Elon sociology and global studies students used Skype technology on Oct. 20 to hold a 90-minute conversation with students at Dijlah University College in Baghdad, Iraq. The session was the brainchild of Elon sociology professor Tom Arcaro and Ahmed Fadaam, a sculptor/journalist from Baghdad who has visited Elon in the past.
The conversation topics ranged from everyday life to educational systems. Students provided the answers for all of the questions on both ends, with Fadaam translating for both sides.
According to Arcaro, the two classes had many things in common up until the question of daily lives arose. One Iraqi student mentioned the fear that is felt on campus every day and also talked about problems such as water and electricity shortages.
The students in Iraq mentioned their gratitude for being a part of this conversation, and the students from Elon agreed that it was a great experience. Students at both schools hope to have more conversations of this nature in the future.
“It was so amazing interacting with Iraqi students just like us,” said Elon freshman Jillian Plottner.
Information provided by Joe DiRienzo