AFS Global Up Americas program aims to foster cross-cultural connections and global competence through virtual exchange. It emphasizes the empowerment of both educators and students, and we were eager to learn about the program’s impact on enhancing intercultural understanding and collaboration from one of its participants. Our Director of Global Education Innovation, Linda Stuart, has talked to Kassy Hunt, “Teacher of the Year in Kansas” from Louisburg Middle School and Global Up Americas Virtual Exchange scholarship recipient. Kassy will begin her classes exchange with Leidy Dulce Ocampo from Colombia the second week of April. The AFS Global Up Americas virtual exchange program supported by the Stevens Initiative. Over the course of 2023 to 2025, more than 3,000 students will receive full scholarships to participate in an immersive virtual exchange between the United States, Colombia, Mexico and other countries in the Americas. Additionally, the program will empower 120 dedicated teachers with the tools and expertise to foster, sustain, and expand virtual exchange and intercultural education.