Connect Program Impact: Fall 2024
“Honestly, everything about Connect is amazing and excellent. It truly is an outstanding experience that I would undoubtedly want to repeat. However, the best part might be that everyone is from different countries and cultures, which provides a unique opportunity to learn about each other's cultures and the differences between them.”
– Female, Palestinian, 20, Bethlehem University
Post-program Feedback
88% Believe Connect Program improved their interest in and/or knowledge of global events
88% Report they would recommend Connect Program to friends and colleagues
91% Agree their personal and/or professional skills increased as a result of participating
“My participation in the Connect Program pushed me to step outside my own perspective and really understand others' views. Having the chance to interact with people from different backgrounds helped me see things in a new way and taught me how to communicate better across cultures. It wasn’t just about gaining knowledge; it was also about becoming more open-minded and empathetic, which is really important in both personal and professional settings.”
– Female, Tunisian, 23, American Corners in Tunisia
Shift in Views: American and MENA Students
99% of American students reported that their views of Middle Eastern/North African people changed to be somewhat more favorable or much more favorable
94% of MENA students reported that their views of American people changed to be somewhat more favorable or much more favorable
“Participating in the Soliya Connect program has been a transformative experience for me, and I'm actively working to integrate what I've learned into my everyday life. One of the key takeaways from our discussions has been the importance of open dialogue and empathy. I've started to share insights with friends and family, encouraging them to engage in deeper conversations about our differing perspectives.”
– Female, Iraqi, 25, Soran University
“I think since the group fostered such a safe space to truly ask any question without judgment and attempt to answer it to the best of our ability, the dialogue we were able to have was so engaging and interesting.”
– Non-Binary, American (US), 21, Claflin University
Are you ready to initiate dialogues within your campus and join the Connect Program community?