The New Paris Podcast 147: Back to class with Siham Jibril of Off Campus Paris
May 22, 2025
Siham Jibril, co-founder of Off Campus, shares her passion for fostering adult education in Paris through a cozy café and bookstore. She discusses the rising interest in lifelong learning, the impact of the pandemic on education, and the quest for the perfect location for her venture. Siham highlights the importance of creating an inviting learning environment for evening classes, blending literature, geopolitics, and community engagement while celebrating the literary charm of iconic Parisian spots like Shakespeare & Co.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Make Learning Enjoyable and Social
- Create spaces where adults can enjoy learning without exams or pressure.
- Combine social elements like coffee shops and bookstores with classes to attract learners.
Siham's Podcast Journey
- Siham Jibril started a podcast called Generation X in 2017 to explore entrepreneurial journeys and gained insights from guests.
- She stopped at 100 episodes in 2021 during the pandemic and sought new ways to connect and learn.
Learning Needs After COVID
- The COVID era sparked polarization and a hunger for deeper understanding beyond social media.
- Adults want to learn without returning to formal schooling, seeking enriching but non-academic ways to engage with complex topics.