Global Leadership Program
- Study Arabic, Chinese, Korean or Russian and develop leadership skills
Study Abroad Programs
- OneWorld Now! students can study in Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Russian-speaking countries
How we transform students' lives
Language Learning
Teaching critical world languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Russian, that are in high demand by employers but less commonly taught in K-12 public schools
Leadership Development
Bringing together students from diverse backgrounds for experiential leadership workshops that foster social, emotional and intercultural skills
Study Abroad
Connecting American high school students with their peers around the world through language and culture exchanges
Latest News & Events
OWNing the Experience: Ariana Santos Enriquez, OWN Student
By OWN Student Ariana Santos Enriquez, Global Leadership Program Why OWN I signed up for OneWorld Now! to learn Russian because I think it is an exciting language to learn. I also think Russian culture is beautiful and find the history of Russia interesting. I believe it is essential to learn about other cultures and Read More
OWNing the Experience: Andrea Vielma, OWN Alumna
By Andrea Vielma, OneWorld Now! Alumna I first joined OneWorld Now! the summer after my freshman year in high school, all the way back in 2009. As a brown, middle-class student in a private school, OneWorld Now! offered me a sense of belonging my educators failed to provide. I tribute my personal growth to OWN Read More
OWN Talks: Never let circumstances define you
This OWN Talk was delivered by alumna Michelle Moises at a OneWorld Now! event in the Spring of 2018 I want you to do an exercise with me. Imagine a high school with not enough books to even share with the person sitting next to you. Imagine a high school with broken chairs and the Read More
OWNing the Experience: Zekeya Idris, OWN Student
By OWN Student Zekeya Idris, Global Leadership Program Last year, I started taking Arabic at OneWorld Now and since I made lots of progress, I want to continue this year! OneWorld Now has not only helped me carve my path to learning Arabic, but has helped me understand more things about myself as an intellect and Read MoreSo long, summer! Let’s get back to school
Before we rush back to school, we wanted to share a few highlights from a very busy and exciting summer. OneWorld Now! students traveled around the globe this summer to further their world language proficiency, practice their global leadership skills in new surroundings and make friends. Read MoreGlobal Leader Reception & Auction
Join OneWorld Now! and support our Back to School Scholarship Drive At our annual event, guests can look forward to: A delicious globally-themed menu planned by Tom Douglas A silent auction with dozens of great items from local businesses A dessert auction from Seattle’s favorite bakeries Speeches from OneWorld Now! students and alumni Proceeds from Read More6/1/18 Leadership: Meeting Your Creative Guide
Topic: Meeting your creative guide Date: June 1, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More
Get Global 2018 Recap
Youth activism has caught America’s attention. Finally, a story OneWorld Now! has been telling for years, is making headlines: Young people are changemakers and we must look to them as our next generation of leaders. Read More5/18/18 Leadership: Impacts of Tourism
Topic: Impacts of Tourism Date: May 18, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More5/4/18 Leadership: Roots of Race
Topic: Roots of Race Date: May 4, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More4/20/18 Leadership: Get Global Rehearsal
Topic: Get Global: Rehearsal Date: April 20, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More4/6/18 Leadership: Get Global You’re An Expert
Topic: Get Global: You’re and Expert Date: April 6, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More3/30/18 Leadership: Get Global Introverted Expression
Topic: Get Global: Introverted Expression Date: March 30, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More3/16/18 Leadership: Get Global Public Speaking
Topic: Get Global: Public Speaking Date: March 16, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More3/2/18 Leadership: Get Global Hot Buttons & Triggers
Topic: Get Global: Hot Buttons & Triggers Date: March 2, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More2/16/18 Leadership: Get Global Planning Session
Topic: Get Global Planning Session Date: February 16, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More
Ten Reasons to Come to Camp
The application for OneWorld Now!’s annual Summer Language and Leadership Camp is now open. OneWorld Now! is thrilled to be offering our Summer Language and Leadership Camp for the 11th year! High school students, spend three weeks of your summer learning Korean, Arabic or Mandarin Chinese! Parents, give your teen a fun, memorable, and international education this summer. The Read More2/2/18 Leadership: Get Global Kick-off
Topic: Get Global Kick Off Date: February 2, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More1/19/18 Leadership: Little Hater to Big Motivator
Topic: Littler Hater to Big Motivator Date: January 19, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read MoreOur future is full of hope and promise
With the season of gratitude, celebration and reflection upon us please consider an end-of-year donation before 2017 comes to a close. Alongside a host of unexpected challenges, we’ve experienced numerous triumphs through our students, alumni, and supporters like you who make our work possible. Thank you. Read More1/5/18 Leadership: Gender Bender
Topic: Gender Bender Date: January 5, 2018 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More12/15/17 Leadership: Disrupting Bias
Topic: Disrupting Bias Date: December 15, 2017 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm Location: Belltown Community Center Read More
Honoring Halimo Ahmed, OWN Aluma
We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of OneWorld Now! alumna Halimo Ahmed (Maie) last week. Originally from Ethiopia, Halimo relocated to Kenya as a refugee to live with family members in her early years. She once shared her fond memories of going to school in Kenya, where being in school was ‘her happy Read More
Our 16th year is off to a great start!
