Bridging Cultures through Cross-Border Collaboration: A Pathway to Cultural Sustainability between the UAE and Italy
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| Title: | Bridging Cultures through Cross-Border Collaboration: A Pathway to Cultural Sustainability between the UAE and Italy |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Mai Zaki, Bruno Grazioli |
| Source: | Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 2025 17(6):33-62. |
| Availability: | Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. 3107 B Hampton Highway, Yorktown, VA 23693. e-mail: oic213@lehigh.edu; Web site: https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/jcihe/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 30 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, International Education, Global Approach, Sustainable Development, Higher Education, International Cooperation, Partnerships in Education, International Programs, Sustainability, Educational Cooperation, Humanities Instruction, Intercultural Communication, Computer Mediated Communication, Knowledge Level, Skill Development, Student Attitudes, Reflection, Barriers, Cooperative Learning, Universities, Colleges, Undergraduate Students |
| Geographic Terms: | United Arab Emirates, Italy |
| ISSN: | 2151-0393 2151-0407 |
| Abstract: | International education is of critical importance in the creation and distribution of the knowledge required to address the complex global challenges faced by society today. Seen through the lens of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), internationalisation of higher education can bring new perspectives through collaborative projects. This paper reports on a year-long virtual collaboration between the American University of Sharjah (AUS) in the UAE and the Italy-based program of Dickinson College (USA) as part of the Transformative Sustainability Project. This collaboration involved two courses, on digital and environmental humanities, as students learned about the SDGs, analysed problems, discussed solutions, and applied their knowledge in various group and individual activities centered around the concept of cultural sustainability. The paper discusses the design and approach of this collaborative project, as well as the results of the students' collaborative assignments, surveys and reflections on their experience. The study found that the virtual exchange enhanced students' understanding of sustainability beyond environmental concerns, fostered intercultural awareness, and developed leadership and communication skills. Surveys indicated that students experienced growth in cultural sensitivity, critical thinking, and teamwork, despite challenges related to scheduling and collaboration logistics. Finally, the paper proposes some recommendations for the future of virtual exchange for internationalisation and sustainability education. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1494466 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | International education is of critical importance in the creation and distribution of the knowledge required to address the complex global challenges faced by society today. Seen through the lens of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), internationalisation of higher education can bring new perspectives through collaborative projects. This paper reports on a year-long virtual collaboration between the American University of Sharjah (AUS) in the UAE and the Italy-based program of Dickinson College (USA) as part of the Transformative Sustainability Project. This collaboration involved two courses, on digital and environmental humanities, as students learned about the SDGs, analysed problems, discussed solutions, and applied their knowledge in various group and individual activities centered around the concept of cultural sustainability. The paper discusses the design and approach of this collaborative project, as well as the results of the students' collaborative assignments, surveys and reflections on their experience. The study found that the virtual exchange enhanced students' understanding of sustainability beyond environmental concerns, fostered intercultural awareness, and developed leadership and communication skills. Surveys indicated that students experienced growth in cultural sensitivity, critical thinking, and teamwork, despite challenges related to scheduling and collaboration logistics. Finally, the paper proposes some recommendations for the future of virtual exchange for internationalisation and sustainability education. |
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| ISSN: | 2151-0393 2151-0407 |
