Federation EIL members Experiment e.V. and EIL Ireland joined storytellers and changemakers from around the world in New York City for the Made Impact Storyteller Day and Made Impact Summit, two days dedicated to sharing the stories that demonstrate the power of international exchange.
At the beginning of September, representatives from Experiment e.V. and EIL Ireland, both members of Federation EIL, took part in two inspiring days in New York City focused on a belief that sits at the heart of our Federation: international experiences have the power to transform people, strengthen communities and build greater understanding across borders.
The occasion was the Made Impact Storyteller Day, followed by the Made Impact Summit at the United Nations.
Together, the events brought storytellers and changemakers from around the world into conversation about international exchange, connection and the impact that comes from experiencing life in another culture.
One million stories of international experience
Made Impact is building a global collection of stories from people who have lived, studied, worked, volunteered or spent meaningful time abroad.
Its ambition is a powerful one: to collect one million stories of international experience.
Behind that number are individual human experiences, the friendships formed across cultures, assumptions challenged, perspectives changed, skills developed and moments of understanding that can stay with someone for a lifetime.
By bringing these experiences together, Made Impact aims to make the wider impact of international exchange visible.
For Federation EIL, this mission has a special resonance. For almost a century, our international network has worked to bring people from different cultures together through educational and intercultural exchange.
We have seen time and again that the impact of an exchange does not necessarily end when someone returns home. The perspectives, relationships and understanding gained through an international experience can continue to influence how people engage with their communities and the wider world.
Ellis Island: discovering the power of storytelling
The first day brought participants to Ellis Island, a place deeply connected to histories of migration, movement and new beginnings.
Against this meaningful backdrop, the Made Impact Storyteller Day focused on the power of personal stories.
Stories allow us to move beyond statistics and broad ideas and understand international exchange through individual experiences. They can help us see the world through another person’s eyes, challenge assumptions and find connections across national and cultural boundaries.
For the storytellers gathered in New York, the day was an opportunity not only to share their own experiences but also to listen to others and reflect on the many different ways that living abroad can shape a person.
From Ellis Island to the United Nations
The following day, the conversation moved to the United Nations for the Made Impact Summit.
Changemakers from different countries and backgrounds came together to consider a bigger question: How can we create greater impact through connection, collaboration and international exchange?
Moving from the deeply personal setting of storytelling on Ellis Island to a global forum at the United Nations highlighted an important connection.
International exchange begins with individuals, but its impact can reach much further.
A conversation between two people can create understanding. An experience abroad can change a perspective. A relationship formed across cultures can challenge stereotypes. And, multiplied across communities and generations, these experiences can contribute to a more connected and peaceful world.
This is an idea that has been central to Federation EIL throughout its history.
A mission shared across generations
Federation EIL’s roots stretch back almost a century, to the beginnings of The Experiment in International Living and the belief that meaningful encounters between people from different cultures can foster mutual understanding.
Today, our members around the world continue that work in many different forms.
While international exchange has evolved considerably over the decades, its human foundation remains remarkably consistent: people meeting people, listening to one another, sharing everyday life and discovering both their differences and what they have in common.
That is why we are proud that representatives from Experiment e.V. and EIL Ireland were part of the Made Impact events in New York, contributing the perspectives and experiences of our international Federation to this growing global conversation.
Their participation also reflects something fundamental about Federation EIL: we are part of a worldwide community connected by a shared belief in the value of intercultural learning and exchange.
What is your story?
The Made Impact Summit may have ended, but the mission continues.
Made Impact is working towards One Million Stories, and everyone whose life has been influenced by an international experience has something to contribute.
Perhaps you studied abroad and discovered a completely different way of looking at the world. Perhaps you lived with a host family who became a second family. Maybe you volunteered overseas, welcomed an international participant into your home, learned a language, made a lifelong friend or simply had one conversation that changed your perspective.
These experiences matter.
And when we bring them together, they help tell a much bigger story about why international exchange matters.
If international exchange has made an impact on your life, we invite you to add your voice.
Learn more about the One Million Stories movement at madeimpact.org.
Share your story:
https://madeimpact.org/submit-your-story?ref=experiment-ev
Every exchange has a story. Every story has an impact. Together, we can make that impact visible.
