Whether you've studied abroad, met an international student, or dreamed of backpacking through a distant country, it's undeniable that these experiences bring incredible learning opportunity and help humanize our perceptions of places and people. Exchange Day is a worldwide celebration of the power of international exchange.
Since its inception in 2014, the annual Exchange Day celebration brings Exchange Visitor Program participants and hosts together to #EatPlayGive as they participate in organized community service projects. GCE is proud to administer many different Exchange Visitor Programs and, after two years of significantly limited program operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GCE was thrilled to host traditional in-person Exchange Day events this year!
Exchange Day has provided the opportunity to raise awareness of cultural exchange programs and to spread the word about the many ways in which people and communities benefit from people-to-people diplomacy. The day aims to celebrate, share and express the significance of cultural exchange through 3 key themes - Eat, Play, Give. - to share cultural diversity, have some fun, and give back to host communities.
The GCE -organized events took place alongside many celebrations across the nation, in partnership with other Exchange Visitor visa sponsors and the Alliance for International Exchange.
Washington D.C. Cards for Ukrainian Families
Intrax's AuPairCare program participants and host families came together in Washington, DC, to make cards for Ukrainian children and families. Representatives from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs attended to support the event and engage with Exchange Visitor participants.
Kristin Friedman, Director of Program Services at AuPairCare, shared her enthusiasm for the event:
The Exchange Day celebration was a success! It was fun for all of us to engage in person. Our work really matters and has a rippling impact on folks around the world!
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