Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) are regionally focused, thematic seminars for U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

At the seminars, participants learn about key regional issues, receive training, and collaborate with fellow alumni to implement community projects in their home countries upon their return.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

Alumni participants demonstrate an increased knowledge of U.S. policies and practices, and through the small grants initiative, create change in their communities.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

International exchange alumni develop a shared identity and community through networking at the seminars and working with one another on small grant projects.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

The Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning.

Impact Stories

Illinois: “New Neighbor Arts Entrepreneurship” Read this Story
BUILD BRIDGES — NOT FENCES: Using Media to Understand Multiculturalism and Diversity Read this Story
Saied Tafida is Fighting Corruption and Creating a Culture of Accountability in Nigeria Read this Story
PRYDE: Urban Poor Youth Development Project Read this Story
Strengthening Trade and Business Planning among Women-Led Micro Enterprises in Kisumu County Read this Story
GIS for Risks: Teaching Geographical Information System Tools to Prepare for Natural Disasters Read this Story
Project Update: PolinizAmigos Promotes Conservation Through Ecological Education Read this Story
Project Update: Brown Girl Rise Read this Story
Alumni TIES Spotlight: Immersive Technologies and Environmentalism Meet in San Francisco Read this Story
Students Opposing Stigma: Demystifying the Realities of Substance Use Disorders Read this Story

Reflections

  • Profound experience. It was amazing to be in the same room with so many passionate and like-minded individuals. The network that has been formed is invaluable.

    Participant of “Alumni in Action for Resilient Communities: Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness” in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

  • Alumni TIES Cleveland provided an outstanding opportunity to connect with U.S. exchange alumni who share a passion for addressing substance use prevention, intervention, and recovery in their communities. The relatively small size of the group combined with the participant-driven structure and a duration of several full days enabled us to forge personal and professional connections with each attendee. Because of this, I feel confident that I will continue my personal and professional relationships with fellow Alumni TIES attendees long beyond the duration of the seminar.

    Participant of “Building Communities of Hope: Collective Action to Tackle Addiction” in Cleveland, Ohio, USA

  • Without a doubt, it was one of the best organized workshops I have ever attended. I really appreciate the smooth communication with all organizers and valuable content of each training session.

    Participant of “Alumni Educators in Action: Media Literacy and Critical Thinking in the Digital Age” in Kyiv, Ukraine

  • Being at Alumni TIES Accra was a life-changing experience for me and I was really inspired and fueled to engage more on mentoring and coaching women entrepreneurs in my community.

    Participant of “Strengthening Business and Trade for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa” in Accra, Ghana

  • I learned many things from the experiences of my fellow exchange alumni. I [had] never met Central Asian women before and it was wonderful to meet them and learn about their cultures and countries.

    Participant of “Women in Media: Creating Networks for Social Change” in Almaty, Kazakhstan

  • It was an intimate gathering of supportive, diverse individuals who helped spark ideas and inspire action with their own examples.

    Participant of “Art, Culture, and Transforming Conflict” in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

By the Numbers

687 Seminar Participants from February 2016 to December 2019

Women

43162.7%

Men

25437%

Non-Binary

20.3%

Alumni TIES Participants Represent

135 Countries
7 World Regions

19 Seminars in 11 Countries and 8 U.S. Cities

150 Small Grant Projects in 210 communities around the world, and growing!

Gallery

 

Videos

Alumni TIES: Mandela Washington Fellows

Alumni TIES Europe- Agnes

Alumni TIES Europe

Alumni TIES Europe- Ahmed