From December 15-16, 2022, the YES alumni network in the West Bank held a training on negotiation skills. Eighteen YES alumni participated in this two-day training at the Syraan Hotel in Jericho. The training was led by Rafique Gangat, a former South African diplomat and current media and communications consultant with decades of experience in communications and negotiation. 

On the first day of the workshop, the participants engaged in individual, team, and group negotiation exercises. Through these exercises, they learned how to define what a successful negotiation means to them, and how others might interpret the same concept. They also learned more about communication, including how miscommunications happen, how to read body language, and how to be a better cross-cultural communicator. In the evening, the participants had dinner together and played board games.  

The second day of training began with scenarios and roleplays related to communication and persuasion. The participants also learned how to get a “yes” and how to get past a “no” when negotiating. Nada Fitian ‘14 said, “Practicing actual negotiations was very helpful, since it was more realistic. I’m looking toward to using these skills in my job as a consultant.” 

To wrap up the workshop, the participants engaged in an interactive group negotiation to put the theory into practice.  All throughout, the YES alumni learned that you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate. 

Nada Fitian (YES 2013-2014, West Bank, placed by FLAG in Lauren, SC)

Jessenia Salama (YES 2019-2020, West Bank, placed by CIEE in Maryville, MO)