• Registration & Fees

    • Who should attend the iEARN Conference and Youth Summit?

      The conference is a gathering of iEARN teachers, students, and partners to join together and share their work in K-12 global projects. We invite current iEARN members and educators and youth interested in global collaboration and learning to attend. Youth Summit participants must attend with a registered adult chaperone.

      For international participants registering for the conference, we are only able to send invitation letters to members of the iEARN network and/or with the support from an iEARN Country Coordinator. You can connect with your country coordinator here to learn more about iEARN in your country: https://iearn.org/country-coordinators

      As this conference is intended for educators and youth at the K-12 level, we reserve the right to limit registration and withhold invitation letters to participants who are not educators or otherwise connected with our network.

    • What is included in the registration fee?

      Registration includes participation in all conference activities, 6-nights stay, daily breakfast, lunch and dinners unless otherwise noted on the schedule, daily transfer from residence to conference site, as well as airport transfer from IAD Dulles International Airport. Excursions on Wednesday, July 11th are not included in the registration fee.

    • What is the Youth Summit?

      The Youth Summit is a concurrent event at iEARN’s annual international conference, serving as a platform for youth, affiliated with iEARN organizations around the world, to come together in one space to share projects, lead workshops, discuss sustainable solutions to global issues, and network with each other in a positive, collaborative environment. The Youth Summit is organized by a planning committee of international youth leaders.

    • How do I register my students in the Youth Summit?

      If you are an educator or program director, you should register for the iEARN conference first. After you have completed your registration, you can register your students using the registration form and select “youth summit+accommodation” or “youth summit - no accommodation." Students must be registered individually.

      You, or the youth, must use your personal educator conference confirmation ID number that you received in your registration confirmation email.

      Youth Attendees who are under 18 years old at the time of registering will need to fill out additional information, such as a parental consent form and a health certificate.

    • Does iEARN provide scholarships? Can iEARN help me find funding?

      To support your attendance at the 2018 iEARN International Conference and Youth Summit, iEARN-USA has compiled resources and information in a digital fundraising packet, including a promotional flyer, funding letter, fundraising tips, and grant opportunities. We encourage iEARN international participants to connect and get support to attend and/or learn of additional funding opportunities.

      Thanks to generous donations, iEARN will provide a limited amount of partial scholarships at different levels to support registration and/or travel costs. (Note that the scholarship will cover conference registration; a few of the awards may include a small transportation stipend to support airfare costs).  In awarding these scholarships consideration will be given to engagement in iEARN activities, leadership, motivation, Country Coordinator support, and geographical diversity. 

      Scholarship applications are closed for international participants and notifications will be sent after April 15, 2018. 

    • How can I get involved as a sponsor or exhibitor?

      Thank you for your interest in sponsoring the iEARN Conference and Youth Summit. Please contact [email protected] for more information about our sponsorship packet.

  • Arrival & Departure

    • What airport should I fly into?

      It is recommended for conference attendees to fly into IAD Dulles International Airport. iEARN-USA will provide transportation to and from the conference at this airport only on July 8, 2018. Not arriving at IAD? Not arriving on July 8th?

    • I am not arriving at IAD Dulles Airport. How can I get transport to Winchester, VA?

      For participants who have registered for the full week with accommodation we will be providing airport transfers from IAD Dulles Airport to Winchester, Virginia on July 8th only. If you are arriving at nearby airports, such as Reagan or Baltimore, or you plan to arrive early, there are a few options to get you to the pick up point at IAD Dulles. 

      From Washington, D.C. or Regan National Airport (DCA):

      You can catch the 5A Metro bus from (south side of the National Mall), Georgetown, or the Rosslyn Metro Stop in Arlington to IAD Dulles Airport. The bus will cost $7 either paid with a SmartTrip Metro Card or with cash. Buses depart about every 30 minutes or more depending on traffic so plan for at least a 50 minute trip (or more) to get to the airport. This website provides a little more information.

      Alternatively, you can take the Silver Metro train line from anywhere in Washington, D.C. to the Wiehle-Reston East stop and then transfer to the Silverline Express Bus to Dulles Airport. The bus costs an additional $5 per person and leaves every 15-20 minutes. Visit the website and view a metro map for more information.

      From Baltimore International Airport (BWI):

      If you are arriving in Baltimore we suggest taking a MARC train into Washington, D.C. and then following the above Metro system directions. Otherwise, there are a number of companies that provide a shuttle between airports such as GO or SuperShuttle.

    • I am not arriving on July 8th, how can I get transport to Winchester, VA?

      If you are arriving before July 8th, you have two options: 1) Arrange your own transportation to Winchester, VA, or 2) Stay in D.C. until July 8th and take the iEARN-USA provided airport transportation on July 8th. 

