with us.
With gratitude,
Stefanie
Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik Executive Director
The Transformative Power of Virtual Exchange and Study Abroad
Ingrid Piña's journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion was a compelling testament to the power of virtual exchange and study abroad programs. Through her time in Taiwan, she navigated the emotional highs and lows of being far from home, reflecting on her father's immigrant experience and gaining a newfound appreciation for resilience. "I kept thinking about my dad and how I was the same age, but I had financial support and still found it challenging," she said. "He had to send money home and learned English through sheer isolation. It really put things into perspective for me. "
Her experience in Taiwan was not just about personal growth but also about engaging in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. She found herself having deep conversations with her host family about societal issues and cultural shifts, exchanging perspectives on how different countries approach social change. "It was a true cultural exchange," she shared.
Ingrid's connection to global exchange programs is deep-rooted, having been involved with iEARN-USA in multiple capacities. She initially participated as a NSLI-Y exchange student, an experience that sparked her passion for cross-cultural communication. Later, as an intern with iEARN, she furthered her understanding of international education, and as a facilitator for Compañeros de Clase Globales, a virtual exchange program under iEARN, she facilitated discussions between U.S. and Latin American students,
broadening their global perspectives. These roles deepened her commitment to the transformative power of both virtual and inperson exchanges.
Beyond her personal experiences, Ingrid advocates for including virtual exchange programs in high school curricula. "A lot of students simply don't know what's possible," she explained. "Bringing virtual exchange opportunities into the classroom exposes them to global perspectives and teaches them how to communicate effectively with people from different cultures."
Ingrid has witnessed firsthand the impact of these programs. "At first, many U.S. students were hesitant to share, but by the end, they were fully engaged, critiquing their education systems and discussing how they wished things could change," she said. "It was powerful to see them gain confidence and express themselves."
The significance of these exchanges goes beyond individual growth they contribute to a more interconnected and empathetic world. Ingrid’s experience highlights how the storytelling component of virtual exchange programs encourages students to articulate their personal and community experiences. "They create projects about issues that matter to them, whether it’s education, social justice, or cultural identity," she explained. "It gives them an outlet to share their voices and realize that their perspectives matter."
Virtual exchange also prepares students for future professional environments, where global collaboration is increasingly common. "This ability to get on a call, connect with people from different backgrounds, and build relationships is an essential skill," Ingrid emphasized. "It’s something that carries over into university, the workplace, and beyond."
Ingrid’s reflections underscore the transformative power of international experiences, whether through study abroad or virtual exchange. She added that stepping outside one ’ s comfort zone is both painful and beautiful but ultimately leads to profound personal and intellectual growth. "Immigrants have been navigating transnational experiences for generations," she says. "These programs allow students to understand that struggle and resilience firsthand."
As we continue to highlight transformative experiences like Ingrid's, it reinforces the invaluable role of global exchange—both virtual and in-person in shaping open-minded, culturally competent individuals ready to engage with the world.
Congratulations to Wasif, who was highlighted as the YES student of the month in December.
Coming from the world’s most densely populated country, Wasif has embraced everything life has to offer in the small mountain community of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, where he greets every new acquaintance and experience with an infectious smile.
Wasif’s local coordinator praises his reliability, integrity and enthusiasm for trying new things. He impressed his host family by immediately pitching in to help with household chores and introducing them to Bangladeshi culture. Wasif recently tried the sport of ice-skating for the first time and loved it.
Wasif has done an incredible job of integrating into his American high school. During International Education Week, Wasif drew a large crowd to his school library. His school counselor noted: “His insights helped classmates explore different perspectives and appreciate cultural exchange, strengthening connections within the school community.” Wasif’s presentation was so successful that it was highlighted on his school’s social media, reaching even more viewers. Wasif said his history teacher was really interested to learn about Bangladesh's struggle for independence and recent protests there.
Wasif maintains straight A’s and loves studying new subjects in school that aren’t available in Bangladesh, such as Forensic Science. Outside of the classroom, Wasif joined Science Club and Voices of the World Club, a group dedicated to fostering peer support for English learners and exchange students. He is also member of HOSA-Future Health Professionals and is preparing to participate with his school chapter in an upcoming competition.
Wasif enjoys volunteering to serve food to local community members in need. He also promotes the YES program and intercultural understanding at community events. As both a role model to students in his community and an outstanding representative of his country, Wasif exemplifies the highest qualities of a YES student.
