Between Four Eyes (B4E) and the Interdisciplinary Center at Herzilya (IDC) are collaborating to offer a virtual internship program that will provide university students with the training and ‘blog space’ to apply their studies in diplomacy and conflict resolution with cross-cultural dialogue. The blog format offers students and faculty a tangible interface between classroom theory and practical experience.

The E-Diplomacy project will create a unique opportunity for an exchange of ideas between IDC Master’s students of Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution and undergraduate students from the National University of Rwanda (NUR), allowing them to explore their individual insights and experiences related to reconciliation, conflict resolution and peace-building processes. Monthly lessons will take place to explore how social-emotional literacy and mindful awareness skills in self-regulation can help address important issues like emotional balance, behavior management, and general well-being. With practice, students will be able to apply the mindfulness skills learned to their relationships and improve how they handle the challenges of living in conflict-ridden societies.

The E-Diplomacy project provides a unique cross-cultural experience where two student populations that know about conflict first-hand will explore conflict resolution through the lens of two distinct and diverse student populations. Too often propaganda distorts the harsh realities that exist in war-torn communities, spreading hate and contributing to tensions among parties and people. The e-diplomacy exchange will bring light to the ‘voices’ of the people who have lived through the harsh realities of conflict and are striving to bring positive change to the world with understanding, empathy and compassion.

After completing the two-semester course, ten Israeli MA Diplomacy and Conflict Studies students will be invited to attend a 3-week student exchange program in Rwanda. This will provide them with the opportunity to meet their Rwandan peers, attend a one-day symposium to deepen connections, visit historical landmarks and genocide memorial sites, and engage in a local volunteer service initiative. In 2011, the E-Diplomacy Exchange plans for Rwandan participants to visit their counterparts in Israel, with a similar trip format. As the program unfolds, we anticipate other international university populations will engage in the E-Diplomacy Exchange Project.