Learning in Dialogue

One of the important elements in creating a conducive environment for learning is the presence of safety, honesty & discomfort in the learning process.

The optimal space for learning to take place is somewhere outside of our comfort zone, but away from our ‘danger zone’. So a safe, but (a little) uncomfortable space.

Facilitators ensure that dialogue takes place in the right atmosphere for the group learning and skill development.

What skills can be gained as part of Virtual Exchange?

VE participants engage with difference in a constructive, collaborative, and connecting way - communicate across cultures, learn together, explore topics, and think critically.
VE participants learn to navigate virtual platforms, use technology as a tool for collaboration, manage digital interactions, and engage effectively in online spaces.
This is crucial for creating an alternative safe space for communication in our increasingly digital world.
Language awareness helps VE participants express themselves more effectively and understand others, particularly in multicultural settings.
Foreign language proficiency is essential for gaining insights into global issues and serves as an important tool for international collaboration.
Leading with empathy enables VE participants to thrive from diversity and differences, encourages collaboration and collective learning, and empowers them to be a change in the world.
Being adaptable ensures individuals can navigate uncertainty and thrive in evolving environments. It also means being exposed to diverse perspectives, navigating new cultural contexts, and adapting your communication and collaboration with others.

Self-awareness is the first step toward constructive communication.
The importance of differences is safely explored through self-awareness. Being aware of their identity, triggers, communication habits, and more helps VE participants adapt and grow their communication skills in various settings.
Active and empathetic listening is the core of effective communication. Modeling active listening in VE makes it easier to apply it in any context. The power of feeling like someone truly hears is absolutely vital for meaningful human communication.
Critical thinking allows VE participants to deepen communication and uncover where others’ opinions and views stem from - what are the values, life experiences, beliefs etc. that inform them.
This makes it essential for navigating complex issues and engaging with diverse perspectives in various settings
Attempting to take on another person’s perspective means learning how to see the world through their lens and why they hold that perspective. Empathy builds stronger communities and fosters a sense of global responsibility.
This skill is especially relevant in today’s polarized world, as it enables individuals to approach differences constructively, maintain authentic and respectful interactions on sensitive global topics, and transform conflicts into opportunities for collective learning.

These skills are essential for navigating today’s professional, social, and political landscapes. Whether in the workplace, education, or global problem-solving, they empower individuals to foster meaningful communication, embrace diversity, and transform conflicts into opportunities for collaboration.

Sharpen Your Skills

“I highly appreciate our facilitators' constant efforts to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This program has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives on crucial socio-political issues while honing essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, and digital media literacy. Discussions on cultural identity, challenging preconceptions, and the power of digital media were particularly impactful and taught me to challenge preconceptions.”

Student, Moroccan, Connect Program
“The impact of attending the Connect Program on my students is profound and far-reaching. It enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fosters collaboration and communication, cultivates creativity and adaptability, and promotes digital literacy. As a result, individuals who undergo such a program are better equipped to thrive in the modern world, contributing positively to their home university, classroom, and society at large. By investing in our human capital, we not only emphasize these skills but also enable individuals to unlock new opportunities and build a foundation for lifelong success. Thank you!”

Implementer, Palestine (West Bank), Connect Program
"Throughout this semester, I definitely believe that I improved my active listening skills. I also learned how to manage my anxiety in dealing with challenging group dynamics such as extended silence and low participation, and I think it reflects on daily life as well. I believe that my facilitation experience helped me to stay calmer when there is a conflict in my professional and personal life."

Facilitator, Turkish, Connect Program
“I recognized the impact of the program on my students. I noticed that they have become more confident in themselves, especially in terms of communicating and dealing with people with different ideas and opinions. Their dialogue and communication skills have significantly improved.”

Implementer, Iraq, Connect Program
“The most important thing I learned in the Soliya Connect Program was the value of cross-cultural communication and understanding. Engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds helped me to appreciate different perspectives and challenged me to think critically about my own viewpoints. This experience has significantly enhanced my intercultural communication skills, teaching me how to effectively convey my ideas and empathize with others in a global context.”

Student, Libyan, Connect Program
"I gained three main skills by facilitating this fall that I feel are the most beneficial to my personal and professional growth. First is active listening. It's a crucial communication skill that involves fully focusing, understanding, and responding to a speaker. Second is critical thinking which involves analyzing information, evaluating arguments, and making informed decisions. Lastly is neutrality. Facilitating requires to remain neutral and unbiased, allowing diverse opinions to be expressed without personal interference. This experience helped me become more aware of my own biases and learn to control them."

Facilitator, Moroccan, Connect Program
"Active listening, neutrality, mirroring, and summarizing are skills that I developed by facilitating with the Connect Program and which are the most beneficial to my professional growth; I work facilitating dialogues among K-12 students, so each of these elements are crucial to me."

Facilitator, Colombian, Connect Program
“Through my participation in the Connect Program, I've gained crucial insights and skills for personal and professional growth. The program has broadened my global perspective, enhancing cultural intelligence and fostering a deep understanding of diverse viewpoints. I've developed effective communication and collaboration skills, crucial for navigating today's interconnected world."

Student, Tunisian, Connect Program
“I get energized learning with and from the participants. I love to be a part of their growth of skills and knowledge, and the community that develops within the group. I like that I develop new facilitation skills every session, and I particularly enjoy the relationship I develop with my co-facilitator as we work to support the group."

Female, 59, American
"Working with Soliya is remarkable. Facilitating in the Connect Program has enabled me to come out of my shell by building bridges across the globe. Through my facilitation, I have come a long way with developing skills such as active listening, neutrality and multipartiality. I have also learned what it is to engage in and embrace the inner layers of cultural difference."

Partner, Moroccan, Connect Program
"It gives you real skills in a way that I have not experienced in any other training."

Student, Canadian, Advanced Training
"I am an educator and we are used to being conducting classes with visible power dynamics. I have learned through this training that there is value in being a "guide on the side" and allow my students to take ownership of facilitated spaces. I have learned that even in conversations in my classroom it's ok to have conflict and instead of looking at it as something to diffuse, I've learned to embrace the learning it offers."

Educator, American
"Through facilitation with Soliya I developed valuable skills. Active Listening and mirroring/asking good questions - I can see how that has improved my communication skills specifically when approaching a heated discussion. I grew more aware of signals of discomfort and attentive, which enabled me to adjust my tone to the situation and allow other people to be listened to."

Facilitator, Italian
“The best part of having my students participate in the Connect program is witnessing their enthusiasm for learning about different cultures and people, as well as their growth in self-awareness, communication skills, and understanding of themselves as communicators."

Implementer, Texas (US), Connect Program
"The positive feedback I received from the students motivated me to participate in the project. Many of them share how the program has opened their minds to alternative perspectives and cultures. It’s inspiring to witness their growth in communication skills and critical thinking. Additionally, the ease and effectiveness of working with the project staff make the experience even more rewarding."

Implementer, West Virginia (US)

Item 1 of 15