We officially kicked off the academic year on Friday, October 13th with a lively day-long orientation to welcome the new cohort of global leaders. Students from as far north as Ingraham High School to as far south as Cleveland are joining us for a year-long journey of rigorous world language studies, mind-opening leadership workshops and the Read MoreCheck Out What’s New with OWN This Year
Back to School with OneWorld Now! A message from Jennifer We’re busy collecting applications for the sixteenth year of our Global Leadership Program. We can’t help but feel that the values of inclusion, equity and social justice instilled in our programs are more important than ever. We celebrate whole heartedly the diversity of our students Read More
Congratulations & Bon Voyage to OneWorld Now! Students
A message from OWN’s Executive Director Creating opportunities for underserved youth to study abroad has always been a core component of our approach to international education. Over the last year, we made a tough choice to scale back our custom programs this summer, so we could focus our resources on becoming an accredited school, launching Read MoreWe’re moving!
The new office is in the Denny Building at 6th & Blanchard: OneWorld Now! 2200 6th Avenue, Suite 513 Seattle, WA 98121 Find our new office on Google Maps Our phone number will remain the same – (206) 223-7703. Read MoreEvent Recap: Why OWN? Why NOW?
Alumni deliver powerful OWN Talks May 3, 2017 will be a night to remember for those who joined us at our spring event, Why OWN? Why NOW? Reception and OWN Talks. OneWorld Now! alumni delivered TED-like talks addressing the question “why OWN, why now?”. Alumni shared how OWN has influenced who they are today, the issues they care about and their visions Read More
Six Reasons We’re Celebrating
The sun is shining and OWN is ready for summer! As the end of the school year approaches, OneWorld Now! looks towards summer with excitement and gratitude. OneWorld Now! is wrapping up the 15th year of our Global Leadership Program, a milestone made possible through your support. Here are a few accomplishments we’re celebrating: Read More
Why OWN? Why NOW? Reception & OWN Talks on 5/3/17
Eat, drink, be merry, and support your favorite international education program in Seattle – OneWorld Now! OneWorld Now! at the Impact Hub to mix and mingle over appetizers and drinks, then kick back and listen to program alumni deliver compelling and inspiring “OWN Talks” – our take on TED Talks. The OWN Talks will explore Read More
Big news! OneWorld Now! is now an accredited school
We are thrilled to share the news that OneWorld Now! was recently accredited as a supplementary school by AdvancEd and the Northwest Accreditation Commission. AdvancED is the accrediting agency for more than 34,000 schools and school systems across the United States and 70 other nations. Read More
Sacred Circle: A Leadership Lesson on Creating Safe Spaces
The focus of this workshop was to explore the places and spaces where individuals feel most understood, and safe to explore surrounding emotions. Read More
In Memory of Bob Walsh, Global Citizen & Entrepreneur
We are deeply saddened to share that OneWorld Now! founding board member Bob Walsh recently passed away unexpectedly. As an entrepreneur with a big heart, Bob pioneered major sporting events grounded in the power of citizen’s diplomacy, such as the Good Will Games in 1990, and he directed humanitarian efforts in the Soviet Union and Read MoreSpreading Gratitude in Our Community
A holiday song from OneWorld Now! Students from OneWorld Now! on Vimeo. At OneWorld Now!’s annual winter showcase and celebration, a group of students surprised – and serenaded – the staff with a very special song. Watch and sign along! Gratitude At every OneWorld Now! leadership workshop, students have the opportunity to publicly express their appreciation for Read More
Celebrating Student & Alumni Achievements of 2016
OneWorld Now! alumni served Thanksgiving dinner to Syrian refugees. Read the full story in the Seattle Times. Dear friends and supporters, While the end of 2016 seems full of questions about what to expect in 2017, one thing we know for sure is that we can take pride in our everyday work developing the next Read More
You’re invited to our Global Leader Reception & Auction
OneWorld Now! is pleased to announce the date and location for our annual Global Leader Event. 2016 Global Leader Reception & Auction Join us for a reception, auction, and speeches by our students and alumni Date & Time – Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm PST Location – Asian Art Museum, 1400 E Prospect Street, in Read More2016 Alumni Changemakers Reunion
You’ve gone out into the world and done great things. It’s time to reconnect and catch up. OneWorld Now! is pleased to announce that our annual Alumni Changemakers Reunion has been schedule. We hope you will join us and highly encourage you to share the event with other OWN alumni. Read MoreGet Global 2016
OneWorld Now! Leadership Facilitator (and program alumna) Andrea Vielma breaks down the preparation and execution of the yearly OneWorld Now! Get Global Youth Conference. Each year, students put together a full day conference that explores a topics they’re passionate about and develop skills like organization, time-management, public speaking, and more. The conference is based on Read More
