The Grand Multiplier: Distance Learning Connects J-1 Trainee with American Students
Posted on Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 at 6:08 pm.
The Grand Canyon digital studio connects people from all over the world.
Earlier this year, I met Gaby Olimon, a wildlife biologist and J-1 Trainee from Ensenada, Mexico, at Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to her on-the-ground training to run wildlife protection and educational programs at the park,Grand Canyon’s distance learning program allows Gaby to multiply her experience by connecting with classrooms around the United States. During the last academic year, the program reached 4,078 students from California to New Jersey in 26 different states.
The Grand Canyon’s digital studio is an example of how teachers utilize technology in the classroom.
Gaby spent the past year uniquely contributing to the Canyon’s distance learning by conducting educational programs in Spanish. By combining lessons about wildlife preservation with reinforcement of language skills, Gaby allows Grand Canyon’s message to reach many more Spanish-speaking American students. Her efforts also directly contribute to foreign language priorities in schools throughout the country. I caught up with Gaby when she was leading a distance learning program with the Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School (LAMB PCS) in Washington, DC.
The Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School (LAMB PCS) in Washington, DC
LAMB PCS is dedicated to promoting bilingualism and Gaby’s program gave the students at LAMB a unique opportunity to connect with a native Spanish speaker while learning about Grand Canyon National Park.
LAMB PCS students engaging with Gaby though the Grand Canyon’s distance learning program
Gaby told me earlier this summer how hard it will be for her to leave her program at Grand Canyon, but she dreamed of continuing to work on cross-border environmental issues. I was happy to learn that her Grand Canyon experience has led directly to her next job at the Sonoran Institute, where she will do just that.
I couldn’t be more pleased and inspired by Gaby’s hard work and passion for science, and the outcome of her trainee program experience. Her story demonstrates the precise aim of the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor program: provide visitors opportunities to train and work in a field they’re passionate about while promoting and building bilateral engagement with the United States. Gaby succeeded on all fronts, and we wish her the best as she embarks on the next phase of her career. Good luck, Gaby! Grand Canyon and the Exchange Visitor Program will miss you!
Categories: J-1 Visa, Participants, Program Spotlight
| About Rebecca Pasini Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange | |
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Rebecca A. Pasini joined the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchanges in July 2023. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister - Counselor, Ms. Pasini has been an American diplomat since 1997.
Ms. Pasini previously served as the Director of Public and Congressional Affairs in the Bureau of Consular Affairs from 2021-2023. Other Washington assignments have included positions in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, the Office of Foreign Missions, and as a liaison to the Department of Homeland Security. She has also completed multiple overseas tours, including as Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in Islamabad, Pakistan, and as the Consular Chief in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Other tours included Mexico City and Kuwait.
A Maryland native, Ms. Pasini has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University, a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University, and an undergraduate degree from Mary Washington College.
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