Overview of XSEL
Exchange for Social Entrepreneurs and Leaders brings together 30-35 aspiring changemakers from mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the U.S. for an intensive 3-week program on leadership and social entrepreneurship in August.
Visits to Social Sector Organizations:
During the program, you will have the chance to visit leading social enterprises around Stanford and in the San Francisco Bay Area. Meeting the people behind the organizations allows you to be exposed to the different innovative models that are working in the field. One of our participants' favorite organizations is Delancey Street Foundation, the country's leading residential self-help organization, where residents come with a history, often of crime and addiction, yet leave with a future and hope. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from residents who have gone through this transformational experience and also enjoy dinner at their social enterprise restaurant.
Social Innovation & Leadership Workshops:
Our world's pressing social issues are extremely complex, and often times traditional methods do not solve the problems in an effective and sustainable way. Through workshops in creativity and design thinking, students work in cross-cultural teams and gain hands-on experience in developing innovative solutions. Workshops also help students gain a deeper understanding of social issues and adopt a social entrepreneur's mindset. Get ready to open your mind, gain many skills and have a great time!
Reflection & Dialogue:
Reflection is one of the most important pieces of making the most of new experiences. Many students have found reflection and dialogue time to help them understand and process their new ideas, challenges and mindsets more deeply. As we work together to cultivate a strong community of diverse and thoughtful changemakers, the space to reflect and hear each other's different perspectives is truly valuable.
Community Events:
The strong community that is created throughout the program is something that many participants treasure even after they return home. In addition to the great conversations and memorable moments that happen every day, one of the participants' most treasured experiences is the V-talk, where participants have 3 minutes to share anything. Past participants have learned about each others' dreams, their life stories and their passion.
Visits to Social Sector Organizations:
During the program, you will have the chance to visit leading social enterprises around Stanford and in the San Francisco Bay Area. Meeting the people behind the organizations allows you to be exposed to the different innovative models that are working in the field. One of our participants' favorite organizations is Delancey Street Foundation, the country's leading residential self-help organization, where residents come with a history, often of crime and addiction, yet leave with a future and hope. You will have the opportunity to hear directly from residents who have gone through this transformational experience and also enjoy dinner at their social enterprise restaurant.
Social Innovation & Leadership Workshops:
Our world's pressing social issues are extremely complex, and often times traditional methods do not solve the problems in an effective and sustainable way. Through workshops in creativity and design thinking, students work in cross-cultural teams and gain hands-on experience in developing innovative solutions. Workshops also help students gain a deeper understanding of social issues and adopt a social entrepreneur's mindset. Get ready to open your mind, gain many skills and have a great time!
Reflection & Dialogue:
Reflection is one of the most important pieces of making the most of new experiences. Many students have found reflection and dialogue time to help them understand and process their new ideas, challenges and mindsets more deeply. As we work together to cultivate a strong community of diverse and thoughtful changemakers, the space to reflect and hear each other's different perspectives is truly valuable.
Community Events:
The strong community that is created throughout the program is something that many participants treasure even after they return home. In addition to the great conversations and memorable moments that happen every day, one of the participants' most treasured experiences is the V-talk, where participants have 3 minutes to share anything. Past participants have learned about each others' dreams, their life stories and their passion.
About VIA
VIA (formerly Volunteers in Asia), a non-profit, educational exchange organization started at Stanford, has been creating intensive and engaging cross-cultural experiences for over 50 years. Beginning in 1963, VIA has sent over 2000 students from Stanford and young professionals from across the U.S. to different parts of Asia to immerse in the local community and work as capacity builders and teachers. Since 1977, VIA has also led over 5000 students from top Asian universities on unique educational programs at Stanford and around the SF Bay Area. To learn more about VIA, please visit our website www.viaprograms.org.