This Spring, twenty-six UF undergraduate students from across the university are participating in the Global Solutions Conversations program. This virtual exchange project connects students from UF with students at the University of Halabja in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The group will meet for a total of six virtual calls to discuss global challenges inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. During this unique experience, students will practice empathy and cross-cultural communication skills as they learn about design thinking and ideate a sustainable solution to a real problem in the community.
Virtual exchange programs like this one offer students the opportunity to collaborate with people from around the world, gaining international experience without leaving Gainesville!
Conversations are facilitated by Taylor Simpson, Coordinator of the International Scholars Program at UF and Goran Mustafa, Lecturer at the University of Halabja.
Global Solutions Conversationsis implemented by IREX, and it 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.