The UNIC website uses cookies to improve your experience. Read our full Cookie Policy here.
University of Oulu and Ruhr University Bochum
Anna Sołtyska, an English for Academic Purposes lecturer at Ruhr University Bochum discusses their English Communication through Transnational Online Projects course. Developed in collaboration with partner universities across Europe, the course brings together students from Germany, Finland, Poland, Spain, and Hungary to work in multicultural teams on sustainability-related challenges using a design sprint approach.
Anna explains how students develop communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and intercultural skills through autonomous online teamwork and project-based learning. She reflects on the importance of clear guidance, balancing support with student independence, and fostering responsibility in virtual exchanges.
The video concludes with practical advice for educators, including starting small, building strong partnerships, and creating flexible, scalable international collaborations.
Fatima Mirabidini, a Master's student in Mechanical Engineering at Ruhr University Bochum, reflects on her experience in an international virtual exchange course, English Communication through Transnational Online Projects. Working with students from different countries, she collaborated on developing solutions to UN Sustainable Development Goals using design thinking methods. Fatima highlights how the project strengthened her problem-solving, teamwork, and academic English communication skills while building confidence in intercultural collaboration. She discusses the value of diverse perspectives, the challenges of coordinating online teamwork, and the importance of openness, reliability, and active participation. Her experience demonstrates how virtual exchange can foster innovation, global understanding, and professional development.
Shan Cheng, a third-year PhD student in Biochemistry at Ruhr University Bochum, shares her experience participating in the English Communication through a Transnational Online Project. Working alongside students from diverse countries and academic disciplines, she collaborated on developing creative solutions to real-world challenges. Shan reflects on how the programme helped her build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while gaining valuable intercultural perspectives. She highlights the benefits of learning to express ideas confidently, collaborate effectively in international teams, and approach everyday problems through innovative thinking. Shan recommends the experience to other students as an opportunity to broaden their outlook, develop global connections, and strengthen their ability to work across cultures.
Oulu and Ruhr University Bochum
Dr. Maria Polyakova, a Research Group Leader in Sustainable Process Development at Ruhr University Bochum, discusses a virtual exchange collaboration between her institution and the University of Oulu. The project connected students through guest lectures, international teamwork, and joint research activities focused on industrial wastewater treatment topics, including microplastic removal and pharmaceutical contaminants. She reflects on the intercultural learning that emerged from the collaboration, including differences in communication styles, as well as the challenges of coordinating activities across institutions. Maria highlights the positive impact on student engagement, global awareness, and collaborative skills. She also explains how the experience enriched her own teaching practice by encouraging more flexible and inclusive approaches to learning, while creating valuable opportunities for international research partnerships and future funding collaborations.
University College Cork and Koç University
Prof. Femi Amao, Professor of Company Law and Sustainability at University College Cork, discusses a Virtual Exchange developed with Dr Cem Vizaroğlu of Koç University as part of a course on ESG, sustainability, and business law. The collaboration brought students together to explore legal and regulatory issues from different jurisdictions through a combination of online and in-person teaching. Femi reflects on the opportunities and challenges of working across different legal systems, teaching traditions, and academic cultures, highlighting the value of comparative and intercultural learning. He also describes the strong student engagement fostered through international teamwork and collaborative presentations, and encourages educators to explore Virtual Exchange as a way to create inclusive, globally connected learning experiences.
Aoife O'Sullivan, a final-year Law student at University College Cork, reflects on her participation in a virtual international exchange embedded within the module Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Law, Policy and Practice. Working alongside students and lecturers from Koç University, she explored ESG regulation, sustainability reporting, and corporate governance from different national perspectives. As a student leader, Aoife facilitated international discussions and helped translate complex legal concepts into accessible insights. She highlights how the experience deepened her understanding of comparative legal systems, strengthened her confidence, communication, leadership, and presentation skills, and demonstrated the real-world relevance of ESG. Aoife strongly recommends Virtual Exchange as an accessible way to gain international experience, broaden perspectives, and engage meaningfully with students from other countries without the need to travel abroad.
University of Zagreb and University of Łódź
Dr. Matija Novak, Assistant Professor at the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Organization and Informatics, discusses an international virtual exchange in Web Application Development conducted with the University of Łódź in Poland. The programme combines shared lectures, practical laboratory work, and a collaborative project in which students in Croatia and Poland develop a complete web application in international teams. Matija reflects on the challenges of aligning different teaching approaches and the importance of negotiation and compromise in cross-border collaboration. He highlights the strong student engagement generated by project-based teamwork and authentic problem-solving, and offers practical advice for educators, including the value of asynchronous learning and building strong partnerships to support successful virtual exchange initiatives.
Marija Bilić, a Software Systems Development student at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics at University of Zagreb, reflects on her participation in a UNIC Virtual Exchange project with students from the University of Łódź. As part of a Web Application Development course, students collaborated remotely on a shared software project, using digital communication and development tools while working entirely in English. Marija discusses how the experience strengthened her teamwork, communication, and technical skills, particularly in collaborative coding and version control. She highlights the project's relevance to real-world professional environments and the opportunity to gain experience working in an international team. Marija encourages other students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace international collaboration, and take advantage of opportunities that prepare them for future careers in information technology.
