My Visit to Warsaw as a Community Exchange Fellow
Bridging Cultures, Broadening Perspectives: Fostering Understanding in a Polarized World – My Visit to Warsaw as a Community Exchange Fellow
By Olena Vlasova, Manager of Education Programs at FIUTS
Olena and Wanda at the Session, Promoting Understanding in the Polarized World
In mid-October, I had the incredible opportunity to travel from Seattle, Washington, to Warsaw, Poland, as part of the Community Engagement Exchange. The focus of this journey was leading workshops on a topic that has become increasingly urgent: "Promoting Understanding in a Polarized World." The experience was not only professionally enriching but also deeply rewarding as a cultural exchange, reinforcing the theme of Bridging Cultures and Broadening Perspectives that is so significant to FIUTS. It allowed me to engage with students, nonprofit professionals, and reconnect with an organization that supported my very first educational exchange back in 2007, as an undergraduate student from Ukraine.
Workshops with Future Leaders: Ukrainian School in Warsaw
One of the most impactful aspects of my visit was the opportunity to facilitate four workshops for students in grades 8 through 11 at the Warsaw Ukrainian School. These students, many of whom have been displaced by the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine, face complex challenges. Their experience living in Poland, away from their homeland, gives them a unique perspective on polarization and misunderstanding.
Our discussions centered around ways to identify and address misunderstandings and strategies for building empathy and dialogue across differing viewpoints. The students were not only deeply thoughtful but eager to understand how they could contribute to a more peaceful, connected world. In these moments, I saw the theme of Bridging Cultures and Broadening Perspectives come to life, as the students demonstrated an openness to learning from others while sharing their personal stories of resilience.
As an education professional from FIUTS, these interactions reaffirmed the importance of facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, particularly for young people whose futures are being shaped by global crises. Helping students see beyond the immediate divisions and toward a broader, more inclusive world is key to fostering understanding in our polarized world.
Collaborating with Nonprofit Professionals
In partnership with CEE alumna Wanda Heydel from Poland, who interned at FIUTS for three months in the beginning of 2024, I facilitated a workshop for local nonprofit professionals in Warsaw. Together, we focused on how nonprofits can play a crucial role in bridging divides within communities. Nonprofits, particularly those that work across cultural lines, are uniquely positioned to foster understanding and compassion.
It was amazing to do a reciprocal exchange and dive deep into Wanda’s world, explore the topics of significance in the Polish society, broadening my own perspectives.
During the workshop that Wanda and I hosted, we explored practical tools for navigating polarization and connecting core values to foster better understanding. The participants' enthusiasm and dedication highlighted the resilience of Poland’s civil society, which remains open and active, despite the many challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and ongoing conflicts.
Reconnecting with Old Friends: Foundation Leaders of Change, Study of the US Institute Alumni
A personal highlight of the trip was reconnecting with Foundation Leaders of Change, the organization that funded my first exchange program. I participated in their 2007 Study Tours to Poland program, and this year marked the 20th anniversary of the program. Being an alumna of this initiative, I was able to share my experiences in international education and exchange and discuss the challenges posed by the global pandemic and the current political climate. It was humbling to meet with leaders from the Foundation Leaders of Change and discuss the evolving nature of exchange programs.
Our conversations reinforced the critical role that international exchange plays in bridging cultures and broadening perspectives, as well as the importance of maintaining these connections in an increasingly divided world.
There was one more reunion that made my trip even more heart-warming and personally fulfilling. During the weekend, I took a trip to Istanbul to reconnect with the Study of the US Institute on Civic Engagement alumni from 2023 and 2024 cohorts. The personal connection that we have maintained after their program is a direct attestation to bridging cultures and the significance of cross-cultural friendships. Being surrounded by their love and care in Istanbul, seeing their ways of life and experiencing Turkish culture first-hand made the exchange circle feel complete for me and brought so much joy. During my brief visit, I had a chance to hear about the domestic problems that Türkiye is facing and how the student population is addressing them, it was another opportunity to broaden my perspectives.
A Diplomatic Conclusion: Meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw
My visit concluded with a debrief at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. This meeting offered an opportunity to discuss the impact of the workshops and my interactions with local communities. We talked about the importance of cultural diplomacy, especially during times of heightened social and political tension. The embassy staff expressed interest in supporting ongoing initiatives that promote understanding across borders, particularly through educational and nonprofit programs.
Reflections on a Transformative Experience
As I reflect on my time in Warsaw, I am reminded of the immense value of international exchange in broadening perspectives and building bridges across cultures. By fostering dialogue and understanding, we can counter the polarization that is so prevalent today. Through my workshops, I hope to have inspired the students and nonprofit professionals I worked with to seek common ground, even when it seems difficult to find. It was an honor to share my experiences and to learn from them in return.
This visit reinforced my belief in the power of connection—whether through education, nonprofit work, or diplomacy—to create a more compassionate and understanding world. The theme of Bridging Cultures and Broadening Perspectives continues to guide my work as I return to Seattle, where FIUTS remains committed to promoting global understanding through student and community exchanges.
The seeds of dialogue we plant today will undoubtedly grow into stronger, more resilient communities tomorrow, as we continue to bridge divides and broaden perspectives in a polarized world.
The Community Engagement Exchange Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.