      If you are arriving after July 8th, you will need to arrange your own transportation to Winchester, VA. 

      Note: If you are arriving early for the iEARN International Assembly meeting, transportation will be arranged for you. 

    • Do I need a passport to travel to the U.S.?

      Yes. You will need a passport if you are coming from overseas. You will also need a valid entry visa, unless you are coming from a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, or are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. or a citizen of Canada.

    • Do I need a visa to travel to the U.S. for the conference?

      Yes. You will need to apply for a visa, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (see list of countries below). We recommend that you apply for the B-1 Business Travel Visa.  Conference attendance qualifies within this category. Please begin this process as soon as possible, as it can take time for approval. We encourage you to visit the State Department Travel Website to learn more about the application process for your country.

      The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of the countries listed below to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or while in transit for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa. You must have authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization prior to travel. Please visit the ESTA Website for more information.


    • Can I get an invitation letter to support my visa application?

      Yes. When you register for the conference, you will be able to request a visa letter. Visa letters will be sent via email upon support from your iEARN Country Coordinator. If you need additional documentation to support your visa application please email [email protected]

      In your application you may use iEARN USA as your U.S. Point of Contact with the following information:

      iEARN USA
      475 Riverside Drive, Suite 450
      New York, NY 10115
      Phone #: +1 212 870 2693

    • My visa application was denied. Can I get a reimbursement for my registration fees?

      Registration reimbursements due to visa denials can be provided upon request until June 10, 2018. Reimbursements will not be issued after June 10, 2018. 

    • Can I buy a SIM card for my phone?

      At Dulles International airport, after you go through security, you can go to a store called iTravel2 and purchase a pre-paid SIM card for your phone.  iTravel 2 and is on the Terminal Upper Level (ticketing level). Pre-paid SIM cards start at 45 USD. Some of the currency exchange kiosks may also sell pre-paid SIM cards.

    • Can I access an ATM or change my currency?

      In most U.S. banks, you can exchange major currency, such as Euro, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen, or British Pounds. You may also exchange currency at the airport when you arrive in the United States. We recommend that you bring an ATM card or credit card that will allow you to access your bank account in your home country. Most ATMs in the U.S. accept Visa and Mastercard. However, you might have to pay a high bank fee.

  • Housing, Transportation & Meals

    • What are my housing options if I want to arrive early?

      Unfortunately, we are not able to provide accommodation arrangements for attendees who are arriving before July 8th. We encourage you to take advantage of the museums, monuments and historical sites in our nation's capital of Washington, D.C. before traveling to Winchester, Virginia.

      Alternatively, if you are only arriving a day early, there are a number of hotels near IAD Dulles Airport where you can stay until airport transfers start on the 8th. The following are some recommendations that also provide transfer between the hotel and airport:

      • Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, Sterling
      • Hyatt Regency Dulles, Herndon
      • The Westin Washington Dulles Airport, Herndon
      • DoubleTree by Hilton Sterling

      If you do decide to arrive early and explore Washington, D.C. we are still happy to offer transportation from IAD Dulles airport to Winchester, Virginia on July 8th. Please see the FAQ 'How do I get to IAD from Washington, D.C. or another nearby airport?" for directions to the pick up point.

    • How do I get around Winchester?

      The dormitory and hotel are around a 30-45 minute walk from Winchester’s downtown.

      You may also find it useful to download a ride-sharing app such as Uber or Lyft

      There is also a local bus and trolley that runs during day-time hours. The schedule is available here: https://www.winchesterva.gov/s...

    • How do I inform a conference organizer if I have food and/or dietary restrictions?

      You may disclose any food allergies during the registration process. The registration fee includes daily breakfast and most lunches and dinners unless otherwise noted. Meals are provided in a cafeteria setting, where there will be a vegetarian option.

  • Youth Summit

    • Are there age limits for the Youth Summit?

      Because “youth” is not a fixed age category and has different meanings around the world there is no age cut off to attend the Youth Summit. Your current work and interests should determine if you should attend the Youth Summit or the International Conference.

    • Do I have to present at the Youth Summit, or can I just attend as a participant?

      You can attend as a participant – no one is required to present or lead a session.

    • What if I don’t have a sponsoring teacher/chaperone/educator?

      In order to participate in the Youth Summit you must attend with a chaperone, teacher, or educator who is attending the International Conference. If you do not know an adult who is planning on attending please email the conference support for additional guidance.

    • How many students can participate?

      There is no limit to the number of participants. As long as you submit your registration and payment you can attend the Youth Summit.

    • I am over the age of 18, do I still need to have a sponsoring teacher/chaperone/educator?

      Yes. However you do not need to submit the parental consent form.

  • Proposals & Session Submissions

    • What types of sessions are you looking for?

