This Monday, communities across the country came together to celebrate Exchange Day—a day dedicated to honoring the positive impact of international exchange programs. Hosted annually by the Alliance for International Exchange, Exchange Day shines a spotlight on the benefits of cultural exchange for individuals and communities alike.
This year’s Exchange Day was extra special, marking its 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, a variety of engaging activities took place nationwide, including volunteer projects, cultural fairs, and social gatherings designed to foster global understanding, collaboration, and lasting connections.
Cultural Vistas, a key player in the exchange program scene, took part in the celebration with a dynamic digital campaign aimed at raising awareness about the significance of exchange programs. Additionally, Cultural Vistas Europe organized a reception in Berlin for the Climate Action Artist Residencies cohort, bringing together international participants for meaningful discussions.
The personal stories shared on Exchange Day highlighted the profound impact of these programs. Angelique Stevens, a Visa Specialist with Cultural Vistas’ Global Talent Development team, reflected on her transformative experience as an exchange student at Willamette University in 2013. “My exchange semester in Oregon not only improved my language skills but also inspired me to pursue a career in International Education. It’s incredible to see how these programs can change lives,” she shared.
Lauren Gaither, a CBYX participant who now works as a Program Communications Coordinator at Cultural Vistas, echoed this sentiment. Her first overseas experience in Germany was eye-opening. “Despite my initial fears, I gained new perspectives, made lifelong friends, and discovered that our differences are often just a surface layer. We’re more alike than we might think.”
The theme of this year’s celebration was “Eat, Play, Give,” with cities across the U.S. hosting events that allowed exchange program participants, alumni, and their hosts to enjoy American cuisine, share their cultural traditions, and give back to their communities.
According to Open Doors, a comprehensive resource on international students and scholars, over 1 million international students attended U.S. colleges and universities during the 2022/23 academic year. This underscores the significant role that cultural exchange programs play in enriching both domestic and international communities.
Exchange Day continues to highlight the profound and positive effects of global connections, and this year’s celebrations were a testament to the ongoing success and importance of these programs.