I was happy to be invited to participate in International Week and UNITA Days: Cultural Diversity in Higher Education, held at Transilvania University of Braศov, Romania.
This international event gathered educators from 21 countries to explore how cultural diversity can enrich higher education and support global citizenship. As someone deeply involved in instructional design, I found the experience especially valuable.
The event offered a rich space to explore how principles of intercultural competence are embedded into academic life, particularly within Erasmus+ mobility initiatives. It was insightful to learn how institutions across Europe are rethinking teaching strategies to better reflect cultural diversity and emotional awareness in the classroom.
Participating in these conversations and workshops inspired me to reconsider how inclusive design can cultivate authentic connection and a sense of belonging. As educators, we have the opportunity โ and responsibility โ to shape learning environments that truly embrace difference and empower every student to thrive.
Beyond the formal sessions, engaging with colleagues from across Europe โ and immersing in the culture and history of Braศov โ reinforced the idea that diversity is not an abstract value, but a lived, everyday experience that shapes how we teach and learn.
International Week was a powerful reminder that instructional design is not only about structure and content โ itโs about fostering connection, empathy, and belonging in an increasingly interconnected world.
Links:
- International week in UNITBV
- Event summary & results – NU “Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic”ย
- Event summary & results – ย Software Tools Department