      Conference sessions should align with the overall goals of the conference and focus on one of the following sub-themes: Collaborative Projects for Sustainable Development, Youth Action and Leadership in SDGs, Service Learning through Collaboration, Teaching and Learning Strategies, Building Leadership for Global Education, Impact of Projects and Exchanges, Project Design and Facilitation, Technology for Collaboration and Exchange, and Diversity and Inclusion in Global Education. 


      We invite educators, partners, and youth to submit sessions relating to the conference sub-themes in new and creative formats. Each session will select a related Sustainable Development Goal, sub-theme, and format in the submission application.  Submission formats include: Tech and Innovation Lab, Ignite-Style Talk, Interactive Workshop, Roundtable Discussion, and Poster Display. Please review the Call for Proposal page for details on each session format.

    • How many proposals can I submit?

      You can only submit one session proposal per session type. For example, you could submit one roundtable discussion and one workshop, but not two workshops. You can present as 

    • When are proposals due?

      The proposal submission deadline is now extended to April 30th!

    • Can I have a co-presenter that is not attending the conference?

      Yes, you are able to have a co-presenter that is unable to attend the conference. There is space on the proposal submission to indicate a remote co-presenter.

    • Can I present or attend the iEARN conference virtually?

      You may present virtually as a co-presenter with someone who will present in person. Unfortunately, you may not attend the conference virtually.

    • Do you provide funding for workshop/session presenters?

      Due to the volume of presenters at the conference, we are unable to provide funding for those presenting workshops or sessions. We do have a limited amount of scholarships to provide conference attendees. We encourage presenters to apply for scholarship funding.

    • What is the room / technology setup for a workshop or session?

      The sessions will take place in the classrooms and John Handley High School. Every room will be equipped with projectors, chart paper & markers. We will communicate with presenters on how to prepare for their session following submission acceptance.

  • Emergencies

    • How do I inform a conference organizer if I have pre-existing medical conditions / allergies / medication needs?

      You may disclose any medical concerns during the registration process.

    • Will my insurance cover me during a medical emergency?

      It is the attendee’s responsibility to make sure they have arranged travel insurance that will cover any accidents, illnesses, or medical care in the event of a medical emergency. iEARN-USA is not responsible for covering any medical costs. U.S. healthcare costs are generally extremely expensive. We highly recommend that you arrange for travel insurance in case of emergency.

  • Press and Media

    • Press Inquiries

      The official press release can be viewed online and downloaded here. Press photos and logos are available at: bit.ly/iearn2018press.

      Please direct all questions to [email protected]

    • Press Coverage

      We invite press to cover activities on opening day of the iEARN International Conference and Youth Summit on July 9. Please contact [email protected] with any inquiries. 

      View recent articles and press coverage of the 2018 iEARN Conference and Youth Summit on the iEARN-USA website

  • Preparing for the Conference

    • What should I pack?

      We recommend bringing:

      • Comfortable clothes for the conference and some light sweaters or jackets. 
      • An umbrella/rain great in case of rain
      • Comfortable shoes/trainers for cultural excursion day
      • Traditional clothes from your country for culture night
      • Summer party wear for Gala BBQ dinner 
      • Toiletries: small containers with shampoo, conditioner and soap

      Optional: 

      • Gifts: Small mementos from your home country to give to iEARN friends
    • What will the weather be like in Virginia in July?

      On average, there are 196 sunny days per year in Winchester, Virginia. The July high is around 86 degrees (f) or 30 degrees (c). The average low in July is 62 degrees (f) or 16 degrees (c). 

      It can also be rainy in the Eastern United States during the summer months. 

    • Electronics, Outlets and Power Converters

      It is recommended that you bring or purchase a power converter for your phone chargers or other electronic devices. 

      The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. There are two main types of plugs in the US.

    • What is Culture Night? How do I prepare?

      Culture Night is a opportunity for representatives from all countries attending the 2018 iEARN International Conference and Youth Summit, to share a presentation or cultural performance from their country or culture. This will take place on Thursday, July 12, from 7:00pm-10:00pm immediately following Taste of Virginia dinner.

      We recommend that all conference attendees wear your favorite cultural clothing, so don't forgot to pack these items! 

      Group leaders and iEARN Country Coordinators have been contacted about Culture Night Guidelines. If you have any questions about who may be presenting from your country please email [email protected]

      This year culture night is open to the public. Non-conference attendees may RSVP at: bit.ly/iearnculturenight.

    • Capturing Your Experience

      Following iEARN-USA on all of our social media platforms and tag your photos with #iEARN2018.  We've created a toolkit with sample messaging and images to help capture your experience:

      TWITTER: @iEARNUSA
      FACEBOOK: /iEARNUSA
      INSTAGRAM: @iEARNUSA

      Conference Hashtag: #iEARN2018