CofC Alumna Receives Prestigious Award to Study Abroad

Hali Kai Lujan Castro ’24 is one of 65 Americans selected to study and work in Germany as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals program. Participants come from a wide variety of career fields and from all over the U.S. This year, about 420 young professionals vied for a spot in this prestigious program. The cohort departed for Germany in July. 

While at the College of Charleston, Castro majored in international studies with a global concentration and minored in Spanish. She was active on campus through her work as a Spanish peer tutor and as a radio host for Cistern Yard Radio. During her senior year, she also cofounded CofC’s student chapter of Amnesty International.

Now in its 42nd year, the CBYX is a bilateral exchange program of the U.S. Congress and German Bundestag (Parliament). The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administers the program through nonprofit implementing partners such as Cultural Vistas.

“I’m thrilled that Hali Kai was selected for this incredible program in Germany and excited for her to represent the Pacific Island and U.S. territory of Guam during her CBYX year,” says Sidney Woram, associate director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, which helps students find and apply for awards that support their studies, research projects, learning new languages and studying abroad.

While in Germany, Castro will attend a two-month intensive language course, study at a German university and complete an internship. Participants stay with host families throughout Germany, where they act as citizen ambassadors of the United States, promoting a positive image of the U.S. abroad and creating lifelong friendships and professional connections to enhance German-American relations.

The cohort will return to the U.S. in June 2026.

About the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Exchanges

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) promotes international mutual understanding through a wide range of academic, cultural, professional and sports exchange programs. ECA exchanges engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes and emerging leaders in many fields in the United States and in more than 160 countries. Alumni of ECA exchanges comprise over one million people around the world, including more than 50 Nobel laureates and more than 350 current or former heads of state and government.

About Cultural Vistas

Founded in 1963, Cultural Vistas is a nonprofit exchange organization promoting global understanding and collaboration among individuals and institutions. Cultural Vistas develops international professional experiences that create more informed, skilled and engaged citizens. Their programs empower people to drive positive change in themselves, their organizations and society. Every year, their 30-plus unique exchange programs reach thousands of individuals and organizations in the United States and more than 130 countries around the world. Visit www.culturalvistas.org for more information.