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Global Solutions Conversations (GSC) Virtual Exchange Program

What is it?  
The GSC program is an opportunity for Harper students to meet, converse, and collaborate with students in Iraq and/or Jordan over a period of 5 weeks. The purpose of the program is for students to practice empathy and cross-cultural communication skills through a unique virtual exchange experience.  

What is required?  
The GSC program requires that you commit to 6 binational Zoom calls over the course of the program. The first and last Zoom call will be facilitated by the program administrators, and the 4 intervening calls are moderated by a Harper faculty person and a university partner faculty in Jordan or Iraq.  

What are the benefits?  
Over the course of six binational calls, you will: 

  • Learn about students in a different country;
  • Practice three design thinking components: empathy, define, and ideate;
  • Brainstorm sustainable solutions to real challenges in local communities;
  • Practice empathy and engage in cross-cultural communication;  
  • Earn two Youth Essential Skills (YES) Badges. 

What are Youth Essential Skills (YES) Badges? 
The Youth Essential Skills (YES) were developed with input and consultation from IREX’s youth-serving programs around the world, from research on soft skills developed for youth globally, and by drawing on IREX’s 50 years of experience with training and positive youth development programs worldwide. Over the course of the program, participants will work 
toward and earn two Youth Essential Skills (YES) badges for cross-cultural communication and virtual collaboration skills.

Cross-Cultural Communication: The ability to effectively express yourself. This includes active listening, paraphrasing to create understanding, knowing how to reach your audience, and professional communication with others. Modes of communication include verbal, nonverbal, and written.  

Virtual Collaboration: The ability to work effectively and respectfully with others. This includes coordination, collaborative decision-making, conflict resolution, negotiation, and communication within teams. Effective cooperation with diverse individuals requires self awareness, empathy, and cultural competence. In this challenge, participants will use cutting
edge virtual tools to build teams and achieve goals collectively. 

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the GSC questionnaire: 
https://forms.gle/TvXB7zR9LvLH7FdY9