©2019 The William Davidson Institute 8 IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “The experience has been so much more than I could have ever asked for. I am immensely proud of the work that my team was able to accomplish” —Mira Alana Kaufman, U-M student “This program has changed my life in a way, I am now able to make a project from scratch, I am more open than ever to collaborate with people who are different than me and I have enjoyed it. This program has taught me that it’s okay to be different and that difference is what creates magic! The collaboration outcome is the best and most satisfying moment of it all. I have now a second family of amazing friends I met thanks to this program, not to mention the added value that I have been provided with. The M2 GATE Program is a wonderful experience for any young social entrepreneur trying to make a positive impact in their country.” —Khouloud Baghouri, Tunisian student “As someone who did not have the opportunity to study abroad, the virtual experience M²GATE provides allowed me to learn about and connect with like- minded peers from other cultures. I developed numerous communication and leadership skills that I know will benefit me throughout my future endeavors. Finally, I was able to act as a global citizen in the program and built a cultural awareness that helped me to understand different perspectives.” —Zoe Finer, U-M student “This program is on point, comprehensive and built in way that makes sure that you use what you’ve learned right away! I had fun learning about social entrepreneurship, design thinking, the business model canvas, leadership in this innovative way of learning “Virtual Exchange”. I am pleased that I was part of this program and I really hope we can change the world to a better place by solving our problems in an entrepreneurial way.” —Esam AbdelHamid Shahlol, Libyan student “Through virtual exchange, young people can gain global competencies and career readiness skills that prepare them to thrive as entrepreneurs. US and MENA students participating in WDI’s virtual exchange programming are now better prepared to be responsible and engaged global citizens who are able to develop solutions to both local and global challenges.” —Mohamed Abdel-Kader, executive director of the Stevens Initiative IN THEIR OWN WORDS