What is virtual exchange?
Watch the video above!

Why should I apply to participate in this program?
To understand and operate with people from other cultures is a key to success in today’s global economy—regardless of your field. Very few other university opportunities provide this kind of laboratory setting to apply what you learn in real-time with your peers in other countries. You can be part of a cutting-edge model of learning.

What is the application process for this program?
Please fill out the application online here. We will review applications on a rolling basis so we encourage you to apply to the program early. You will be notified of our decision within 4 weeks. We encourage you to take time in completing the application and provide complete responses. This will increase your chances of acceptance. We also will be seeking to strike a balance of participants across the four countries.

Who is eligible to participate?
You are eligible to participate if you meet one of the following criteria:

• Undergraduate Students in Michigan: You are enrolled at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor or Dearborn campuses), Wayne State University, Michigan State University, or Eastern Michigan University.
• Undergraduate Students in Libya: You are attending a university in Libya.
• Undergraduate Students in Morocco: You are attending a university in Morocco.
• Undergraduate Students in Egypt: You are attending a university in Egypt.

How will this program help me in my student and professional career?
It will equip you to communicate, problem-solve, and collaborate in a global team environment—all essential skills in an interconnected world. You will learn a framework to develop your cultural competence and acquire skills for practicing cultural competence in business and life. You will improve your virtual collaboration abilities as you work virtually with a cross-cultural team to complete a substantial team project. After taking part in this program, you will have a great story to tell—to friends, family, and job recruiters! And finally, you will earn a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Are there any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites.

Who are the instructors?
Instructors for this program will come from the USA, Egypt, Morocco and Libya. They include:

• Dr. Maha Mourad is a tenured associate professor of marketing and the chair of the Department of Management at the American University in Cairo. She received the university “Excellence in Research and Creative Endeavors Award” in June 2014 and the School of Business “Excellence in Service Award” in June 2019. She has taught a variety of marketing courses in Egypt, Dubai and the USA.
• Dr. Hicham Nachit is a research professor at ESCA where he aims to improve the student experience, foster impactful research, and promote best practices in research. Hicham has a strong commitment to the academic development of ESCA.
• Younes Nagem is the co-founder and CEO of Benghazi Youth for Technology & Entrepreneurship (BYTE), an NGO that prepares young tech leaders in Libya to get their start. Mr. Nagem’s work centers on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
• Dr. Kimberley Barker is a lecturer in the College of Business at Eastern Michigan University. She teaches a range of management courses, including in managing global business communication, leadership, and teambuilding. She’s the co-author of the books You Can Create Positive Change at Work! and Culture, Change, and Leadership: Cases of Professional Dilemmas from Around the World.

What type of personal technology or other equipment do I need to participate?
Just an internet-connected device with video collaboration capabilities.

Will there be an opportunity to travel as part of the program?
Members of the two winning teams from the final pitch competition (which spans all four cohorts) will be invited for an in-person cultural exchange: the North African students from winning teams will be invited for a weeklong trip to Michigan and learn more about the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the USA. Students from the winning teams in Michigan will be invited for a weeklong trip to Morocco.

• The trip to Morocco for students from Michigan will be held in August 2026. Specific dates TBD.
• The trip to Ann Arbor for students from North Africa will be held in fall 2026. Specific dates TBD.

What are the travel requirements?

• Students from North Africa who win the trip to Ann Arbor, will need a valid and current passport. Assistance will be provided with the visa process.
• Students from the U.S. who win the trip to Morocco, will need a valid and current U.S. passport.

In what language will the program be conducted?
The program will be conducted in English.

How often will I be in contact with my international teammates?
You and your team will work together to determine how often and how you collaborate on your team assignments and final project. Expect to connect with them 2-3 times per week, on average.

What is the time commitment of this program?
Expect to spend 5-7 hours per week during each of the 8 weeks of the program, including the time for webinars, team meetings, and work on individual and team assignments.

Will I receive college credit for participation?
No, this is a non-credit, extracurricular program.

Is there any cost to participate in this program?
There is no cost to participate.

Whom should I contact if I have more questions?

• If you are an undergraduate student in Michigan, please email David Estrada, program administrator from the William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan at destrad@umich.edu.
• If you are an undergraduate student in Egypt, please email Maha Mourad from the American University in Cairo (AUC) at m_mourad@aucegypt.edu.
• If you are an undergraduate in Morocco, please contact Hicham Nachit from ESCA School of Management at hnachit@esca.ma.
• If you are a student in Libya, please contact Younes Nagem from Benghazi Youth for Technology & Entrepreneurship (BYTE) at nisa.najem@gmail.com.