WorldChicago

The world is your classroom! 🌎✈️

Last month, our 2026 Youth Diplomats cohort gathered at the Mallers Building for a dive into International Education Pathways.

Led by former WorldChicago Board Member Bernard Ramos, President of Educational Perspectives, nfp, the session brought together a powerhouse panel of eight global education experts to demystify the process of studying and working abroad. From the University of Glasgow to DePaul University, our learned that an international degree isn't just a dream—it’s an attainable reality

Panelist Nargis Sarwari from Educational Perspectives shared her moving journey from Afghanistan, reminding our diplomats never to take the accessibility and technology of their Chicago classrooms for granted.

The session didn’t shy away from the hard truths of navigating student visas and grading systems, but the takeaway was clear: studying abroad is a life-changing investment. Did you know that students who study internationally join a rare group (less than 10% of U.S. graduates) and tend to earn significantly more annually than their peers?

As our panelists encouraged the group: “If you’re wondering, if you’re hesitant, if you’re reluctant—just do it.”

We are so proud of these young leaders as they continue to build their diplomatic muscles and prepare for their upcoming peer exchange in Kalamazoo, MI! 🚌💨

Introducing Bennett Piscopo, Director of Operations for Graduate Programs & Global Initiatives at Northern Illinois University and Chair of WorldChicago's inaugural Associate Board.

Bennett has been a familiar face at WorldChicago for years — attending Youth Diplomats keynote events, supporting the Chicago Marathon, and featured in our December 2025 newsletter. Now he steps into a leadership role, bringing his expertise in international academic partnerships and a deep belief that diversity and genuine human connection are what make global engagement meaningful.

Welcome, Bennett — and congratulations on stepping into the Chair role. 🌐

We are still accepting applications for a few remaining openings on the Associate Board. If you are a community builder passionate about international exchange, we want to hear from you — help us lay the foundation for a more inclusive era of global engagement.

Apply by April 15, 2026 👉 https://form.jotform.com/260084715887366