Innovative Virtual International Work Integrated Learning Opportunities in Partnership With Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America

The Global Learning Collective (GLC) is a consortium of regionally specialized and experienced international partner organizations. Critical operations include faculty-led programs in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Work-Integrated Learning opportunities, global volunteer opportunities, as well as professional development activities in the academic domain. The main goal of this initiative is to bridge cultural and geographical barriers through partnerships and collaboration to facilitate virtual experiences for students from different countries and different educational institutions. Students participate in a unique experiential learning opportunity.

Twenty-six students from 13 different countries and across various disciplines (business, psychology, global politics, computer science, anthropology, and environmental science) were able to present their projects to the participants. The African team was able to work on home healthcare services to serve seniors from south Africa. Students created a needs assessment survey to gain a deeper understanding of the issues affecting the seniors and then developed an application to help the seniors combat isolation and access services based on their needs.

Three LFB Students completed the Summer Global Virtual Internship program facilitated by the Global Learning Collective and EDU Africa with support from company partner, RezCare, in South Africa. The program took place from May 23 to July 15, 2022, and required approximately 85 hours of teamwork and collaboration within a diverse group to complete the project.

Students from the Asian team developed a travel self-defense course comprising five sessions to support the Taiwanese population; they utilized social media platforms to disseminate information about the course and its applications. The course was designed to be affordable and delivered in the evening to facilitate broad access and participation.

Students from the European team focused on a Global Youth and Forestry project by collaborating with local non-profit organizations. The main goal of the project is to examine the cultural norms in shaping forests and the sustainability practices impacting the forests in daily life. The project also highlighted the connection between forestry and culture. Students were able to develop resources for forestry reform practices across different continents. The role of the youth in shaping the future of the forests underscores this initiative.

Students from South America created a web application for a BIO Wash program utilizing artificial intelligence. In addition, machine learning was also used as a tool to identify opportunities to reduce the scope of emissions. A sustainability report was produced with a central question; how BIO wash can result in net zero by 2023.

One LFB Student completed the Summer Global Virtual Internship program facilitated by the Global Learning Collective and Campus b with support from company partner, Biowash, based in Brazil. The program took place from May 23 to July 15, 2022, and required approximately 85 hours of teamwork and collaboration within a diverse group to complete the project.

A dominant theme from the student presentations in these projects is how their Work Integrated Learning Experience facilitated an authentic intercultural exchange and transformed their perspective about their location in the world and the role they play as citizens in building their communities. Their experience increased their engagement across different boundaries.