The Foreign Service Journal, December 2015

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2015 39 Despite a number of technical, time-zone and participant “log- in” challenges, Michelle Kulikauskas described the experience as “eye-opening” for both Cultural Vistas and for participants: “Virtual exchanges are a great, cost-effective way of connecting people from other countries on issues of mutual interest and importance. Our participants were also able to learn about new initiatives and the individuals championing them. However, the personal connection and cultural experience is somewhat lost. If we can find a way to combine both in-person and virtual experi- ences, I think we can achieve an impactful but more cost-saving exchange program format.” Provost Christopher Washington of Franklin University, one of the most advanced academic institutions in the field of online learning, speaks to the potential benefits of using technology to support professional exchange programs: “Modern informa- tion and communications technology and social platforms used to engage professors and students situated anywhere in the world can also be used to nurture interactions among exchange participants, their hosts and other exchange program stakehold- ers. For example, surface contact can occur through video chat rooms before travel arrangements are made, allowing for the development of deeper relationships during the actual visit. Social platforms can also be used to share information related to exchange program goals and activities, to enable ongoing discussions and to support problem solving collaborations that may continue well beyond the in-country visit.” In front of a majestic Joshua Tree, IVLP participant from China Mr. Pengfei Wang gladly accepts Joshua Tree National Park Community Outreach Ranger Mr. George Land’s prestigious ranger hat. ENRIQUE MEZA/SAN DIEGO DIPLOMACY COUNCIL/COURTESY OF GLOBAL TIES U.S.