Congratulations, Wasif!
iEARN Highlights for NSLI-Y 2024 AY Program
2.15-2.28 2025
K-Pop Dance Classes
Lia and June practicing a tricky portion of the choreography (left), learning hand movements (middle), students watch instructor demonstrate next steps (right)
By popular student request, K-Pop dance classes were added back into the February schedule. Hallyu or the Korean Wave is a very important part of Korean culture locally and abroad, as it has greatly increased South Korea’s recognition as a travel destination and cultural power around the world. Their teacher has previously trained famous K-Pop girl groups and is teaching a short portion of two very popular K-Pop songs; students were laughing the whole time as they worked hard to master the difficult choreography!
Hanyang Mentors Trips
Students visited a decommissioned train station turned tourist site (left), and a visit to a traditional samgyeopsal (pork belly) grilling restaurant (right)
Students enjoyed more cultural excursions with their Hanyang mentors in the final two weeks of February. One group visited Neungnae Station, a historical spot that, after being decommissioned, was turned into a cycling path and park area. Another group enjoyed a visit to a hanok village (traditional Korean houses), where they learned about the modernized yet traditional housing culture and enjoyed grilling pork belly.
Research Presentations – February 28th, Hanyang University
Gressy and Lia present some of their interviews about speed culture in Gangnam (left), June presents about his research on South Koreans’ perceptions of North Korean defectors (right)
Students presented their research investigating an aspect of Korean culture, ranging from the effect of chaebols (large family-owned corporations) on the economy to the development of Korean regional accents. They worked together with Korean college students, who helped them to plan surveys, do street interviews with Koreans, and translate their presentations. Students delivered their presentations in Korean.
On the Move
Presenters:
Melissa Rowker (iEARN-USA), Lauren Giunta (ENL coordinator, ENL Teacher, Williamsburg Preparatory High School), James Marte (Senior at Williamsburg Preparatory School), Nayeli Bastidas (Junior at Williamsburg Preparatory School) at the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL).
Presentation:
Students presented their experience with the CCG virtual exchange and how they used the exchange as a launching pad for their Seal of Biliteracy project work at the NECTFL.
NSLI-Y Partners Meeting
Associate Program Manager, Kyle Sandmann, presented “Managing Participant Requests and Supporting Problem Solving” at the annual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Partners’ Meeting in Washington DC.
Advocacy Day
iEARN-USA Executive Director, Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik; Director of Global Education, Melissa Rowker; and NSLI-Y Program Manager, Alexander LevinEpstein, represented iEARN-USA at the Alliance for International Exchange’s annual Advocacy Day in Washington DC. They, along with colleagues from other international exchange organizations, spent the day on Capitol Hill meeting with members of Congress to urge their support for international exchange programs. Pictured here (left to right) Marisa Silva (One to World); Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik (iEARN-USA); Jennifer Gennaro-Oxley (The Fulbright Association); and Julie Ball (AFS-USA)
iEARN-USA Executive Director, Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik; Director of Global Education, Melissa Rowker; and NSLI-Y Program Manager, Alexander Levin-Epstein, represented iEARN-USA at the Alliance for International Exchange’s annual Advocacy Day in Washington DC. They, along with colleagues from other international exchange organizations, spent the day on Capitol Hill meeting with members of Congress to urge their support for international exchange programs. Pictured here (left to right) Katelyn Mensah, SHRM; Audrey Ardanaz (IENA); Amanda Pleasant (Meridian International Center); Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik, iEARN-USA; Shannon Umble (AuPairCare)
YES at Annual Youth Programs Meeting
iEARN-USA Executive Director, Stefanie Ortiz-Cidlik (not pictured); Sr. Grants Manager, Ligaya Beebe; and YES Program Coordinator, Oisakhose Aghomo represented iEARN-USA at the Annual Youth Programs Meeting in Washington, DC. Ligaya and Ose presented on successes and lessons learned regarding YES Program’s robust social media and website presence.
Can you imagine a world where everyone is treated equally –a world where we embrace our diversity and break down the barriers that divide us?
iEARN believes in that world and is striving to build it. By leveraging technology to create a global virtual hub, we are connecting young people and classrooms across the world to remove socio-economic and cultural barriers, while educating the change-makers of tomorrow.
We couldn’t do the work we do without the help of generous people like you.
