2025 International Exchange Conference (IEC) Video Competition
Overview
The “Democracy at Work” competition celebrates BridgeUSA participants who have contributed to their U.S. host communities through their exchange experience — by supporting local communities, building connections, and learning about American life and values. Whether it's volunteering, supporting local businesses, interning, working, being an exchange student, or simply engaging with neighbors and colleagues, this competition asks: How have you made a difference and what have you learned about America and Americans while on the BridgeUSA programs?
This year’s entries should reflect how participants connected with and supported their local communities—whether through work, cultural exchange, volunteerism, or personal growth—and how those experiences shaped their understanding of American culture and community life.
Participants are encouraged to tell their stories creatively, through short videos that illustrate real-world connections and demonstrate how international exchange builds stronger, more inclusive communities.
Objective
The goal is to spotlight the meaningful contributions BridgeUSA participants have made to their U.S. host communities—whether by lending their skills in the workplace, participating in community events, collaborating with local people, or growing personally through these experiences. These exchanges represent democracy in action: people from diverse backgrounds coming together to build mutual understanding, shared growth, and lasting friendships.
Participants should focus on:
- How they engaged with and supported their local community
- Workplace achievements, volunteer efforts, or upskilling
- Community collaborations that led to meaningful outcomes
- What they learned about the American culture, values, and people
Submissions that also touch on how these contributions promote international goodwill or cultural understanding will be viewed favorably but are not required.
Submission Guidelines
Medium of Expression
Submit a 2–3-minute original video that tells the story of how your exchange experience allowed you to connect with and support your U.S. host community—or how your community supported your growth and learning.
Be creative: Use interviews, narration, visuals, graphics, and personal stories to highlight your unique experience.
Participant Timeline
May: Plan & Prepare
- Review guidelines and start brainstorming your story
- Gather images, videos, interviews, and any materials to support your message
May – August: Create Your Video
- Film footage of your work, community life, and personal growth
- Edit your video to include music, voiceover, or graphics as needed
- Focus on your community contributions and cultural exchange
August: Final Edits & Submit
- Finalize your video
- Submit by August 15, 2025
September: Judging & Winner Announcement
- A panel of judges will review submissions based on creativity, clarity, relevance to community engagement, and overall impact
- Winner announced by August 29, 2025
Key Dates
- Contest Launch: May 16, 2025
- Submission Deadline: August 15, 2025
- Winner Announced: August 29, 2025
Prize
- Trip to the CIEE International Exchange Conference in Washington, D.C.
- All expenses paid: travel, hotel, meals, and conference access
- Winner will be honored on stage and have their video premiered
- Recognition Across CIEE & BridgeUSA Platforms
- Featured video and story on social media, newsletters, and official websites
OR
- CIEE Program Scholarship or Professional Development Grant