A letter from Holocaust Survivor Robert L. Herschkowitz
Hello, On Saturday, May 21, I was invited to give a talk to the Get Global 2016 Conference. One of the participants had heard me at Franklin HS and invited me to give the same presentation. It was a fascinating experience. About 330 student were reunited at the U of W Ethnic Cultural Center Read More
Get Global 2016 Schedule
The 11th Annual Get Global Youth Conference is on May 21, 2016 Student-planned and student-led, the OWN Get Global Youth Conference is designed to empower youth and young social entrepreneurs to take action on important global issues. Register online – it’s free! Taking place at at the University of Washington Ethnic Cultural Center (View a Read More
Global Access Pipeline’s Conference on Diversity in International Relations
On a sunny Thursday, at 2pm sharp, three OWN alumni took off for a small weekend adventure in Washington DC. They were excited to learn more about careers with the government and professionalism as youth of color. The next evening, they were joined two more OWN alumni. This is their reflection on the conference, written by Alumni Read More
Give early & TRIPLE your GiveBIG donation
OneWorld Now! is joining the Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG charitable event so that Seattle youth can experience life-changing study abroad opportunities. This year, for the first time, you can schedule your GiveBIG gift in advance of the cut-off time of midnight on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. TRIPLE your GiveBIG donation The first $1,500 in donations given Read More
An Authentic Moroccan Dinner
Do you want to visit Morocco? Have you heard tales about delicious Moroccan food and the hospitality of Moroccan people? OneWorld Now! has the opportunity to offer you this experience in your own home. Born and raised in Fes, OneWorld Now! Arabic Language Instructor Rachid is an extraordinary chef. He has mastered Moroccan cuisine and has been Read More
Nine OneWorld Now! Students Receive the IIE Passport Award for Study Abroad
Congratulations! Nine OneWorld Now! students have been selected to receive the 2016 Institute for International Education (IIE) Passport Award for Study Abroad. The Institute for International Education created the IIE Passport Awards in the belief that we need to build a pipeline of students who plan to study abroad when they get to college in Read More
Game Day isn’t all fun and games
In this weekly series, OneWorld Now! Leadership Facilitator (and program alumna) Andrea Vielma breaks down what happens in an OneWorld Now! leadership workshop. Each week, students come together for an experiential workshop to explore a new topic and develop skills like critical thinking, social-emotional learning, empathy and more. Sessions are based on OneWorld Now!’s unique Read More
Alex Lokela Minami’s Farewell Message to Students & Alumni
I know many of you are already aware of the news that I am about to share with you, but I wanted to come here to share that news directly that I have decided to move on from OneWorld Now! and that my last day is in fact today. And before my term expires, I Read More
A Mapping Lesson on Statistics and Perception
In this weekly series, OneWorld Now! Leadership Facilitator (and program alumna) Andrea Vielma breaks down what happens in an OneWorld Now! leadership workshop. Each week, students come together for an experiential workshop to explore a new topic and develop skills like critical thinking, social-emotional learning, empathy and more. Sessions are based on OneWorld Now!’s unique Read More
Layers of Oppression Leadership Workshop
In this weekly series, OneWorld Now! Leadership Facilitator (and program alumna) Andrea Vielma breaks down what happens in an OneWorld Now! leadership workshop. Each week, students come together for an experiential workshop to explore a new topic and develop skills like critical thinking, social-emotional learning, empathy and more. Sessions are based on OneWorld Now!’s unique Read More
How to find culturally authentic children’s books
Whenever I go to an Arabic bookstore or conference kiosk and look through the children’s books for language teaching materials, I have to wade through dozens of books just to find one or two that I would want to use in the classroom. The vast majority of what I find are translated versions of some Read More
2015 in Photos
Dear Friends, As 2015 comes to a close, we want to share the highlights of yet another extraordinary year at OneWorld Now!. All of these opportunities and milestones were possible thanks to the support of donors like you. These photos are only a mere reflection of how your contribution has positively shifted the life trajectories Read MoreLeadership Recap: Global Climate Change Summit
This workshop is a simulation of the annual United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) who have signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC), a legally non-binding treaty best known for the Kyoto Protocol. The 2009 conference took place in Denmark, 2010 in Mexico, 2011 in South Africa, 2012 in Qatar, Read MoreLeadership Recap: First Impressions & Assumptions
