World Learning began in 1932 with a simple idea: that people could build friendships across cultures and learn to walk across their differences. Those students who left the US for Germany 75 years ago on the first Experiment in International Living program were trailblazers for tens of thousands of young people who have since had the chance to view the world through different eyes. Over the years, as we sent more young people to more parts of the world, many of our students witnessed the impact of poverty, refugee crises, and conflict. We realized then that our organization could and should do more to help ease human suffering and build local selfreliance in communities we encountered. So we added a doing arm to our learning organization and today are on the ground in almost 20 developing countries. Its remarkable what happens when people leave behind the known and familiar and come recognize their capacity to care and act for change. Take, for example, Peter Quaranto who went on our study abroad program to Uganda and saw firsthand the devastating effects of that countrys 21year civil war. Peter returned frustrated that no one at home seemed aware of what was happening in Uganda. So he worked to raise awareness and encourage action toward solutions. His work may change lives in Uganda, but its also changing lives closer to home by making others more aware of and concerned about the world beyond their backyards and borders. World Learning opens the eyes of thousands of people like Peter and helps them step outside their comfort zones. They return home inspired with newfound urgency and energy that ripples through their lives and communities. And that’s exactly our philosophy as an organization. At first glance, the big issues of our time poverty, sectarian conflict, climate change, the ravages of infectious diseases seem huge and unsolvable. But when people get out of their bubbles and into oneonone relationships that make a difference, they develop a greater understanding of the issues facing the world today and they seek out the skills and knowledge to bring about change.

Address: World Learning Headquarters Kipling Road, PO Box 676 Brattleboro, VT 05302-0676 USA
Telephone: 802.257.7751
Fax: 802.258.3248
Website: http://www.worldlearning.org/