By Brooklyn Damken, Marketing Coordinator
Back in September 2024, I started working at Greenheart as a marketing coordinator. I had always been interested in cultural exchange and traveling, but I wasn’t really sure what all it entailed. As time went on, I learned more about the different programs at Greenheart, and in early 2025, I was given the responsibility of handling the marketing for our High School Program. This meant that I had to put my best foot forward and do my best to promote our exchange students and help recruit families to host them. For a while, my work and involvement with these students’ journeys felt behind the scenes—that is, until I got the incredible opportunity to be a chaperone for our 2026 Junior Greenheart Global Leadership Conference in Chicago!
Meet the Students Who Made This a Memorable Experience
Admittedly, I got to do all the fun stuff, like taking pictures and recording videos and gallivanting across the city like a tourist myself. But I was also lucky enough to learn a little about six incredible students who I believe are on their way to changing the world:
Aron, who speaks eloquently and captures the attention of an entire room with his intelligence and commitment to social issues.
Taifa, who is often quiet and soft-spoken, yet has a heart of gold and is determined to make everyone feel seen and understood.
Nader, whose confidence is off the charts, and isn’t afraid to stand up for everything he believes in.
Persephone, whose bold, engaging personality can’t help but shine through when discussing issues most important to her.
Gabriella, whose sunny disposition lights up the room, and demonstrates how to be kind and accepting of everyone’s differences.
Muhammad, whose quiet demeanor proves to be a great skill as he soaks in how the world works and ways he can better it.
Through just a couple days of adventuring through Chicago, introducing the students to the city’s culinary scene and landmarks, I was able to catch a glimpse of how the next generation will act as leaders in our society.
To not only hear about, but to actually see how their exchange experience in America has impacted them was such an honor. I saw it in the way they interacted with each other, becoming friends instantly, and a mutual understanding that they would now be connected for the rest of their lives because of Jr. GGLC. They were always ready to accept one another’s culture or to teach each other something new about their own.
The Value of Cultural Exchange
It was so beautiful to see these kids get along and accept each other with open arms given today’s current political climate. There is tension between many countries, but especially between the United States and nearly the entire world. People are apprehensive about the idea of sending their kids here, and some Americans are unsure of hosting kids from another country. Even adults worry about having their own negative experience in a foreign country. But you want to know what I think? We can’t let man-made borders and laws get in the way of human connection. There are thousands of cultures and traditions all across the globe—you probably haven’t even heard of most of them—but they’re all beautiful and have the power to bring us together.
I’ve never questioned the purpose of cultural exchange, but for me, the six kids I had the pleasure of spending a weekend with reinforced just how important it is. So, whether you’re thinking about going on your own journey overseas, letting your child go abroad, or hosting a student yourself, I urge you to do it. I can guarantee it will change your life in the best ways possible as you learn about new cultures and traditions and gain new family members from all over the world.
If you’re thinking of changing lives by becoming a host family, visit HostWithGreenheart.org to learn more! If you’re a high school student with Greenheart, click here to learn more about the Jr. GGLC and how you can get involved during your year abroad!