Yarmouk University participated in the "Global Virtual Exchange Initiative" project alongside Shenandoah University in the United States, supported by the "Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative," which promotes global connections and mutual cultural understanding among youth through virtual exchange programs. This initiative is one of the programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the US Department of State, managed by the Aspen Institute.

The project was launched on May 21, 2024 through a virtual meeting attended by 50 faculty members from both universities. Dr. Tracy Fitzsimmons, President of Shenandoah University, emphasized the vital importance of global virtual education in our interconnected world today.

Participants discussed the ways and possibilities of global virtual exchange and its importance in education. Among those attending the meeting were Dr. Sawsan Draiseh, representing Yarmouk University and coordinating the "Global Virtual Exchange Initiative" project, Dr. Amy Sarch, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Shenandoah University, Ms. Andy Shaver, Program Director at Stevens Initiative, Dr. Younis Mirza, Director of the Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning, and Dr. Brian Pierce Gonzalez, Director of the First-Year Program.

As part of the project, the faculty members from Yarmouk and Shenandoah universities were divided into subgroups to enhance communication with their counterparts. They also conducted an exercise focusing on cultural impacts, where they shared items that reflect their societies' cultures, thus promoting mutual understanding among the project members.

Participants also discussed the importance of teamwork and supportive structures in facing and overcoming challenges inherent in global virtual education projects, emphasizing the crucial role of guidance in guiding both faculty and students throughout the process.

Dr. Amy Sarch provided insights into future opportunities for global virtual exchange and gave an overview of upcoming initiatives and potential cooperation in this field.

Dr. Younis Mirza concluded the meeting by announcing team-building exercises planned for the summer, designed to further strengthen the bonds between participants.

Dr. Sawsan Daraiseh noted that the "Going Global Virtually" project represents an important step in the long-term partnership between the two universities, laying the groundwork for continuous collaboration in the field of global virtual education.