Through student podcasts, this Yemeni and American students’ exchange focuses on discussions of global issues, perceptions of both cultures, and opportunities for young people and communities. Qisasna podcasts are the stories of our shared challenges and opportunities.
ACTIVITIES
During the 2023-2025 grant period, Qisasna will engage 64 virtual podcast teams, with ten participants in each team, divided between Americans and Yemenis. The Qisasna program spans two academic years, with the first 32 teams completing their podcast exchange by the end of the spring semester in 2024, producing 40 different podcasts. The next 32 teams will begin in the fall semester of 2024 and complete by the spring semester of 2025.
In a cross-cultural effort to enhance bilateral understanding, cooperation, and skills, the 620 Yemeni and American participants will undergo an orientation of facilitated online dialogues and complete a series of asynchronous podcast training modules. Subsequently, the participants will form bi-national podcast teams and continue to engage online, along with asynchronous work, to create a pilot podcast episode. Throughout these activities, they will receive synchronous mentoring to support their podcast episodes.
- Number of Participants: 620
- Participant Age Group: High school through university (undergraduate), including "gap year" students.
- Partners in the United States: District of Columbia – International Center for Religion and Diplomacy; Utah State University, Drew University, and Rutgers University.
- Partners in the Middle East and North Africa: Hadhramout Foundation and TBD.
- Project Duration: April 2023– June 2025.
- Upon completion of the dialogues and podcast draft, Qisasna students are awarded Amideast digital certificates.
Listen to our students’ episodes on shared challenges and opportunities here: Qisasna Podcasts.
Inquiries
U.S. universities and students interested in learning more about Qisasna opportunities on your campus, please contact qisasna-assistant@amideast.org