In this OneWorld Now! leadership workshop students go through a series of activities that will help them become more aware of how they make first impressions and how these impressions and assumptions can affect their behavior towards others. Read MoreAn appeal to our community
Dear supporters, Amid troubling headlines of conflict and instability abroad, and within the borders of our diverse nation, OneWorld Now!’s work remains as relevant today as it was when we were founded after the attacks of September 11. Read More
Leadership Recap: Hot Buttons & Triggers
This workshop encourages students to identify what pushes their “buttons” and brainstorm ways to overcome negative emotions in order to minimize the potential for conflict. The workshop begins with thinking about emotional triggers in school and at home then considers cross-cultural hot buttons. A hot button is something that creates a strong emotional response or reaction. Triggers are Read MoreDiscussion Guide for “Around the World In Seattle”
In Around the World in Seattle, OneWorld Now!’s film collaboration with the Nicholas Sparks Foundation, OWN students and alumni of different cultural backgrounds show each other places that are meaningful to their unique heritages. We see a Chinese lion dance, visit an Oromo mosque, snack at a Vietnamese bakery, explore a Buddhist pagoda, learn about a performing Read More
Nine Ways to Give to OWN on #GivingTuesday
We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Read More
Meet our 2015/2016 100K Strong Ambassadors
A centerpiece of the 100,000 Strong Foundation’s grassroots movement is their Student Ambassador Program, which is designed to generate greater demand for Mandarin language learning and study abroad in China across the United States. Read More
Reading List for International Education Week 2015
As a language, leadership and study abroad program, OneWorld Now! looks forward to International Education Week every year. Read More
Pitching Virtual Exchange at SVP Fast Pitch
On October 27, 2015, OneWorld Now! participated in the 5th annual Social Venture Partners’ Fast Pitch. SVP Fast Pitch is a business pitch competition for innovative nonprofit and for-profit social impact entrepreneurs – organizations that are solving today’s important social problems and making a positive impact in the Greater Puget Sound area. In its first Read MoreOWN to Pitch New Program at SVP Fast Pitch 2015
On October 7, OneWorld Now! Executive Director Jennifer Tanaka gave a 5-minute pitch alongside 28 semi-finalists of the SVP Fast Pitch competition. The stakes: the chance to present at the 2015 SVP Fast Pitch Final Showdown on October 27th and the potential to win funding. Jennifer pitched OneWorld Now!’s latest innovation – the Global Leader Read More
VIDEOS: Global Leader Breakfast Speeches
From students, staff and board, thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2015 Global Leader Breakfast with Senator Cyrus Habib. Thank you, as well, to many of you who were unable to join us but still made a contribution in lieu of attending. Read More
2015 Global Leader Breakfast
Support aspiring youth leaders and our transformative program on September 29, 2015 7:30–9:00am Read More
PRESS RELEASE: New Scholarship for Seattle High School Students to Study in China
100k Strong and Perfect World Announce New Scholarship for OneWorld Now! Students Read More
A letter from a student
First of all, I just want to thank OWN for the opportunities. I want to thank you for these last two years for making it fun, enjoyable, and memorable. I have learned a lot and I will forever treasure them. Read More
Student Reflections on China: 2015 Study Abroad with APSA & 100K Strong Foundation
Students changed their view about the world and themselves after they came back from the China trip. They started to question more things that they used to take for granted. Read MoreKorean joins Arabic & Chinese as OWN’s 3rd Critical Language
At OneWorld Now!, we’ve always strived to bring critical languages to students who aren’t able to access those languages in schools. After thirteen years of teaching just two languages—Arabic and Mandarin Chinese—we’ve decided to add a third: Korean. Read MoreSeeking Visionaries, Movement Builders and Global Leaders
To become a sponsor for OneWorld Now!’s annual Global Leader Breakfast, please contact Kirsten Rogers, Director of Communications and Development at hello@oneworldnow.org or 206-223-7703. Read MoreStudent Travel Log: Week One
This summer, five OneWorld Now! students are in China with American’s Promoting Study Abroad (ASPA). APSA creates global education opportunities for youth in underserved communities and empower them to change the world of tomorrow by learning to cooperate, collaborate and innovate across national borders. They select youth from diverse backgrounds and regions in America who Read More
PRESS RELEASE: Film Premiere on August 27th
Have you ever wondered whether it is possible to see the world without leaving your hometown? Come find out at the world premiere of “Around the World in Seattle,” a short film that highlights the diversity of Seattle by following in the footsteps of low-income, minority Seattle youth. Read More
Authentic Arabic Language Materials: Teaching Tools for Your Classroom
Foreign language teachers who attend a lot of workshops and conferences end up hearing a few buzzwords over and over again: backwards design, student-centered classrooms, standards-based instruction, integrating technology, twenty-first century skills, and authentic materials, authentic materials, authentic materials. Don’t get me wrong—I like a good authentic material as much as the next teacher, and Read More2015 Study Abroad Photo Contest: Prizes for the best student photos
OneWorld Now! is holding our 2nd annual Study Abroad Photo Contest! We are calling on students to submit photos from their summer language, leadership and study abroad experiences. Read More
Bon voyage, Alekz! Reflecting on Three Great Years
A letter from Alekz Wray to the OWN family: I’ve been with OWN for just shy of three years. Wow. It feels like I just walked into that old, quirky, colorful, and charming OWN office back in the Pioneer Building last week. How things have changed…how I have changed. Read MoreSeattle Public Schools’ 2015 Language Lab Camp: Korean, Chinese, & Arabic for elementary students
Salaam! Ni Hao! An Yong Ha Say Yo! Do you have adventurous, curious elementary-aged kids who’d like to learn some Korean, Chinese, or Arabic but are too young to participate in OneWorld Now? Enroll them in this fun two-week language camp–all for only a $10 fee thanks to funding from STARTALK at the National Foreign Read More
Working with OWN’s Heritage Learners, Part II
Four Lessons from the Heritage Language Symposium, and how they apply to OWN’s East African students Read More
Four Lessons from the Heritage Language Symposium, Part I
I’d never heard Arabic spoken before I started studying Arabic as a freshman in college—and I’d barely seen the script, besides tucked into the corner of the occasional photograph in the newspaper. Most students in foreign language classrooms start out like me, with little idea about the language or culture they’ll get to know closely Read More
Let’s OWN this Challenge! Size doesn’t matter on GiveBIG – giving does
GiveBIG is a day for champions, bringing out the best of Seattle as we celebrate the positive impact of local non-profits. Your donation to OneWorld Now! on the day of GiveBIG will enable us to make a lasting difference in the lives of students like Winnie: “OWN is my life-changer! I have made many great Read MoreA Solution to Bill Gates’s Biggest Regret
A letter from our language students — Dear Mr. Gates, When we recently learned that your biggest regret is not knowing a second language, we decided to extend an invitation. OneWorld Now! students would like to invite you to join our language program as an Honorary Student. Classes meet twice a week, and you can Read More
Get Global 2015 Inspires Students To “Be the Change”
It’s a wrap! The 10th annual Get Global Youth Conference is in the books and it will go down as one of the BEST youth-planned and youth-events hosted by OneWorld Now!. Read MoreResidential Language Immersion Programs: Arabic, Chinese & Russian Summer 2015 Programs with STARTALK
STARTALK’s mission is to increase the number of Americans learning, speaking, and teaching critical need foreign languages by offering students and teachers of these languages creative and engaging summer experiences. We have rounded up a list of residential summer langauge programs offered through STARTALK partners across the United States. Read More
Marhaba from Qatar! OWN students join QFI for annual aber educational exchange
This spring, a group of OneWorld Now! Seattle and Honolulu students ventured to Doha, Qatar on the annual Qatar Foundation International’s àber program. àber is an annual educational exchange that brings together students from the United States and Qatar in an exploration of identity and cultures through the Arabic language and the Arts. Read More
It’s time to get global: Schedule announced for the 10th annual Get Global
Are you ready for the 10th Annual Get Global Conference? This year’s theme – Seven Continents, One Horizon – speaks to the great diversity in our world and how we must find strength and unity in our difference as we look to the future. Read More
Be a Scholarship Hero: Sponsor a student to Study Abroad
To increase access for all youth, OneWorld Now! works tirelessly to be able to offer low-income, underserved students transformational international opportunities on full- or partial-scholarship. OWN has leveraged over 1.5M US dollars in scholarships in the last 13 years, sending over 300 low-income high school youth abroad on language, culture, and service programs around the Read More
Reflections on Dinner with the US Ambassador to China
In February 2015, The American Chamber of Commerce in China and 100,000 Strong Foundation announced a new partnership designed to further enhance US-China relations. US Ambassador to China Max Baucus hosted a reception at his residence in Beijing to celebrate. Read More
4 Signs Online Learning is Right for You—and 3 Signs You’ll Learn Better in a Classroom
There’s a lot of hype right now about online language learning. But is it right for everyone? As a classroom teacher, I’ve seen students who thrive learning languages in a classroom, but others might be just as successful learning online. Read MoreOneWorld Now! Welcomes Three New Board Members
A letter from Herman Uscategui, Chairman of the OneWorld Now! Board: As Chairman of the Board for OneWorld Now! it brings me great pleasure to introduce three new board members to you. Each brings a wealth of life experiences and professional expertise that will help to grow and endure the OneWorld Now! mission. Read MoreLessons learned from overseeing a youth-planned leadership conference
