Innovative educational projects are essential for addressing global challenges. This VIS project, led by the University of Twente and its international partners, exemplifies how collaborative efforts can create impactful learning experiences. Faculty members Linlin Pei, Herbert Wormeester, and Arturo Susarrey share their experiences and insights into this remarkable project. 

About the VIS Project 

This VIS project involved the University of Twente, Tec de Monterrey in Mexico and Technical University of Denmark, with later expanding to other ECIU university partners such as INSA Groupe in France, University of Aveiro in Portugal, University Autònoma de Barcelona in Spain and Hamburg University in Germany. This collaborative initiative aimed to integrate diverse perspectives into education, focusing on sustainability within nanotechnology.  

Project Structure and Activities 

The project had two key assignments:  

• fostering intercultural sensitivity and collaboration among students from different countries 
• tackling sustainability challenges in nanotechnology. 

Students were tasked with building solar cells using inexpensive materials and analysing the CO2 footprints of products to find nanotechnology solutions to reduce emissions. These assignments required students to collaborate closely, despite geographical distances and different time zones, using the strengths of their diverse academic backgrounds. 

Challenges and insightful Moments 

This project was not without its challenges. Faculty members had to balance their teaching and research responsibilities while committing to the project’s additional demands. Despite these obstacles, the project provided a significant learning experience for both faculty and students. The intercultural workshops were particularly valuable, helping students from different countries understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives. 

“We wanted to make sure that students get to know each other and work well together despite only seeing each other through a screen,” Herbert noted. “Tec de Monterrey’s experience in online education was instrumental in achieving this.” 

The project had also a transformative impact on its faculty. Arturo, initially skeptical about online education, now recognizes its potential, noting how it allowed students from different countries to gain valuable knowledge and intercultural experiences. Linlin emphasized the importance of understanding diverse cultural perspectives, highlighting how the project challenged assumptions and fostered new insights. Coordinating with international partners was a significant effort, teaching the value of open communication and good planning.  

Impact and Achievements 

The VIS project had a significant impact enhancing students’ abilities to collaborate across disciplines and cultures. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing appreciation for the opportunity to gain international experience without traveling. 

Arturo: “For me, seeing students grow and embrace sustainability and nanotechnology was inspiring. Their final projects showed significant progress and understanding.” 

It had also a notable impact on students by broadening their perspectives and enhancing their appreciation for intercultural learning. Linlin observed that students from Twente initially had fixed assumptions about sustainability. However, learning from their peers in Mexico and other countries challenged these assumptions and offered them a more diverse view. 

Future Directions and Recommendations 

Looking ahead, the VIS project plans to include more partner universities and expand its reach. Arturo highlighted the importance of international collaboration, especially in tackling global challenges like sustainability. “It requires the combined efforts and understanding of people from various countries,” he said. 

While Linlin called for continued support from educational authorities for such initiatives. “We cannot tackle global challenges alone. Projects like VIS show that international collaboration is not just beneficial but necessary. So it’s important that universities can be supported for this kind of initiatives.”