Our mission is to enhance the capacity and commitment of individuals, institutions, and communities to create a more sustainable, peaceful, and just world. The World Learning Inc. family delivers on this mission through a diverse portfolio of programs across our three divisions—The Experiment in International Living, School for International Training, and World Learning—that support everyday citizens in becoming leaders and driving positive change at home and globally.
The Experiment is where it all started. In 1932, we began sending young people abroad to learn how to live together by living together. We continue that mission today as the nation’s most experienced provider of summer exchange programs abroad for high school students, and a leader in international virtual youth exchanges through The Experiment Digital.
Founded in 1964 as a training center for outbound Peace Corps volunteers, SIT is our accredited higher education division. SIT programs are developed around a framework of the most Critical Global Issues of our time—from SIT Study Abroad’s undergraduate programs across all regions, to its comparative International Honors Programs, and new virtual options, through to SIT Graduate Institute’s certificates, master’s degrees, and doctorate.
In 1970, we harnessed our experience and established a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering people and strengthening institutions. Today, we help build brighter futures for individuals and communities through our six core areas of expertise: people-to-people exchanges, global education, institutional strengthening, youth workforce and entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and TESOL English teacher training.
Welcome to our 2020 Impact Report. This year did not unfold in a way any of us could have predicted. It has tested us all in unexpected ways, big and small. We have had to overcome daunting challenges and make difficult choices, both as individuals and as an institution. However, these experiences have solidified my belief that this organization is needed now, more than ever, to foster the understanding, engagement, and cooperation that will see us through this crisis.
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Over the past 88 years, our institution has found its best and most authentic self when faced with times of crisis and uncertainty. As an organization committed to experiential education, people-to-people exchanges, and field-based development programs, the World Learning Inc. family has faced significant challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we have drawn on our core strength—our diverse program portfolio and areas of expertise—to innovate and continue creating a more sustainable, peaceful, and just world.
We believe one individual can make a difference. Our programs equip participants to confront the most critical global issues of our time. From standing on the frontlines of the fight against climate change to advancing equity and social justice to devising strategies that shape the future of public health, our alumni transform the world. They create the ripple effect that inspires others to join in and become agents of change.
As advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must continue to hold ourselves accountable and evolve to ensure that our organization truly does amplify the voices, agency, and dignity, of all people. This year, we have been reflecting and taking intentional action to ensure our internal operations and all of our programs uphold our commitment to social inclusion and justice.
Despite the challenges of this past year, the contributions and achievements of our colleagues, program participants, and alumni give us hope for a brighter future. As we look forward to 2021, they inspire us to continue striving to make our vision of a better world a reality.
Continue ReadingFor more than 88 years, World Learning Inc. has fostered peace, understanding, and cooperation by building bridges. Few things impact our ability to innovate and continue connecting everyday citizens across the world more than your generous support. Please make a tax-deductible donation today to help us relaunch our on-the-ground programs, catalyze creative initiatives, fortify our day-to-day operations, and sustain the important scholarships which extend our reach and accessibility.
MAKE A GIFTWe are humbled by and incredibly grateful for the recognition our organization’s work has received this year. Credit for these achievements goes to our extraordinary staff and faculty, without whom none of this would have been possible.
U.S. Department
of state
English Language Fellow Top Producing Institution Award
SIT celebrated for success preparing TESOL professionals to become Fellows
GoAbroad
2020 Innovation in Crisis Response Award
SIT recognized for “Operation Bring Our Students Home” COVID-19 response
U.S. Library
of Congress
International Literacy Program of the Year for 2020
Awarded to World Learning’s Pakistan Reading Project for literacy impact
U.S. Department
of State
Certificate of Appreciation from Office of English Language Programs
Received by World Learning’s Online Professional English Network Program
When I began my term as board chair in October 2019, no one anticipated how much would change in just a few short months and how quickly we would need to adapt to a new reality. This year has been one of the most challenging the organization has ever faced and I am grateful to our dedicated board, staff, faculty, participants, and supporters for everything they have done to help us navigate this global crisis.
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Including our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Statement of Activities
