TOCA Online
Study a language with globally minded peers!
TOCA Online is our suite of virtual programs that build students' language skills, offer them enriching cultural exchange experiences, and expand their global awareness. Our high school-level program recruits students to study Arabic, Spanish, or French, taught by refugee language partners dispersed worldwide; and our college-level program provides meaningful language practice of Arabic and promotes understanding across cultures among language students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States and university students in the Middle East and North Africa.
The application cycle for our TOCA Online program for high school students is now open! Learn more about the program dates and eligibility below. Submit your application by May 2, 2025.
We’ve partnered with NaTakallam to offer a virtual language learning and cultural exchange program that connects U.S. high school students of color with refugee conversation partners worldwide. TOCA Online provides high school students (ages 13-18) with a 3-week opportunity to enhance their speaking and listening skills in their target language, expand their global awareness, and participate in cultural exchange workshops with peers from across the globe.
More About TOCA Online for High School Students
As a TOCA Online Language Fellow, students will:
Participate in virtual exchange sessions with youth-based outside of the U.S.
Choose to learn Arabic, Spanish, or French from language partners who are native speakers of their language.
Engage in workshop sessions led by distinguished refugee speakers
Gain access to resources, scholarships, and opportunities through our student newsletter
Earn a certificate of completion and qualify for letters of recommendation to support your educational and career advancement.
Is TOCA Online for you? Are you …
Committed to learning and practicing a new language and culture?
Excited about making global connections around the world?
Interested in making a difference in your community by developing a community-based project plan?
Open to pursuing an international career that utilizes your language skills?
Then, TOCA Online is right for you!
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July 12, 2025 through August 4, 2025
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Orientation
Saturday, July 12, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM EST
Language Classes (beginning Monday, July 14 to Tuesday, July 30)
Monday through Thursday, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM EST
*Note: students will have a break from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Refugee Voices Sessions
Friday, July 18, and Friday, July 25, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Virtual exchange sessions with youth outside of the U.S
Wednesday, July 30, Thursday, July 31, and Friday, August 1, TBD
The student community-based project plan is due by Monday, August 4. This final project counts towards course completion.
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To qualify for TOCA online program you must:
be between the ages of 13 and 18
Identify as a student of color
Enrolled in a U.S. high school
Have an interest in language learning and cultural studies
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The application will be available by the end of February 2025
May 2, 2025: The application cycle closes.
May 16, 2025: Final decisions are e-mailed to applicants.
May 23, 2025: Students/families program confirmation due.
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Students receive a full scholarship to participate in the program. This means that TOCA and its funders/supporters cover all costs and assume financial responsibility for each student, making it free of charge for the students and their families.
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Fill out the scholarship application on our TOCA Online website. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis. The sooner you apply, the better!
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Classes will be held on Zoom, which can be accessed on mobile or laptop devices. Classroom materials can be accessed via Google Suite apps (Docs, Slides, etc).
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Global access to learning opportunities
Fosters collaboration and empathy
Enhances digital literacy
Expands worldviews
Preparation for an increasingly, interconnected world
Learn more about the virtual exchange here!
FAQs
**Note: Only serious applicants should apply. Applicants may be invited to a virtual interview with the TOCA staff to learn more about their interest in becoming a TOCA Online Summer ‘25 Fellow.
TOCA Online x HBCU College Students
Our college-level program provides meaningful language practice in Arabic. Students from the U.S. and MENA engage in a structured series of one-on-one language exchanges in Arabic and English, workshops, and interactive online modules that enrich their educational experiences.
It promotes understanding across cultures among language students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States and university students in the Middle East and North Africa.
After collaborating synchronously and asynchronously over seven to eight weeks, American participants submit short self-introduction videos in Arabic, demonstrating their new language skills. MENA participants submit presentations describing their experience collaborating with U.S. students to prepare them for the workforce.
Right now, this opportunity is only available to students of partnering HBCUs. If you’re an HBCU student and/or staff member interested in learning more about how you can attend and/or partner, please fill out this contact form, and someone from our team will contact you.
TOCA Online is implemented by Teens of Color Abroad (TOCA) and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute. Visit our program page here to learn more about how they’re supporting TOCA.
What Our Students Have to Say
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“I'm interested in studying Arabic because I want to become closer with my culture and religion. I want to reconnect with the language to establish my sense of identity.”
Nabil, 17, New York
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"Right now, I would love to learn a new language! Spanish was my first language, then English. I've never had a chance to learn Arabic, but since I speak two languages, why not a third?"
Rosanna, 17, Maryland
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"A family friend used to teach me Arabic when I was really little. I told my mother that I wanted to learn again but we never found the time or a good tutor."
Iyanna, 17, D.C.
Partners & Supporters
Why Students, Teachers, and Parents Love TOCA Online
“It’s amazing that what the students are learning in the TOCA Online program complements what they’re currently learning in school.”
- Mr. Williams (Educator)
“As a result of participating in TOCA Online, my daughter is now studying Arabic in college. My daughter enjoyed the program, and the online instruction and engagement helped her adjust to all the challenges of her COVID senior year.”
- Ms. Compton-Harris (Parent)
“[My daughter] was excited to meet people from other areas. My daughter also stated that she feels she learned more in TOCA Online than she did with her high school teacher in French 4.”
- Ms. Howery (Parent)
Student Outcomes
of students expressed a desire to learn more about how people live in different countries.
96%
98%
of students expressed an interest in learning more about other cultures.
98%
student approval rating for the TOCA Online program.