Who we are
In 2020, ITALengUSA was launched as a direct response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the travel restrictions that disrupted traditional international exchanges. The program was created to provide students with a unique opportunity to engage in cross-cultural and linguistic learning through virtual exchange. Initially focused on promoting the study of Italian and English/American language and culture, ITALengUSA offered weekly online meetings where students could practice both languages, build social connections, and establish lasting friendships. Participants consistently found the experience to be linguistically, culturally, and personally enriching.
Starting with just ten students—five from the United States and five from Italy—the program rapidly expanded. By 2023, ITALengUSA had grown to include over 140 students from universities and high schools across the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut), as well as Illinois and California.
In 2022, the Consulate General of Italy in New York recognized the program’s impact and decided to offer official certificates to participants who successfully completed a full academic year of sessions. The program's structured discussions cover a wide range of topics relevant to daily life, such as family, routines, hobbies, and leisure activities, while also delving into cultural comparisons, including Italian and American holidays, traditions, and popular media. These conversations are designed with specific themes in mind, requiring students to prepare in advance, ensuring a more structured and meaningful linguistic exchange.
At the conclusion of each academic year, students’ language proficiency is formally assessed. American professors evaluate the Italian students’ English skills, while Italian professors assess the American students’ command of Italian. This final evaluation, along with a comprehensive project review, ensures that the program continues to evolve and improve.
Following the success of ITALengUSA, the program evolved into WorldLangAmerica in recognition of its broader scope and ambition. Building on the foundation established by ITALengUSA, WorldLangAmerica aims to offer similar cross-cultural and linguistic exchanges in multiple languages, with the vision of connecting even more students from diverse linguistic backgrounds around the globe. This evolution reflects both the program's growth and its ongoing commitment to fostering global communication and understanding.
Our Mission
Our mission is to bridge cultures through language exchange, fostering meaningful connections between language learners across the world. We provide interactive, peer-driven language learning experiences that go beyond the classroom, empowering participants to develop linguistic fluency, cultural awareness, and global perspectives.
Our Vision
We envision a world where language exchange fosters lifelong connections and cultural understanding across borders. As we expand to include more languages—such as German, Swedish, and Spanish—we strive to create an inclusive, multicultural community where participants not only develop linguistic skills but also form meaningful relationships. Our ultimate goal is to bridge virtual learning with real-world experiences, enabling participants to travel, meet their language partners, and immerse themselves in new cultures firsthand.
Our Values
Through structured and supervised virtual exchanges, we create a dynamic environment where learners engage in authentic conversations, improve their communication skills, and build cross-cultural relationships. Our goal is to make language learning accessible, engaging, and transformative, equipping students with the tools to thrive in a multilingual and interconnected world.
