Celebrating Exchange Day
Exchange Day is a nationwide celebration of the power of international exchange. Traditionally, participants have come together to "eat, play, and give" -- to share cultural diversity and American customs, to give back to their communities, and to have some fun. As it is not possible to hold in person events this year, Exchange Day has moved online to celebrate and share the power of exchanges virtually. Exchange Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of international exchange programs and spread the word about the positive impact and breadth of exchange programs.
To celebrate Exchange Day 2020, FIUTS is highlighting stories from students all around the world. Our students come from different countries, study diverse subjects, and each have a unique connection to the FIUTS community. Yet, they highlight the same truth: our world is a better place when people have the chance to share their experiences and build friendships with people from around the globe. In their own words, FIUTS students share their thoughts on the impact of international exchange…
Choi Ristanty • Indonesia
"Maybe every place in the world has its share of hateful people, but I know that they're outnumbered by the ones with love in their hearts."
CJay (Zhijie) Hon • Singapore & Brunei
"I am constantly learning through stories and realizing how incredible it is for so many diverse people to come together."
Kamal Ahmad • Iraq
“Together, you explore a small piece of the world with people from different cultures and perspectives.”
Aaron Su • USA; Taiwan
“Being able to travel, dance, eat, and interact with people that have different experiences has shown me other ways to look at the world around me.”
Tshegetso MoepI • South Africa
"I have developed friendships, discovered and explored leadership qualities I did not know I had - let alone the capacity and the ability to nurture them."
Czy del Pilar Huaman Vargas • Peru
“Gathering people from different backgrounds showed us that, on the opposite of what we have been taught, there are more similarities than differences between us, one of which is our burning desire to make this world a better place for everyone.”
Exchange Programs: The Metrics
In partnership with the University of Washington and international partner universities during the 2019-2020 academic year…
285 International Exchange Students attended UW
47% studied at UW for one quarter
20% studied at UW for two quarters
33% studied at UW for the academic year
FIUTS also currently hosts the following international visiting programs:
Study of the U.S. Institute on Civic Engagement
Sports and Culture Exchange Program with Waseda University
Diversity and Education Program with Ehime University
Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program
Study of the U.S. Institute on Youth, Education, and Closing the Skills Gap
Youth Entrepreneurship Program with Latvia and Lithuania
Seattle Language and Culture Institute
Youth Ambassadors Program with Bolivia and Peru
Culture and Friendship Program with Minami Kyushu Junior College
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Are you a current student interested in building leadership skills and connecting with a diverse international student community? Consider becoming a student leader with FIUTS today. There are many virtual opportunities available at this time, including becoming a facilitator and joining a committee on the FIUTS Student Board. More events and activities such as the Virtual Language Exchange Program are available on the FIUTS event calendar.