Going into my third year as the Youth Leadership Manager for OneWorld Now! I’m excited that our annual Get Global Youth Leadership Conference is right around the corner. With such a powerful leadership opportunity for our youth on the horizon, I took some time to reflect on my experience with Get Global and share some Read More
Advising LGBTQ Students on Study Abroad
Because I’m a gay man working in international education, students, parents and advisors often ask for my advice regarding LGBTQ study abroad students. Should we advise our gay students to stay in the closet while studying in less accepting places? Is it OK to tell anyone to hide an orientation or gender identity abroad? Read More
Tips for Study Abroad in China
Born and raised in China, I thought writing travel tips for OWN students to study abroad in China would be a piece of cake. And… it turned out that I could not be more wrong. Read More
Celebrating Five Years in Hawaii
5th Anniversary of Language, Leadership & Study Abroad For a group of James Campbell High School students and graduates the Arabic greeting of “ahlan wa sahalan” has been added to the traditional Hawaiian greeting “aloha” thanks to global leadership program OneWorld Now!. In its fifth year of programming, OneWorld Now!-Hawaii brings its model of language, Read MoreNew Year’s Resolutions for a Better World
Make your resolutions have a BIG impact For many, the start of a new year marks an opportunity to make a change: from undoing bad habits to working towards becoming a better person for yourself, your family and the community at large. This fresh start is often accompanied by goals, aspirations, or resolutions. Read MoreLanguage Learning Tips for Students of Critical World Languages
Tips from life-long language students & teachers By OWN Staff and Teachers In the interconnected world of the 21st century, being bilingual or trilingual is no longer only an asset, but a necessity. Read MoreNew Year’s Resolutions for a Better World
By Alekzandr Wray , Youth Leadership Manager For many, the start of a new year marks an opportunity to make a change: from undoing bad habits to working towards becoming a better person for yourself, your family and the community at large. This fresh start is often accompanied by goals, aspirations, or resolutions. Read More
Teaching in the target language: 3 Tips from OWN’s Arabic Classroom
Teaching in the target language has been one of the most challenging topics in the world of teaching foreign languages, especially when teaching high school (K12) students. As a teacher of one of the critical languages – and one of the most difficult languages – I am going to approach this topic from my experiences in Read More
Chinese Language Learning Tips and Tools: For language students of all levels
Chinese is called a “critical language” by the US government and academia: a language for which these is a large demand for language professionals by little supply. As the official language of Chinese schools, in 2000 there were an estimated 840 million first-language speakers plus 178 million second-language speakers. Considering roughly 1 out 6 people in Read More
Hawaii High School Student’s Class Project Goes Viral
Students enrolled in the global leadership program OneWorld Now! at James Campbell High School in Ewe Beach Hawaii found themselves stars this week on social media, thanks to a video assignment in their Arabic class. Read More
Arabic Language Learning Tools
By Sarah Standish, Academic Program Manager and Arabic Language Instructor A review of five resources to support your Arabic language learning So you want to learn Arabic, and you know there’s no substitute for going abroad and speaking to people, but that’s going to have to wait until you have some money saved up or Read More#StudyAbroadBecause
The White House calls on Americans to Study Abroad “We want all Americans to recognize there is a value in studying abroad, there’s a value in engaging people around the world, there’s a value personally, there’s a value professionally and there are resources available to them.” – Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Read More
2014 in Photos
Highlights from a year of language, leadership and study abroad A note from the Executive Director As 2014 comes to a close, we want to share the highlights of yet another extraordinary year at OneWorld Now!. All of these opportunities and milestones were possible thanks to the support of donors like you. These photos Read More
Taking a moment for gratitude
A leadership exercise to cultivate gratitude The ability to express gratitude is a valuable leadership skill in our personal and professional lives. From the latin roots gratia and gratus, meaning pleasing and favor, gratitude, quite literally, means one gives gratitude to another for having done a pleasing favor. Read More
15 Reasons to Celebrate International Education
A celebration of International Education Week 2014 November 17, 2014 kicked off the 15th annual International Education Week 2014, organized by the US Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of their efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans Read More
