



Developed with the support of the University of Chicago's Center for Middle Eastern Studies & the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Middle Eastern Studies
DEVELOPED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO’'S CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES & THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN'S CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES.
DEVELOPED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO'S CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES & THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN'S CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES.






CHALLENGE THE NARRATIVE
RETHINK THE ARAB WORLD
SHIFT YOUR PERSPECTIVE
FEB 28 - APR 25
90-minute virtual classes,
5PM Beirut Time
every Saturday for 8 weeks
90-minute virtual classes,
5PM Beirut Time
every Saturday for 8 weeks
Global Connect Winter 2026:
Enrolments Open
We are now accepting nominations for the Fall 2025 Cohort of our Global Connect program, a virtual exchange for high school leaders aged 14-18.
Who Should Join
The Global Connect program is for ambitious high school students (ages 14-18) with a strong interest in the Arab world’s past, present, and future. If you are ready to challenge your perspectives and develop your leadership skills, this is the course for you.
Who Should Join
The Global Connect program is for ambitious high school students (ages 14-18) with a strong interest in the Arab world’s past, present, and future. If you are ready to challenge your perspectives and develop your leadership skills, this is the course for you.
Why Global Connect?
This is more than just a course; it’s an invitation to join a global community of young leaders ready to make an impact. This program provides the mentorship, network, and tools to help you grow as a critical thinker and a global citizen.
Why Global Connect?
This is more than just a course; it’s an invitation to join a global community of young leaders ready to make an impact. This program provides the mentorship, network, and tools to help you grow as a critical thinker and a global citizen.


High School Students
Current High School students (Ages 14-18) with an authentic interest in the Arab world’s histories & cultures can participate.
High School Students
Current High School students (Ages 14-18) with an authentic interest in the Arab world’s histories & cultures can participate.
High School Students
Current High School students (Ages 14-18) with an authentic interest in the Arab world’s histories & cultures can participate.
Virtual Exchange
Our students are based all over the world and will join virtually from schools in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America and beyond.
Virtual Exchange
Our students are based all over the world and will join virtually from schools in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America and beyond.
Virtual Exchange
Our students are based all over the world and will join virtually from schools in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America and beyond.
Online Connection
Students will need access to a reliable internet connection and a computer (all work will be web-based, using Zoom and Google Suite Apps).
Online Connection
Students will need access to a reliable internet connection and a computer (all work will be web-based, using Zoom and Google Suite Apps).
Online Connection
Students will need access to a reliable internet connection and a computer (all work will be web-based, using Zoom and Google Suite Apps).
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Classes
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Bookmarks
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Leadership & Career Prep
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Logistics
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Classes
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Bookmarks
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Leadership & Career Prep
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Logistics
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Classes
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Bookmarks
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Leadership & Career Prep
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
Logistics
Course includes 12 hours of in-class instructional time.
Students have access to 16 hours of optional office hours and 2 hours of individual 1on1 Presentation and Research Coaching.
Classes take place every Saturday for 90 minutes via Zoom.
Student will explore the Arab world’s histories and cultures with in-class spotlights on photography, music, film and literature.
Each student will have the opportunity to produce an original afikra Academy talk by developing their intellectual curiosity, public speaking skills, research methodologies and presentation skills.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR



Joyce Rafla
Manager of Global Learning & Engagement
Joyce Rafla is a research professional working at the intersection of education, social policy, and systems change.
Her work spans research and program design, with a focus on translating evidence into clear, actionable insights.
Joyce has collaborated with international organizations and education-focused initiatives across the Arab region, contributing to learning frameworks, evaluation efforts, and strategy development.
GET MORE INFO
GET MORE INFO
Receive everything you need to know about this course
CHALLENGE THE NARRATIVE
RETHINK THE ARAB WORLD
SHIFT YOUR PERSPECTIVE
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Get notified about new lessons as soon as they drop
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Get notified about new lessons as soon as they drop

