Cross-Cultural Collaboration in Lifelong Learning and Work

Erasmus project, 2005–2008 funded under the type of project:
Erasmus – Joint Development of Study Programmes at intermediate and advanced level

Learning Pathway pilot project 2007-2008

CROSSLIFE learning pathway in MA/Dr degree

The universities of Tampere, London, Malta, Zürich, Monash and Copenhagen are organising a pilot study programme. The programme runs for approximately 18 months during 2007-08 and aims to develop qualitatively new educational expertise, emerging from multi-cultural research and collaboration. It is not a standalone Masters / PhD course but a framework to enhance and enrich those courses run by partner institutions, by organising workshops, producing learning materials and using advanced technology to build a cross-cultural international research network.

The pathway recruits a core group of MA or Dr. students from each partner university. Other students may participate in activities at their home university or virtually, according to agreement with the supervisors.

Selection criteria

• acceptable competence in English language.
• topic of MA or doctoral dissertation related to cross-cultural collaboration in vocational education and work.
• personal interest in developing cross-cultural expertise.

The study-programme consists of three thematic components and a final report/dissertation.

The themes are

1. Methodological challenges of cross-cultural collaboration in education, work and research
2. Challenges from politically integrating and economically globalising world for education, work and research
3. Theoretical challenges in conceptualising cross-cultural collaboration in education, work and research.

In collaboration with a supervisor each student will design a personal study plan. This may take many forms. For example, access to learning materials or access to the expertise of Crosslife academic members and their wider networks. It may also take the form of access to programmes on offer in the respective partner universities where students may arrange individual exchanges. The Crosslife studies may relate to units in partner universities, but within wider contexts, requiring extra studies.

Beside seminars and lectures, each component includes individual and group work at the home university as well as networking with a multi-national team and attending intensive workshops 10 day workshops in London (Autumn 07), Tampere (Spring 08) and Malta (Autumn 08). The student exchange agreements allow longer periods of study in partner universities with tutorial support. The Crosslife-pilot programme itself is free of charge, but participation in workshops and student exchange may incur some travel and living costs.

Materials & outcomes

Flyer
About CrossLife
Background
Partners CrossLife
CrossLife in MCAST journal
Article Kraus and Sultana Crosscultural collaboration
Learning diary Gabriele Molzberger
Five step pathway

Pilot Made in Europe

Made in Europe evaluation
Reflections Markus Weil
Report