University of Oulu, and University of Łódź
Dr. Pirjo Suvilehto, a Lecturer in Literary Arts, Drama Education, Bibliotherapy, and Moomin Studies at the University of Oulu, discusses a long-running UNIC collaboration with Professor Jaroslava Płużeniec from the University of Łódź, through which they have co-developed an international Moomin-themed course exploring literature, philosophy, and culture. Delivered through a blend of online and in-person activities, the course brings together students, guest academics, and diverse perspectives from across the UNIC alliance. Pirjo highlights the richness of international collaboration, the value of interdisciplinary learning, and the benefits of combining multiple teaching formats, including videos, podcasts, group work, and discussion-based activities. She also reflects on how the partnership has enriched both teaching and learning, and encourages educators to embrace Virtual Exchange as a rewarding way to create innovative courses, build international connections, and engage students across borders.
University of Zagreb and University of Oulu
Dr. Christian Schuss, a University Lecturer at the University of Oulu's Faculty of Information Technology, discusses a UNIC Virtual Exchange collaboration with colleagues at the University of Zagreb. The initiative enables students to access learning environments, laboratory resources, and expertise across institutions through innovative digital tools and virtual participation. Christian reflects on the value of intercultural collaboration, highlighting how different teaching approaches and perspectives enrich both staff and students. He emphasises the role of virtual learning environments, including digital laboratory simulations, in increasing student engagement and accessibility. The project broadens international learning opportunities, allowing students to experience global collaboration without physical mobility while fostering curiosity, motivation, and a deeper connection to their studies.
University of Zagreb and Malmö University
Prof. Ivana Fabrio, from the Design Study Programme at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb, discusses a long-standing Virtual Exchange collaboration with Malmö University. The partnership brings together students and lecturers to explore how design can contribute to climate adaptation through shared projects focused on local environmental challenges. Current themes include collective memory, resilience, and responses to climate change. Ivana highlights the value of combining different educational approaches, with Malmö's research-driven perspective complementing the artistic and creative focus of her programme. She reflects on the intercultural learning opportunities created through the collaboration, the benefits of exchanging ideas across disciplines and cultures, and the importance of overcoming logistical challenges to develop meaningful international learning experiences.
Nataša Njegovanović, a Teaching Assistant in the Design Study Programme at the University of Zagreb, discusses a Virtual Exchange project with Malmö University focused on the role of design in climate adaptation. The collaboration explores how design can communicate collective memory and strengthen community resilience, using the Sava River and the Øresund region as local case studies. Nataša reflects on the enriching intercultural experience of working across different academic traditions, with design positioned as an artistic discipline in Croatia and a scientific field in Sweden. She highlights how challenge-based learning and international collaboration increase student engagement, motivation, and real-world problem-solving skills, while encouraging educators to embrace Virtual Exchange as a flexible and valuable approach to teaching and learning.
Barbara Delost, a first-year Master's student in Design Studies (Industrial Design) at University of Zagreb, reflects on her participation in an international collaborative project focused on addressing a real community challenge with memorial and environmental dimensions. Working with the Trnjanska Savica local council and students from Malmö University, participants engaged in joint lectures, knowledge exchange, and the development of design solutions informed by diverse perspectives. Barbara highlights the value of intercultural collaboration, emphasising how engagement with people from different educational and cultural backgrounds enriched her learning and broadened her understanding of the challenges being addressed. She reflects on the importance of confidence, initiative, and effective communication, and encourages other students to embrace similar opportunities, remain open to new perspectives, and actively connect with others.
Koç University and University of Liège
Dr. Işıl Aral, Assistant Professor of Public International Law at Koç University and Director of the Center for Global Public Law, discusses a collaborative virtual exchange initiative with the University of Liège. The project brings together students from both institutions to analyse European Court of Human Rights cases through cross-cultural group work and online discussions. Dr. Aral highlights how the exchange enhances student engagement, critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and motivation. She also reflects on the challenges of coordinating schedules across institutions, the importance of pedagogical flexibility, and the benefits of international teaching partnerships. The video concludes with practical advice for educators seeking to develop successful virtual exchange programmes.
Sarp Ünal, a senior law student at Koç University, shares his experience of studying international human rights law and global institutions courses. He reflects on how these courses complement traditional legal education by moving beyond theory and providing valuable opportunities to apply knowledge in an international and collaborative environment. Sarp highlights the benefits for future careers and academic development, emphasising the importance of discussion, cross-cultural exchange, and practical engagement. He also offers advice to prospective students: stay open-minded,take initiative, actively participate in conversations, and prepare in advance to make the most of the learning experience.
Ece Alara Özdarendeli, a senior Law and Business Administration student at Koç University, shares her experience of participating in a UNIC virtual exchange with students from the University of Liège as part of an International Human Rights Law course. She reflects on how discussing European Court of Human Rights cases with international peers broadened her understanding of different legal perspectives and highlighted the value of intercultural dialogue. Ece Alara emphasises the benefits of interactive, discussion-based learning, noting how the experience strengthened her communication skills, open-mindedness, and ability to engage with diverse viewpoints. She recommends virtual exchange activities to students interested in international careers and encourages participants to prepare well, engage actively, and embrace different perspectives.