Over the last two years, “connecting” to our friends, colleagues, and students has looked a little different. Zoom, Teams, and Google Hangouts have helped us maintain our relationships locally and build new ones around the world.
In this edition of The Global Educator, explore ways to make new global connections both virtually AND in person. There are opportunities for educators and students to connect with global peers and to learn from one another while establishing long-lasting friendships.
I’m grateful for the connection that we have with you and all that you do toward promoting global competency. Stay safe, healthy…and connected!
Tara M. Hofmann
President & CEO
AFS-USA, Inc.
Professional Development & Opportunities for Teachers
Ever wanted to CONNECT with a teacher from another country? Now’s your chance. Below are three opportunities to meet a teacher from abroad who wants to connect with you and your classroom. Each Meet & Greet event lasts for one hour and you will walk away with a partner in the other country. You decide on the project and level of engagement you want to have! Space is limited for each event and advanced registration is required.
Thailand – February 8, 2022 at 8:00pm Eastern time (ALL Subject Areas Welcome)
France – March 9, 2022 at 1:00pm Eastern time (Ideal for HS French Teachers)
Spain – April 20, 2022 at 2:00pm Eastern time (Ideal for HS Spanish Teachers)
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Educator Workshop at Youth Assembly in NYCPracticing and aspiring educators between 18-32 can CONNECT with other young leaders from over 100 countries who aspire to make an impact in their schools and communities. The Youth Assembly in New York City takes place August 11-14, 2022. Educators will learn about key aspects of sustainable development, including SDG #4 Quality Education for All, and about transforming the classroom experience for students. Check out the website to learn more. Registration opens on February 2, 2022. |
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CONNECT with Other Global Educators!AFS-USA is organizing a group of educators who have integrated global concepts, the Sustainable Development Goals, and other internationalized content into their classrooms for a once per month opportunity to network and share ideas. We’re currently accepting registrations from interested educators so we can start meeting in March. Sign up today HERE. |
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Invite Global Students to Your SchoolIf you want to help your students CONNECT with language and culture, now is the best time to encourage your community to host an exchange student so those students can be part of your classroom next fall. Check out the students who could come to your community. |
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Building CONNECTIONS with a Low-Prep ActivityNeed an activity idea that requires little to no prep? The Chain of Diversity activity can be done in many different classroom environments such as world language, social studies, English as a New Language, English Language Arts and more. We hope this activity is one that will get your students thinking about their CONNECTIONS to others in the classroom. |
Opportunities for Students
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Scholarship for StudentsAFS is proud to announce a new AFS Global STEM Changemaker Initiative, which will CONNECT 5,000 young people worldwide with immersive learning experiences through sustainability-focused intercultural exchange programs. Young scholars participating in the program will develop the skills needed to work in and advance a low-carbon energy system, while increasing their global awareness, interest in and understanding of the need for a sustainable and equitable energy future. Visit the website to learn about three scholarship opportunities! Applications for summer 2022 are due February 28, 2022. |
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From learning languages to learning about a new culture, students can CONNECT in person on a study abroad program this summer. We encourage you to share the possibilities with students who need to do something new and different this summer. Explore these exciting summer program options: France Summer Language Camp, Summer Camp in Denmark, and a two-week adventure in Valladolid, Spain! |
Making Connections
We hope the theme of this newsletter has been obvious…it’s all about CONNECTIONS. We know relationships and connections with students are critical for classroom success and for everyone’s emotional well-being. We want you to know that AFS-USA is here to support intercultural and global opportunities in the classroom. CONNECT with international educators or CONNECT with professional development.
Just for fun, we challenge you to consider the puzzle above and see if you can CONNECT all 9 of those dots using only 5 lines. Find the solution here and use it as a teaching tool in class to help your students think more creatively in any subject area. Check out other classroom activities HERE or let us know what else you need! We’re happy to help!
Jill Woerner
Director of Educational Outreach
AFS-USA, Inc.
E: [email protected]
P: (646) 381-3309