U.S. State Department Launches Global Connections 2.0 Program

Office of the Spokesperson
Department of State
Washington, DC

October 26, 2012

U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced today the launch of the 2012 – 2013 Global Connections 2.0 Program, a virtual exchange program for teachers and students from the United States and 19 countries from the Middle East and North Africa.

Through Global Connections 2.0, teachers and students in the Middle East and North Africa will expand their computer literacy skills, gain a deeper understanding of other countries’ cultures, and develop their leadership skills, giving them tools to make a difference in their home communities. In partnership with the International Education and Resource Network (iEARN), this program empowers youth to use technology and online collaboration to address global challenges and engage in dialogue with the international community.

Global Connections 2.0 builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s 21st century statecraft policy, leveraging technology to create connections among Americans and their counterparts in the Middle East and North Africa.

Since 2000, the State Department’s Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) Program has supported collaboration and online linkages among students, educators, and community youth leaders from U.S. and overseas secondary schools and youth organizations. Virtual exchange offers meaningful cross-cultural exchange opportunities to students otherwise unable to participate in physical study abroad programs.