We live in a world of unprecedented interconnectedness. Planes circumnavigate the globe in a matter of hours. Text messages and emails are sent and received in a matter of instants. Advances in transportation and technology have made a once unfathomably large planet seem small.

In this interconnected world, human beings are becoming increasingly interdependent. Transformational leaders such as Nelson Mandela inspire not just their own countrymen, but the entire human race. Well-intentioned individuals fight for equality, peace and human dignity not just within their national boundaries, but worldwide. Meanwhile, the tragic events of 9.11 demonstrated the danger of interdependence: misunderstanding and hate can breed violence on a scale unknown in modern history.

Morocco

This interconnectedness - and the simultaneous opportunity and danger it provides - demands that we build friendship, peace and understanding between the world's peoples. We must begin to appreciate the richness and wisdom that each culture has to share. We must begin to see the beauty in the differences between cultures and countries. Rather than succumb to intolerance, bigotry and hatred, we must realize, as President Jimmy Carter did, that the human family has become "not a melting pot but a great mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams"

We can achieve this. When one person meets another, preconceptions vanish. A genuine connection forms in their place: not a connection between a Christian and a Muslim or a New Yorker and a Madrileño, but between two human beings. Individual human connections dissolve misunderstanding and replace it with friendship.

The globalization of our world enables us to make connections in ways never before possible. A New Yorker can travel to Cairo in a matter of hours. Ferries travel between Europe and Africa in minutes. While cultural exchanges were once possible only for the elite, they should now be accessible to all.

The mission of Mosaic International Institute is to provide this opportunity to foster intercultural understanding, friendship and peace. To this end, Mosaic offers a series of cultural exchange programs. While each program has a unique focus, all have been designed by Ph.D university professors to provide a meaningful, comprehensive and affordable experience.

Together, we can begin to appreciate the richness and diversity of humanity.

Mosaic has developed a unique pedagogy that combines cultural and linguistic training.