Çisem Kaço from Türkiye is the YES Student of the Month
FLEX and YES Alumni in Southeast Europe Facilitate Exchange of Ideas
From August 27 to November 19, 20 FLEX and YES alumni from Southeast Europe took part in the Exchange of Ideas program—a program uniquely designed to engage and connect young professionals and advanced students across a wide range of fields. This dynamic group included alumni of generations 2010 to 2019 from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
The program began with two virtual trainings in facilitation and experiential learning, led by global educator Si Norton. From there, each participant was challenged to develop a 45-minute workshop, discussion, simulation, hands-on training, or other experiential program on a theme of their choice to pique others’ curiosity – perhaps make them care about something they hadn't before or think differently about something than they had before – and ensure that their peers would walk away having gained something valuable.
This process was supported by two rounds of coaching sessions in which participants presented their ideas to a small group of peers and to Norton, receiving feedback and insights they then incorporated into the programs they would ultimately present.
On October 18-21, 15 participants gathered in Skopje, North Macedonia, for the Exchange of Ideas Conference. One by one, participants facilitated the sessions they had prepared, engaging their peers in simulations, discussions, role-plays, and other activities that, combined with some elements of the presentation for context, allowed participants in a short period of time to understand and meaningfully explore and connect many diverse topics and concepts. During International Education Week, on November 19, two alumni who were unable to attend the in-person program held virtual sessions for 12 participants. After each session, both in person and virtual, alumni and Norton shared constructive, actionable feedback for the facilitator.
“We have expertise in an astonishing number of fields,” one participant reflected following the in-person program, describing it as “a safe space to try things out. A framework to connect with peer alumni and talk about possible collaboration. A place to have fun and laugh until my cheeks hurt. An opportunity to again and again realize how special [the alumni community] is.”
“The highlight was learning about all these different topics from medical to finance to mental health to architecture, and many others,” another shared, adding, “It was fun to meet and interact with alumni of the region and helped me gain a better idea of what is going on around each country. As a result, I feel more connected.”
“The main thing that I will take with me is that there are many ways to structure a session, but using different techniques to deliver the main topic and achieve the objective, compared to the classic trainings, are very important to ensure that what you aim to achieve will travel across the walls of the conference room with the participant,” reported another.
“Speaking at a conference for the first time was definitely my highlight,” another participant noted. “Such an incredible experience. I came with no expectations and walked away blown away by all the sessions. I learned so much!”
Although the specific area that impacted them most varied from participant to participant, 100% reported that the program was valuable to them; that they enjoyed it; that it improved their facilitation skills and confidence; that they gained more knowledge and/or a better understanding of professional fields beyond their own; that they expanded their network; made friends; felt more connected to the alumni community; were inspired; and plan to use the facilitation skills they learned in the future.
Program Sessions and Facilitators:
This program was funded by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs through the Future Leaders Exchange and Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study programs and designed and implemented by American Councils for International Education.