Qisasna (Our Stories)

Qisasna قصصنا ("Our Stories" in Arabic) is a one-credit Arabic-English language engagement experience (taught in English) for undergraduate students across all disciplines.

Groups of five Rutgers students are matched with five Yemeni students to engage in:

• online dialogue sessions to learn about each other’s cultures and discuss issues of mutual interest, and,
• collaboration to produce an international podcast related to shared challenges and opportunities—all through virtual exchange.

No previous podcasting experience is necessary! Podcast training will be provided.

This experience offers students the opportunity to:

• develop cultural competence, cross-cultural communication, negotiation of meaning in a global setting, teamwork, and project implementation skills,
• receive hands-on training in podcasting from professionals in the field,
• co-create a podcast episode that will reach international audiences,
• earn a digital badge that can be added to a resume or a LinkedIn profile, and 
• make new friendships and connections!

What to Expect:

Participants will be required to:

• attend THREE online dialogue sessions with Yemeni students,
• complete an EIGHT-HOUR, self-paced online podcast skills training by mid-semester,
• attend ONE final online dialogue session, and,
• work with Yemeni and fellow Rutgers students to complete a short podcast episode and related tasks by the end of the semester.

More information and materials:

• Fall 2024 Flyer
• Qisasna Program Description
• Qisasna Introductory Videos
  
  • Overview
  • Program Content
  • Personnel
  • Program Flow
  • Alumni Engagement

Qisasna is implemented by Amideast 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.