Program Profile

Soliya – Global Circles

  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate
  • Young Adult

Soliya’s Global Circles are short online dialogue opportunities, bringing together young people from various backgrounds and nationalities for a face-to-face exchange around compelling global issues that matter to youth today.

This iteration of programming has ended. For information on current programming we support through Soliya’s Global Circles, see here.

Participants learn from and with each other through discussion-based activities, engaging in both synchronous (live) and asynchronous exchange. Through facilitated discussions on a timely topic, participants develop greater global awareness while building critical 21st century skills and attitudes such as cross–cultural communication, empathy, and critical thinking. Young people register directly into Global Circles, an open-enrollment program, and they can apply to join as many rounds as desired.

Activities

In small groups, led by trained cross-cultural facilitators, participants from various countries and cultures gather in a virtual space to discuss a topic that matters locally and globally. Throughout the duration of the program, participants are not only invited to attend online face-to-face dialogue sessions, but also engage asynchronously contributing comments and questions onto a shared group stream. Within some posts, participants are also invited to read resources that explain to them the general philosophy of dialogue, the general rules of engagement, how to best use our online platform etc. Through participation, young people not only increase their knowledge on the topics they discuss but also start building meaningful international relationships, as well as gain key critical thinking, communication, and technical skills for the 21st century. 

Program Details
  • Number of Participants: 1,900
  • Participant Age Group: Undergraduate; Graduate; Young Adult
  • Project Duration: April 2021– June 2023

If you are interested in bringing this program to your institution, complete this form. If you are interested in sharing about this program with young people you serve, complete this form.

Global Circles is implemented by Soliya and 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.