Spotlight on Soft Power: March 2016

Posted under: MCCD By /

The China-Latin America and Caribbean 2016 Year of Culture Exchange

A new intern, a new outlook. This blog looks forward to some of the cultural exchanges happening across the world. The China-Latin America and Caribbean Year of Cultural Exchange Next month sees the start of the 2016 China-Latin America and Caribbean Cultural Exchange Year. Kicking off with an opening ceremony at the Beijing Tianqiao Art Center , the event on 25th March will include dance performances by various artists from Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Peru. Zhu Qi, Deputy Director of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations at China’s Ministry of Culture, highlighted the way cultural exchanges can bring together...

Continue  

Interns’ International Experiences Enhance Cultural Exchange

Posted under: Center for Global Leadership By /

Meridian welcomes the Spring 2016 GlobalConnect interns!

A combined total of 20.5 years abroad in 15 different countries. Eight foreign languages spoken. GlobalConnect division’s five new interns embody the diversity of backgrounds and cultural experiences Meridian emphasizes as the foundation for global leadership. Exploring Cultural Outreach through YLAI YLAI (Young Leaders of the Americas) Program  Intern Alexandria Anderson also understands the importance of cross-cultural communication in community development. As an undergraduate at Spelman College, Anderson studied abroad in Cochabamba, Bolivia in a field studies-based program focused on multiculturalism, globalization, and social change. From potato farming with her host family to participating in a welcoming ceremony in...

Continue  

International Exchanges: Instilling Hope and Understanding for a Better 2016

Posted under: Center for Global Leadership By /

Emerging Leaders of Pakistan at the White House

Here I was, in a charter bus with 15 Pakistani young leaders, dancing to Punjabi music, while directing the Chinese bus driver where to go in the bustling streets of San Francisco. To most people, this situation would seem bizarre. However, these types of unique experiences are a typical part of my job at Meridian International Center. Although they are definitely different from the traditional diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges have the power to effect meaningful change. Most notably, these exchanges break down stereotypes to foster intercultural understanding. For the 2015 Emerging Leaders of Pakistan program, Meridian worked on behalf of...

Continue  

Mapping IVLP Volunteer Service

Posted under: IVLP By /

IVLP Volunteer Participation in Fiscal Year 2015

The spirit of community service has grown stronger every year since Congress enacted the National and Community Service Act of 1990. From President Bush’s Points of Light Award to President Obama’s United We Serve initiative, successive presidents have helped to strengthen this part of the American cultural fabric. After Martin Luther King Jr. Day was designated as a national day of service in 1994, Americans everywhere worked to make it not a day off but a day on. Continue