The Virtual Exchange Academy is a six-week training that teaches foundational elements of virtual exchange planning and implementation. Participants get a comprehensive introduction from leaders in the field through pre-session readings and coursework, and during live sessions that include presentations, small group activities, and more. After the training, graduates are prepared to adopt this powerful tool for continued connection and collaboration.
The fall 2024 Virtual Exchange Academy will take place once a week from September 18 through October 24, 2024, and will include six live sessions via Zoom. Each two-hour session will occur at one of the following times:
- Wednesday, 9-11am U.S. Eastern Time
- Thursday, 12-2pm U.S. Eastern Time
Applications are due at 4pm U.S. Eastern Time on Friday, July 19, 2024. Questions can be submitted to stevenspartnerships@aspeninstitute.org.
Following a competitive application process, participants will be placed in a small cohort with peers from around the world. Graduates of the Virtual Exchange Academy will:
- Receive recognition of their participation in the Virtual Exchange Academy through a digital certificate and badge.
- Have access to a community of practice of Virtual Exchange Academy alumni, including reunions and a LinkedIn group where participants can engage with each other to seek advice and connections as they bring virtual exchange to their communities.
- Have access to further mentorship opportunities following their participation in the Virtual Exchange Academy.
- Have access to funding opportunities available only to graduates of the Virtual Exchange Academy.
Eligibility: Education and exchange leaders at both the K-12 and higher education levels are welcome to apply. Prioritization will be given to applicants:
- With little knowledge of or experience with virtual exchange.
- Who oversee a large youth community, such as a school, school district, higher education institution, or nonprofit network.
- From the United States, the Middle East and North Africa, and Latin America, though applications from other countries will be considered. If from the United States, applications from states where the Stevens Initiative has low or no reach will be prioritized. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
- Serving communities that have been traditionally marginalized from international education, including, but not limited to, Minority Serving Institutions and Title I schools in the United States and public institutions and institutions where English is not the primary language of instruction in locations outside the United States.
- Interested in increasing virtual exchange opportunities as part of internationalization (incorporating global education) programming at their entire school, district, institution, or organization, not just a single classroom.
Time Commitment and Expectations: Space is limited, and participants will be selected carefully. The Stevens Initiative expects full and active participation throughout the training. Participants should expect to spend around three and a half hours per week on this training, including the two-hour weekly live session and up to an hour and a half of pre-session preparation. This pre-session preparation will include the review of provided resources, videos, activities, publications, and other materials, and a weekly journal to reinforce learning and reflection for each topic covered.
The success of this cohort-model training relies on engaged and attentive participants during live sessions and any other group activities. Live sessions emphasize interaction rather than passive learning. Participants are expected to do all pre-session preparation thoroughly and on time and arrive ready to engage in activities and discussions.
The Virtual Exchange Academy is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation.
Application for the Fall 2024 Virtual Exchange Academy
The Virtual Exchange Academy is a six-week training that teaches foundational elements of virtual exchange planning and implementation. Participants get a comprehensive introduction from leaders in the field through pre-session readings and coursework, and during live sessions that include presentations, small group activities, and more. After the training, graduates are prepared to adopt this powerful tool for continued connection and collaboration.
The fall 2024 Virtual Exchange Academy will take place once a week from September 18 through October 24, 2024, and will include six live sessions via Zoom. Each two-hour session will occur at one of the following times:
- Wednesday, 9-11am U.S. Eastern Time
- Thursday, 12-2pm U.S. Eastern Time
Applications are due at 4pm U.S. Eastern Time on Friday, July 19, 2024. Questions can be submitted to stevenspartnerships@aspeninstitute.org.
Following a competitive application process, participants will be placed in a small cohort with peers from around the world. Graduates of the Virtual Exchange Academy will:
- Receive recognition of their participation in the Virtual Exchange Academy through a digital certificate and badge.
- Have access to a community of practice of Virtual Exchange Academy alumni, including reunions and a LinkedIn group where participants can engage with each other to seek advice and connections as they bring virtual exchange to their communities.
- Have access to further mentorship opportunities following their participation in the Virtual Exchange Academy.
- Have access to funding opportunities available only to graduates of the Virtual Exchange Academy.
Eligibility: Education and exchange leaders at both the K-12 and higher education levels are welcome to apply. Prioritization will be given to applicants:
- With little knowledge of or experience with virtual exchange.
- Who oversee a large youth community, such as a school, school district, higher education institution, or nonprofit network.
- From the United States, the Middle East and North Africa, and Latin America, though applications from other countries will be considered. If from the United States, applications from states where the Stevens Initiative has low or no reach will be prioritized. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
- Serving communities that have been traditionally marginalized from international education, including, but not limited to, Minority Serving Institutions and Title I schools in the United States and public institutions and institutions where English is not the primary language of instruction in locations outside the United States.
- Interested in increasing virtual exchange opportunities as part of internationalization (incorporating global education) programming at their entire school, district, institution, or organization, not just a single classroom.
Time Commitment and Expectations: Space is limited, and participants will be selected carefully. The Stevens Initiative expects full and active participation throughout the training. Participants should expect to spend around three and a half hours per week on this training, including the two-hour weekly live session and up to an hour and a half of pre-session preparation. This pre-session preparation will include the review of provided resources, videos, activities, publications, and other materials, and a weekly journal to reinforce learning and reflection for each topic covered.
The success of this cohort-model training relies on engaged and attentive participants during live sessions and any other group activities. Live sessions emphasize interaction rather than passive learning. Participants are expected to do all pre-session preparation thoroughly and on time and arrive ready to engage in activities and discussions.
The Virtual Exchange Academy is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation.