In the upcoming event of the Transylvania Lectures series, we will get a glimpse of the world of global exchange programs. As our world grows ever more interconnected, the value of such programs, acting as bridges that connect cultures, enhance careers, and foster international understanding, has never been more pronounced. These programs offer participants not just the opportunity for personal growth and learning but also play a crucial role in shaping career trajectories and expanding professional networks across borders. Yet the conversation extends beyond individual growth, touching on the collective benefits and challenges faced by communities and societies invested in these exchanges.

The discussion brings together a group of experts who have played significant roles in facilitating these transformative experiences, along with individuals whose lives and careers have been profoundly influenced by them. With these diverse viewpoints presented, we aim to uncover how these programs can serve as catalysts for educational and professional growth while contributing to a globally connected society.

Taylor Kay is Operations Director of Seasonal Exchanges at the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), the worldwide leader in exchange programs. Each year, CIEE offers cultural exchange opportunities to 30,000 international visitors to the US, and facilitates outbound educational, training and teaching opportunities for more than 15,000 young Americans to 40 international destinations. Based in the northeastern state of Maine, Taylor has spent 17 years at CIEE and overseen the placement of 180,000 participants on the Work & Travel USA program. He has also overseen the Internship and Professional Career Trainee team at CIEE and contributed to the development of Camp Exchange USA, a program in which young people work at youth summer camps.  Prior to joining CIEE, Taylor worked at the US Department of State and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and served in the US Peace Corps in West Africa. He holds a master’s in international development from George Washington University and a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Richmond in Virginia. Studying abroad in the South Pacific was a life-changing experience for him.

Bogdan Bob Rădulescu is an actor, entrepreneur, former US intercultural exchange program participant between 1999 and 2006. He is also a civic leader and active citizen, especially in community, environmental and humanitarian causes. He is an outstanding storyteller, creator of legendary stories and characters. He is author or participant in several multimedia art projects and an opinion leader with a huge audience on social networks.

Csilla Beke-Szabó, Country Director at Student Travel Romania with a 27 years history of working in the cultural exchange and travel industry. Skilled in International Relations, Intercultural Communication, Management, Youth Development, and Strategic Planning. STR is a country leader in exchange programs, the company places each year around 1700 students in the United States through Work and Travel, Camp USA and Internship USA and tens in Iceland.

László Szepessy is a graduating economics student at Babes-Bolyai University in Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca. He has been a member of the MCC for 7 years. He has extensive international experience, having conducted research on sustainability at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, as part of the MCC Fellowship program. Additionally, he spent a semester at Corvinus University of Budapest through the Erasmus program. Representing the Hungarian Youth Council of Romania, he has participated in numerous international conferences and congresses.

Blanka Székely, television journalist, team member of MCC International Relations. Former manager of intercultural exchange programs in the United States at Cultural Homestay International, California, former US Work & Travel student and Internship participant.

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