INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES AND COLLABORATION: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

There is much discussion on the importance of international collaboration in higher education. As rapidly changing technology and access to travel make the world appear smaller and smaller our ability to learn from one another, to interact with one another and to do business with one another becomes more important. Yet there continue to be obstacles to overcome, from portability of courses and programs, to financial constraints, to visa restrictions, and competing professional and personal agendas.

From a student perspective what are the advantages and disadvantages of international collaboration? While international exchange programs may offer the real lived experience of educational and cultural student life, as well as the serendipitous opportunities that present themselves, can virtual collaboration provide an alternative to those who are unable to leave and study abroad? Can virtual or online collaboration support a students’ educational program or will it compete and conflict with an already rigorous course of study?

This paper will present the thoughts and ideas of a group of students who represent either a virtual collaboration (Bosnian students studying management in Zenica exchanging ideas with a professor in Chicago) or an international exchange (Polish students studying in Chicago). This paper will identify their thoughts on the value of international collaboration as well as the limitations of each method. Suggestions on ways institutions can better support international collaboration will be discussed.