Globally Transformative Student Experience: Challenges and Opportunities in Learning and Teaching in the Transnational Business Education Program

As universities ‘globalise’ and attract students from multiple transnational locations more innovative information communication technology is developed that enables students and staff to communicate and act globally. When developing a global perspective in universities creating the capacity to deliver programs in diverse international arenas is essential. Academic teaching staff strive to design collaborative learning experiences that enable students to engage in activities that deepen their cross-cultural knowledge of the world, a capability that is required for future employment. However, the reality of designing and implementing learning activities in a transnational education program that engages students globally is challenging. This chapter will use the lessons learnt from a case study of three transnational education projects designed as part of a university global program. It presents the key challenges for universities in implementing learning experiences that develop cross-cultural competencies. The case study reflects the complexity of business and team engagements on multiple dimensions, and provides opportunities for analysis and reflection at a deeper learning level, and reduction of cross-cultural bias. The authors suggest addressing these challenges require universities to consider issues of power and inequality inherent in teaching partnerships, and the mindset change needed to develop global perspectives.