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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
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
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  Data: Bridging Cultures through Cross-Border Collaboration: A Pathway to Cultural Sustainability between the UAE and Italy
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mai+Zaki%22">Mai Zaki</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Bruno+Grazioli%22">Bruno Grazioli</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Comparative+and+International+Higher+Education%22"><i>Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education</i></searchLink>. 2025 17(6):33-62.
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  Data: 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/
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22United+Arab+Emirates%22">United Arab Emirates</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Italy%22">Italy</searchLink>
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  Data: 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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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 30
        StartPage: 33
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: International Education
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      – SubjectFull: Global Approach
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      – SubjectFull: United Arab Emirates
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      – SubjectFull: Italy
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              Y: 2025
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