In our increasingly connected world, innovative educational projects are essential for tackling global challenges. The VIS project is one such initiative, bringing together students and faculty from various universities to address sustainability issues. In an interview, Assistant Professor Juliette Alenda in the Department of Economics and Business Economics at Radboud University, shares her experiences and the impact of the VIS project. 

About the project 

This VIS project involved a team form Radboud and four other universities: Ghana, Uganda, Eswatini, and India. This collaborative initiative aimed to integrate diverse perspectives into education, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability. 

Project organisation and execution 

At Radboud, the project was part of two courses: one in the Department of Economics and the other in the Department of Geography, Planning, and Environment. The core team at Radboud had experience with international projects and “worlding classrooms,” a concept that aims to remove geographical and disciplinary barriers in education. 

This project covered four main topics: global decision-making, migration and mobility, globalization, and livelihoods and lifestyles. These topics matched the expertise of the teaching team and allowed students to explore sustainability from various angles.  

A total of 59 students participated in the project, with around 14-15 from each university. They created portfolios that included: 

• Academic Essays: these helped students understand sustainability issues in different contexts and the importance of interdisciplinary thinking. 

• Photo Analyses: students took pictures in their environments and explained their connection to sustainability topics, comparing global issues from various perspectives. 

• Joint Presentations: international teams created and recorded presentations, fostering collaboration despite time zone and technical challenges. 

• Self-Reflection Pieces: students reflected on their learning and how they could apply this knowledge in their future studies or careers. 

Challenges and learning moments 

The project faced several challenges. Technical issues, especially with using Microsoft Teams for breakout rooms, were remarkable obstacles. Many students from African countries and India had trouble accessing the platform due to limited internet access. Despite these problems, the project encouraged understanding and adaptability. 

“We wanted to have breakout rooms for students to get to know each other, but technical issues made this difficult. It was a crucial learning experience for everyone involved.“ – Assistant Professor Juliette Alenda

One of the most inspiring moments for Juliette was during the introduction session. Seeing the diverse group of students and faculty come together and engage in meaningful discussions confirmed the project’s value. Another highlight was creating a poster with photos taken by students from different environments, showing the various contexts in which sustainability issues occur. 

Impact and achievements 

The project’s impact was significant for both students and faculty. Students gained skills in interdisciplinary collaboration, global awareness, and personal reflection. Feedback was very positive; with many students saying the project helped them understand different perspectives and the global nature of sustainability challenges. 

For Juliette and her colleagues, the project highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary education. It also showed the need for strong supervisory teams and well-prepared plans to manage international projects. “The project exceeded our expectations,” Juliette noted. “It provided a valuable learning experience for students and confirmed the effectiveness of our approach.” 

Future directions and recommendations 

Looking ahead, Juliette highlights the importance of building strong relationships with partner universities and preparing carefully for collaborative projects. She advises educators to ensure they have a good supervisory team, as successful projects rely on trust and effective communication among partners. 

“One tip I would advise is to have a very good supervisory team,” Juliette said. “It’s important to have a good relationship with your partners because it’s a commitment to this kind of project.“

The VIS project showed the potential for educational initiatives to bridge global divides and foster a deeper understanding of sustainability. As Juliette reflects, the project exceeded expectations, providing a valuable learning experience for students.