Global Ties Iowa

Please join us in welcoming Anna O'Connor, our new Program Fellow! Anna O'Connor is a first-year student at the University of Iowa double majoring in International Studies and Social Work, with minors in Spanish and Global Health. “I hope to bring a perspective that is open to new things and new ideas,” Anna says. “It’s important to be able to have an open mind. I hope to play my role as a global citizen.” To learn more about Anna and her responsibilities here at Global Ties Iowa, check out our website!

Let's meet more exchange students looking for host families in the United States! 17-year-old Hussein from Tanzania has big goals for his exchange year, and he knows that what he learns in his host community will help him and his community later in life. An important part of Hussein’s day is finding quiet time to pray and reflect on his schoolwork. Outside of school, Hussein is a medaling soccer player with a passion for the environment. While in America, he especially hopes to be able to visit a zoo! Learn more about Hassein and other exchange students: https://lnkd.in/g4Efn5ee Apply to host today: https://lnkd.in/exkXHxWY Learn more about FLEX: https://lnkd.in/gYeNVBA2

Let's meet another exchange student looking for a host family in the United States! 17-year-old Hussein from Tanzania has big goals for his exchange year, and he knows that what he learns in his host community will help him and his community later in life. An important part of Hussein’s day is finding quiet time to pray and reflect on his schoolwork. Outside of school, Hussein is a medaling soccer player with a passion for the environment. While in America, he especially hopes to be able to visit a zoo! Click the link in bio to learn more about Hussein and apply today!

Are you interested in hosting a youth exchange student? Girts, a Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) student from Latvia, is one of many students looking for an exchange family! Girts is 15 years-old with a vast variety of hobbies, from sports such as basketball, badminton, soccer, and bike riding, to playing the saxophone and board games. He is a curious soul and has questions about all aspects of American life, including traditions, lifestyle, and school life. He can’t wait to get to know his host family and make new friends! Click the link in bio to learn more about Girts and other exchange students, learn more about these exchange programs, and apply to be a homestay host.

In late March, we welcomed six international leaders from Georgia for a program titled "Promoting Human Rights and Civic Engagement for the LGBTQI Communities." During their time here, they met with many professional resources such as the Tanger Place LGBTQ Youth Center, Mayor Teague, the Human Rights Commission and many more, who helped them explore into the local government leadership on LGBTQ+ issues. Check out their time in eastern Iowa here: https://lnkd.in/g2BxXDwn #GlobalTiesIowa#GlobalTiesUS #CitizenDiplomacy

In April, international leaders from Guinea-Bissau visited eastern Iowa for a program titled "Public Universities' Administration in the US." They aimed to explore the collaboration between universities and state government during their time here. They not only did that, but also got the exciting opportunity to attend the last home game of the University of Iowa Women's Basketball team! Learn more about their time here: https://lnkd.in/gNPqpptJ #GlobalTiesIowa #Diplomacy #ExchangeMatters #EasternIowa #IowaWBB

Last Saturday, we were at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois's Journey the World event, alongside our international leaders from Georgia! Thank you to our Girls Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois for letting us spread the word on diplomacy and thank you to our international leaders from Georgia for speaking to participants about their homeland. #GlobalTiesIowa #Diplomacy

Host an international student today! Rebira is a rising 9th grade boy from Ethiopia. He loves trying new foods and learning about new cultures. Rebira is also passionate about sports; he plays table tennis competitvely and loves playing soccer with his friends. A monthly stipend will be paid to the host family to offset costs. For information about hosting, contact Amy Alice Chastain at 319-594-0946 or Amy.Chastain@globaltiesiowa.org.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in parts of Mexico, it is actually more popular in the United States. The holiday has become a significant cultural celebration, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with parades, music, dancing, traditional foods like tacos and mole poblano. In the U.S., it's also associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Calling all U.S. ExchangeAlumni! Are you looking for public speaking opportunities to add to your resume? Do you have a story to tell that could benefit other alumni in their career journeys? Fill out a brief interest form to be added to the U.S. ExchangeAlumni speaker library, and you may be called on to speak at future Career Connections seminars or alumni-targeted virtual events. Complete the form here: https://lnkd.in/gUauf3cu #ExchangeAlumni #CareerConnections