Teens of Color Abroad

We've got a special event coming up in four short months. See you soon, NYC!

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE Thursday, October 8, 2026 6–9PM at the Salesforce Tower in New York City.

More details coming soon 🌎

✨ TOCA Board Member Highlight: Martine Charles✨

Meet Martine Charles, a Senior Sales Enablement & Leadership Development Manager at Uber, the Program Director for our TOCA Mentorship Program, and a proud TOCA Board Member!

“When I was in high school, I began thinking more seriously about my future, and I realized that the dreams my parents had for me were not always the same dreams I had for myself. In 11th grade, a college recruiter named Ms. Mona, who came from a similar background to mine, visited my English class and shared stories about traveling the world, meeting people from different backgrounds, and building a meaningful career along the way. After her presentation, I asked her how to build my own path, and she simply told me, “Just try to do something, and you’ll figure it out along the way.”

That philosophy has stayed with me ever since. Looking back, it’s incredible to think that a simple 45-minute presentation on a warm spring afternoon could completely shift the way I saw my future. Since then, I’ve built a career that is uniquely my own and have had the opportunity to travel to over 20 countries.

Being a Board Member and Mentorship Program Director at TOCA allows me to pass that same gift forward. One of the [TOCA] students once told me they saw me as a role model, and I nearly burst into tears because I realized how powerful it is for young people to see someone who reminds them that more is possible. To me, TOCA is about exposure, confidence, and helping students believe they can create a future beyond what they’ve already seen.” 🌍

(Pictured: Brazil, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Thailand)

🚨 Deadline Extended! 🚨 The TOCA Online Summer 2026 application is now open until May 29, 2026!

We’re inviting U.S. high school students passionate about language learning and cultural exchange to apply for this incredible (and fully funded!) opportunity. 🎉

🗓️ Program Dates: July 11 - 31, 2026

What Students Will Experience:
📚 Study Arabic (20 hrs), French (10 hrs), or Spanish (10 hrs) with refugee native-speaking instructors
🗣️ Build real-world speaking & listening skills
💻 Join Refugee Voices workshops
🌐 Connect with peers around the world through virtual exchange

💡 Hands-On Learning:
Create a community-based project + explore global issues through self-paced modules.

💸 Fully Funded:
Thanks to our generous funders, accepted students receive a full scholarship to participate.

✨ Optional Upgrade:
Join the Immersive Program ($250) for additional exclusive benefits.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and make an impact -- apply today! Please share this opportunity with your network!

Join TOCA on Thursday, May 14th at 5:30 PM EST for our May Community Circle!

Kristine Barer, Director of Experiential Programs at WorldStrides will offer an overview of their internship programs across Asia, Europe, and the Pacific. Internship placements provide meaningful, hands-on work experience and mentorship while building in‑demand, industry‑specific skills. Treasure Mulkey and Donovan Nguyen, WorldStrides alumni, will share about their internship experiences in Spain and South Korea.

Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the internship opportunities available through WorldStrides and gain valuable insights from alumni testimonials about their experiences abroad.

*This event is open to all interested in learning about WorldStrides internships.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qtmsDv5PSluwpRAT37r6FQ

✨ TOCA Board Member Highlight: Kyle Kastler✨

Meet Kyle Kastler, an Educator and Exchange Specialist, the Associate Director of Education Abroad at the University of Maryland, and a proud TOCA Board Member!

“I support TOCA because I know we can create a better world where all young people have access to global learning and people in other countries can benefit by learning from the cultural richness of teens from our communities. I’m proud to be a Board Member and work alongside passionate, dedicated, believers and supporters of our participants and alumni.” 🌍

Whether you're a high school student interested in applying for TOCA Online, a parent seeking more information, or an educator hoping to share this opportunity with your network, this session will give you everything you need to know about our Summer 2026 TOCA Online Program.

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
🕟 Time: 4:30 PM EST
📍 Location: Zoom (virtual)

We'll cover:
- What TOCA Online is all about
- Who’s eligible and how to apply
- Key dates and deadlines
- What students will learn and experience
- Live Q&A with our team

Register Today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TJL4ZKJFRxulBbZn0E6zWw

✨ Please feel free to forward this invite to your personal and professional networks. ✨

We’re excited to share that two TOCA Online alumni, Chloe Mshana and Haylee Ward, recently attended the FIE: Foundation for International Education Student Global Leadership Conference in London! 🇬🇧

Through our partnership with FIE, two TOCA alumni are sponsored each year to participate in this incredible leadership experience. We are grateful to partner with organizations that share our vision of providing students with meaningful global learning opportunities.

“I was reminded by the SGLC that the place you come from does not define you. Rather, it empowers you to succeed wherever you go. Going to London was another wonderful part of this experience. This was my second time visiting London, so it was wonderful to see it through a new lens. Overall, the SGLC changed my perspective on leadership for the better.”
- Chloe, undergraduate student at Drexel University

“I cannot begin to describe the absolute joy and privilege it was to be able to participate in this year’s SGLC conference on leading through uncertainty. To my surprise, each person who was brave enough to share their story spoke with a level of vulnerability that I am still reflecting on. From Mrs. Tiagi and her message on learning who you are when you are at rock bottom to Dr. Greene and his message on not allowing your past to define your limits, I was so appreciative of the authenticity that each of the keynote speakers shared.”
- Haylee, graduate student at Indiana University Bloomington