Seven ways to celebrate International Education Week
While we like to think every week of the year is International Education Week here at OneWorld Now!, we can’t help but get excited for the many events and buzz surrounding the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ annual week dedicated to celebrating international education and exchange worldwide. International Education Week is November 17 to Read More
Learning from Students & Leading Through Change
Leadership Lessons from the Next Generation of Global Leaders In finding my stride as OneWorld Now!’s new Executive Director, I have noticed parallels between what we teach through our leadership curriculum and the skills and attitudes I use to lead OWN. I’m not thinking of organizational management or strategic planning; instead my mind turns to Read MoreOWN Named Signature Partner of 100,000 Strong Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 9, 2014 OneWorld Now! (OWN) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Signature Partner of the 100,000 Strong Foundation. The Foundation is a continuation of the Obama administration’s 100,000 Strong Initiative, which was launched in 2010 by then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and now-Vice Premier Liu Yandong. Read MoreLet’s Make the Changemakers Celebration an Even BIGGER Success!
Dear Friends and Supporters, Thanks to our amazing community, we have a great reason to celebrate. Last Tuesday’s Changemakers Celebration raised $42,845 to support OneWorld Now! students. Read MoreA Message from our Board President
Dear OWN Friends and Supporters, After twelve years in Seattle as OWN’s Founder & Executive Director, Kristin Hayden has decided to pursue new opportunities and relocate to the Bay Area in September 2014. I know you will join me and other members of the OWN Board of Directors in wishing her well in her new Read MoreA Message from Kristin Hayden, Founder of OneWorld Now!
Dear OWN friends and supporters: After 12 incredible years as the Founder and Executive Director of OneWorld Now! (OWN), I have made the difficult decision to pursue new opportunities outside of Seattle. I will be moving to the Bay Area in September 2014. It is my privilege to thank you for the unwavering support you Read More
First Lady Michelle Obama Praises Seattle-based OneWorld Now! Student in Peking Univ. Speech
First Lady Michelle Obama highlighted the experience of Seattle-based OneWorld Now! (OWN) student Philmon Haile in her speech at Peking University in Beijing about the importance of studying abroad. Read MoreOpening your Eyes
K-12 students need preparation to deal with a rapidly globalizing world OneWorld Now! is featured in the International Educators’ cover story of the September/October 2010 issue. International Educator (IE) is the flagship bimonthly magazine of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. IE maintains the highest standards of intellectual quality, editorial excellence, and design to service its Read MoreKristin Interviewed on dowser.org
Kristin Hayden, the founder of the Seattle-based OneWorld Now!, faced her share of rejection while trying to get her global leadership organization off the ground. She spent two years trying (unsuccessfully) to raise grants. When things looked bleak, Hayden stayed on course by reminding herself of the importance of her vision — making sure that Read MoreOWN Staff Kirsten Rogers Featured in “Worldview”
Kirsten talks about her work at Peace Corps and OWN Excerpt from the article: Kirsten Rogers, 27, who recently returned from a Peace Corps stint in Morocco, said that a year of intensive Evans courses afforded her the practical information in economic development she needed to help women weavers and wool spinners grow their businesses. Read MoreExpanding Horizons
Afterschool and Global Literacy Expanding Horizons makes the case for integrating global literacy—international knowledge, skills, and perspectives—into afterschool and summer programs. (14 min., 36 sec.) Read MoreOneWorld Now! Students Immerse Themselves in Arabic and Chinese at Summer Camp
OWN Press Release OneWorld Now!, the after school global leadership program serving mostly low-income and minority high school youth, is hosting its second annual Mandarin Chinese and Arabic immersion camp at Seattle University for the first three weeks in August. Sixty high school students from all over Seattle have committed to spending their summer to Read MoreOneWorld Now! Hosts Inner City French Students
OWN Press Release OneWorld Now!, the after school global leadership program serving mostly low-income and minority high school youth, is hosting a group of seven inner city youth from Paris on October 30th to November 8th, 2008. The French Youth Ambassadors are on a special US Embassy sponsored trip to witness the US Presidential elections Read MoreCreating Global Leaders
A Profile Of Kristen Hayden “Fewer than one percent of high school students study abroad and less than three percent of college students do. And just a tiny fraction of those are students of color and/or low-income students,” Hayden explains. “We have to prepare our youth if we want to be successful as a nation Read MoreOneWorld Now! Hosts Second Annual Global Leaders Dinner Series at the Grand Hyatt in Downtown Seattle Featuring Speaker William H. Gates Sr.
