An Incredible Two-Week Exchange with Young Leaders
- Brenda Gao
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
July brought together 20 teens, 3 adult mentors, 2 World Learning leaders, 5 Global Ties Iowa staff, 14 host families, 4 host events, 7 workshops, and 9 Iowan cities for Global Ties Iowa's second cohort of the Young Leaders Exchange Program from July 15-28, 2026.
The U.S. Department of State provides a three-week fully funded exchange program to talented international young leaders who demonstrate leadership potential and civic engagement in their communities. During the program, participants engage in workshops that expand their knowledge of civic engagement, project design, and intercultural communication.
The journey began on July 15, when the group arrived at Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) for lunch from Ian’s Pizza and orientation led by Global Ties Iowa Executive Director Amy Alice Chastain. Hosts joined the first major gathering, an afternoon of icebreakers at the airport, where young leaders met their families for the first time.
The next morning, July 16, began at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, where the group spent the day on orientation activities and a Story Stitch activity. Lunch at NewBo City Market offered a chance to explore Cedar Rapids before diving into Workshop 1 with Tara Allen: Needs Assessment & Communications, which included a walking tour of the Czech Village & New Bohemia.
On July 17, the group gathered at North Ridge Park for Workshop 2 with Evan Hilsabeck: Leadership Skills Development - Improv, followed by lunch from Saj Grill. The afternoon took them to Land Alliance Farm in Oxford for a tour, and then to Iowa City for dinner at Oasis Falafel. That evening, hosts and students attended Footliters Traveling Playhouse: The Case of the Missing Masterpiece at Iowa City High School, a lively community theater experience that brought everyone together.
The weekend of July 18-19 was spent entirely with host families, who shared local activities, meals, and Midwestern hospitality. One activity included a group barbecue at Coe College.
July 20 brought the group to Monarch Research in Marion, followed by a picnic lunch from O’s Grill and a tour of Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids. The afternoon featured Workshop 3 with Henry Morray: Community Building & Engagement, which built on earlier leadership sessions and helped participants think about collaborative problem‑solving.
On July 21, the group explored the University of Iowa, beginning at the Pomerantz Career Center and continuing with a campus tour, a meeting with International Programs at University Capitol Centre, and lunch at Burge Market Place. After visiting the Coralville Public Library, they spent the afternoon at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts for Workshop 4 with Evan Hilsabeck: Storytelling, a session focused on communication and narrative leadership.
July 22 centered on Cedar Rapids, beginning at The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo) for One Million Cups, followed by a hands‑on service experience at Central Furniture Rescue, with lunch from Taste of India. The afternoon continued with Workshop 5 with Henry Morray at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. That evening, hosts and students gathered at Brucemore for Theatre Cedar Rapids production of “Finding Nemo” LIVE, complete with Ian’s Pizza for everyone.
On July 23, the group traveled to Maquoketa Caves State Park for a morning of exploration, then returned to Marion for lunch from New York Gyro at Marion Economic Development Corp (MEDCO). In the afternoon, they met with Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly and his Youth Council.
July 24 was a full entrepreneurial immersion in Iowa City, beginning at the Pappajohn Business Building and the Jacobson Institute for Workshop 6 with Dawn Bowlus: Innovation & Problem‑Solving - Design Dash Prototype, followed by lunch at Burge Market Place. The afternoon continued with Workshop 7 with James Wetzel and a hands‑on maker experience at Animal Lamps, where students saw how creative problem‑solving becomes real‑world product design. The evening concluded with Pizza on the Farm at Stone Wall Pizza in Wellman, an event filled with food, music, and rural Iowa charm.
The weekend of July 25-26 offered another stretch of home hospitality, giving families and students time to relax, explore, and enjoy Iowa together. One activity included a group trip to Lake Macbride State Park. Many families enjoyed Disney’s Newsies, compliments of Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.
On July 27, the group traveled to Dubuque for a full day at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, including a boat tour, mussel education program, and self‑guided exploration. That evening, everyone gathered at the HyVee Center at Centennial Park in North Liberty for the final host and community event: a celebration potluck dinner and the students’ final reflections.
Departure day on July 28 united everyone at the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID), closing out two weeks of learning, connection, and community. Upon their return home, participants will implement their community service projects, utilizing support and monitoring from adult mentors, local staff, and alumni.
This experience was made possible through the generosity and partnership of Coe College, Cedar Rapids Public Library, NewBo City Market, North Ridge Park & Pavilion, Land Alliance Farm, Footliters Traveling Playhouse, Iowa City High School, Monarch Research, Indian Creek Nature Center, University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center, University of Iowa International Programs, Coralville Public Library, Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, NewBoCo, Central Furniture Rescue, Theatre Cedar Rapids, Marion Mayor’s Office, Marion Economic Development Corp (MEDCO), Maquoketa Caves, University of Iowa Jacobson Institute, Animal Lamps, Stone Wall Pizza, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, and the HyVee Center at Centennial Park.
Most of all, we thank our 14 host families, who opened their homes, rearranged their schedules, attended host events, shared meals, and created a sense of belonging that shaped every moment of this exchange. Their generosity made this program not just possible, but unforgettable.
Messages
Text from teen A to their home host: "I had a great time living at your house. We laughed a lot, went out together a lot, and talked a lot. Sincerely I enjoyed every single moment being around with you. Thank you so much for being the best host ever, and the best host that I would think I’ll stay with."
Voice message from teen B to their home host: "Me and [teen C] cried a lot. Cried a lot. Like I mean a lot. I really miss you. And I hope we will meet again under the best of circumstances. And thank you for everything. And don't forget, [teen B] always remember the good people in his life."
Text from teen D to their home host: "Thank you for making me feel heard and welcomed / Thank you for understanding me / You inspired me in a way you can't imagine"
Text from teen E to Global Ties Iowa staff: "The way you treat us as your young children it was so wonderful and how you cared about us the care you show to me I'll never forget and actually I was crying at the airport and in that moment I wished you were there so I could hug you last hug."
Text from a home host to Global Ties Iowa: "Thank you so much for everything you're doing and for including us on this experience / These last two weeks were delightful! It was such a gift to be able to share our family with the young leaders"
Text from a workshop mentor to Global Ties Iowa: "Thank you again so much for this opportunity, it has been SUCH A JOY!!! I love interacting with the students so much, they're awesome, the future is bright and brilliant."
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