Learning from the World to Improve Health and Wellbeing: A Roadmap for Planning International Learning Exchanges

While learning exchanges traditionally happen in person, virtual travel is unlocking new opportunities to explore the world in ways that are accessible for all—often at a lower cost and with a larger group of travelers.

Around the world, communities, local leaders, organizations and nations have made strides in addressing the same kinds of health equity challenges we face in the United States. What can we learn from each other on the journey to improve health and wellbeing for all? And how?

For several years, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Global Ideas for U.S. Solutions team has been exploring different ways to learn with communities around the world, while centering equity and reciprocity. 

International learning exchanges–whether held virtually or in person–offer one of the best ways to engage with our peers abroad to uncover valuable lessons, build relationships, inspire action, and find new ways to improve policies, programs, and systems.

This interactive roadmap lays out six simple steps with practical ideas, worksheets, and tips to help you:

• Organize an international learning exchange that is rooted in equity and reciprocity
• Set learning goals for the journey 
• Design an itinerary with creative learning activities 
• Foster meaningful connections among participants 

Whether you’ve already chosen a learning destination or are simply curious to explore how an international exchange can fit into your learning strategy, we hope this resource empowers those looking to learn from the world with some tools to get started.