OWN Press Release OneWorld Now!, www.oneworldnow.org, a Seattle-based global leadership program for disadvantaged high school youth, announced today that William H. Gates,co-chair of the Bill& Melinda Gates Foundation, will be the keynote speaker for their Global Leaders Dinner Series on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at the Grand Hyatt in Seattle OneWorld Now! offers economically disadvantaged Read MoreKristin Hayden Inducted into International Ashoka Fellowship
OWN Press Release WASHINGTON, DC (November 11, 2005) For her groundbreaking work in opening up global opportunities for disadvantaged youth, Kristin Hayden, founder of One World Now!, was one of 14 social entrepreneurs from the United States and Canada inducted into a global fellowship by Ashoka: Innovators for the Public at a special ceremony Monday Read MoreArabic in the Schools
KPLU’s Deborah Wang reports September 11th exposed the dire shortage of Arabic language translators in the US. Since then, Congress has poured millions of dollars into Arabic programs. But are schools rising to the challenge? In part two of our Learning Curve series on foreign languages in schools, KPLU’s Deborah Wang reports. Read MoreOWN Featured on “The Power of Voice”
KUOW Chats with Founder and Executive Director Kristin Hayden NPR KUOW.org talks with OneWorld Now! Founder and Executive Director Kristin Hayden on “The Power of Voice”. Read MoreOneWorld Now! Hosts 1st Annual College Fair
OWN Press Release OneWorld Now!, the after school global leadership program for mostly low-income high school youth, is hosting its first annual college fair at the University of Washington this weekend. Twenty-five college and university representatives from around the United States, including Harvard, Princeton and Duke will be coming to the college fair just to Read MoreJack Kent Cooke Foundation Grants $150,000 and National Recognition to OWN!
OWN Press Released The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation today announced the recipients of four $150,000 grants to support some of the most innovative programs in America for high-achieving students with financial need. The four programs, which are based in Washington State, California, New York, and Virginia, were chosen following a national call for proposals that Read MoreFreeman Foundation Offers OWN $100,000 Challenge Grant
OWN Press Release The Freeman Foundation has offered OneWorld Now!, the innovative after school global leadership program for economically disadva! ntaged youth, a $100,000 challenge grant. OneWorld Now! provides a unique and comprehensive global leadership program of world languages, leadership training, internships and study abroad experience to high school youth. The program is currently offered Read MoreStudents Look Into The Arab World
They hope to understand the culture by speaking the language By MATTHEW CRAFT SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER After the last school bell rang yesterday at Roosevelt High School, students climbed the stairs to Room 221, where Saadia Al-Tahir waited for them with a cheery “marhaba.” The students said hello back to their Arabic teacher, whose dark Read MoreLocal High School Students Embracing Arabic Language
Seattle Times By Jon Savelle Seattle Times staff reporter As the fortunes of the United States and the Arab world grow ever more intertwined, the need in the U.S. for Arabic speakers becomes more acute. The trouble is, the language typically isn’t taught in public schools. Until now. A new program organized by the Seattle Read MoreHenry M. Jackson Foundation Awards $10,000 to OWN
OWN Press Release The Henry M. Jackson Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to OneWorld Now!, the innovative global leadership program for Seattle high school students, currently being piloted at Ingraham High School. High School juniors take after school classes in non-traditional languages (Chinese, Arabic), multicultural education and leadership, and culminate their experience with a summer Read MoreOneWorld Now!’s vision is that every young person has access to transformative international education opportunities.
