Learning for Change – the International Network of Universities (INU) online programme enters its second round

“The programme is particularly appealing to students who want to explore different perspectives and, together with fellow students from all over the world, delve into diverse yet globally relevant topics,” says Niki Kasis from the Center for Teaching and Learning at Viadrina, summarising who the “Global Citizenship and Sustainable Futures” programme run by the International Network of Universities (INU) is suitable for. She herself has been active in the network since 2019.

The basic idea behind the INU is to connect lecturers and students globally and to promote international exchange and academic collaboration. Last year, the network celebrated its 25th anniversary. The online programme ‘Global Citizenship and Sustainable Futures’ launched in March 2024. It consists of three ‘core sessions’ on set topics, which provide a critical introduction to the UN’s ‘Sustainable Development Goals’, teach and encourage reflection on intercultural skills, and include a ‘reflective session’. All students must complete these. In the three ‘option sessions’, students can then choose their own areas of focus, including topics such as ‘Climate Change and Social Inequalities’ or ‘Borders, Modern Slavery and Human Mobility’. In doing so, students acquire knowledge of current global issues, learn to analyse information about their own and other cultures, and develop an understanding of democratic principles. For Viadrina student Qstandi Altork, the online programme has helped him to better understand global problems and identify ways to bring about change. “Studying alongside students and lecturers from all over the world has made the experience all the more enriching,” he says. Another aim of the programme is to promote civic engagement and social responsibility. “Through the programme, I’ve gained a better understanding of how differently people are affected by social and political issues, and how important cultural exchange is to ensure that we find sustainable solutions for everyone,” says Viadrina student Carlynn Löwisch.

The programme also offers lecturers and researchers the opportunity for in-depth international exchange. “The programme was designed with the idea that researchers and lecturers from different universities would deliver the sessions together,” emphasises Niki Kasis. Anna Dick from the Institute for Conflict Management (IKM) at Viadrina taught a course on ‘Peace education and reconciliation’ during the first round, together with two colleagues from Japan and South Africa. Over two sessions, each lasting two hours, they explored various key topics with the students. In the first session, a basic theoretical understanding was established, which was then applied to various country-specific case studies during the second session. Anna Dick repeatedly emphasises how much the format benefits from its international nature, particularly because it encourages students and lecturers to engage critically with their own traditions of thought: “What blind spots actually exist in my own country? What could I learn from others, or rather, what could the ‘peace education landscape’ in my home country learn from others?” In addition to insights into the subject matter, Anna Dick believes that participants also benefit personally from this change of perspective: “It was also about encouraging critical self-reflection that questions individual assumptions, but also the contexts in which one operates.”

Feedback from students on the first run of the programme was very positive overall. “Seeing how lecturers from different contexts come together to deliver a course makes the programme very special,” says Niki Kasis. The programme’s international nature also offers new perspectives on German viewpoints. Anna Dick explains how much she has also gained from the exchange with the students. “To see once again, alongside the students from Viadrina who were reflecting on German attitudes, just how different perspectives can be – depending, for example, on which part of the country you received your school education – and to delve deeper into these perspectives – that was a very intense and fascinating experience.” She particularly recommends the programme to students who are keen to experience a very international atmosphere, want to reflect on their own perspectives, are interested in careers in international organisations, or those who are passionate about one or more of the key topics. “It’s a very accessible way to get started, which then offers the opportunity to delve deeper into the topic on an individual basis,” says Anna Dick.

The online programme enters its second round in October. Viadrina students can still apply by 20 September by emailing Outgoing@europa-uni.de with a certificate of enrolment. The programme is open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

Lea Schüler; Translated by Deepl and edited