VIRTUAL EXPLORING SOCIAL INNOVATION
Feb 8-16, 2022 (Asia Time) | Feb 7-15, 2022 (US Time)

Course OVerview
The Exploring Social Innovation (ESI) virtual course convenes a diverse cohort of 12-20 university
students and young professionals from across Asia and the US for an intensive 9-day exploration ofsocial challenges and innovative solutions. Through virtual discussions, presentations, workshops,
group projects, individual reflection and exploration assignments, and an engaging online platform,
participants will build connections across cultures and explore their own potential as leaders and socialinnovators.

Participant Learning Objectives

Explore thesocial innovation
field and paths
to becoming aninnovator

Gain hands-on
experience withinnovation tools,
including designthinking

Enhanceinterculturalcommunication,collaboration, andpresentation skills

Leveraging over 57 years of experience in transformativeintercultural experiential learning, VIA inspires and empowers
emerging leaders seeking to create positive social impact.

Accelerate personaland professional
growth throughpeer and expert
mentorship

Join a communityof youngchangemakers
in the US and Asia

@viaprograms | viaprograms.org

VIRTUAL EXPLORING SOCIAL INNOVATION
Feb 8-16, 2022 (Asia Time) | Feb 7-15, 2022 (US Time)

Cost & Participation Details
Participation Benefits

Participation Requirements

The $900 USD program fee includes:
40+ hours of live online presentations,discussions, and interactive workshops
Access to an online learning platform withadditional information and resources
Mentorship from peers, social entrepreneurs,
and innovators
Discussions on social challenges, current
events, and innovation
Opportunities to build friendships acrosscultures
Formal and informal English practice

To have a successful program experience, weask that participants:
Have reliable access to the internet
Are able to use a computer or mobile device
with a camera and microphone, orheadphones with a microphone
Actively participate in all online sessions andcontribute to group project activities
Complete all required activities on the online
platform
Participants who join and complete all activities
will receive a Certificate of Completion

Application Process & timeline
How to Apply
Start application: viaprograms.org/esi
In application: Applicants are invited toshare about themselves, their interest in
the program, and their personal andprofessional goals
Complete Interview: 10-15 min Zoom
interview with the Program Director
Receive Results

Application Timeline
Round 1 Deadline: Nov 14 (US) | Nov 15 (Asia)
Interviews: Nov 16 - 19
Results: Nov 18 (US) | Nov 19 (Asia)
Confirmation: Nov 25 (US) | Nov 26 (Asia)
Round 2 Deadline: Dec 12 (US) | Dec 13 (Asia)
Interviews: Dec 14 - 17
Results: Dec 16 (US) | Dec 17 (Asia)
Confirmation: Dec 21 (US) | Dec 22 (Asia)

ScholarshipS Available! Learn more & Apply @ VIAprograms.org/eSI
Leveraging over 57 years of experience in transformativeintercultural experiential learning, VIA inspires and empowers
emerging leaders seeking to create positive social impact.

@viaprograms | viaprograms.org

VIRTUAL EXPLORING SOCIAL INNOVATION
Feb 8-16, 2022 (Asia Time) | Feb 7-15, 2022 (US Time)

Program Schedule
The following schedule is tentative. All-cohort online sessions will be held in the morning Asia time,evening US time. Sessions will be limited to 4 hours per day (with breaks) and are inclusive of guest
speaker presentations and panel discussions, workshops, group work, and individual work.

Pre-Program Orientation
This 2-hour session will be held a few weeks
before the program and will include anoverview of the course, an introduction togroup projects, and to the online platform.
Day 1: A Deeper Look at Social Innovation
Group Norms and Program Expectations
Intro to Social Innovation
Project Topic Selection & Research

Day 2: Introduction to Design-Thinking
Research Session
World Cafe
Introduction to Design-Thinking, Part 1

Day 3: Change Starts with Empathy
Change Starts with Empathy Workshop
Empathy Exercises
V-Talk Overview

Day 4: Creative Space
Guest Speaker
Team Office Hours
V-Talk Preparation & Research

Day 5: Design-Thinking, Part 2
Guest Speaker
V-Talks
Introduction to Design Thinking, Part 2

Day 6: Innovation in Action
Iceberg Activity
Mid-Program Reflection
Problem Statements

Day 7: Innovation Tools
Guest Speaker
Introduction to Ideation
Activity: Worst / Best Ideas
Introduction to Prototyping
Day 8: Creative SpaceAction Planning & Sustainability
Prototyping
Office Hours for Prototyping

Day 9: Innovation Tools
Test: Share & Feedback
Program Evaluation
Reflection & Celebration

Leveraging over 57 years of experience in transformativeintercultural experiential learning, VIA inspires and empowers
emerging leaders seeking to create positive social impact.

@viaprograms | viaprograms.org