Outgoing: Sara Garfield at Venice International University, Italy

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Sara Garfield is an English instructor in the Department of Languages, Literature and Communication at the University of Bordeaux. During the autumn of 2024 she took part in the “Globalization Program” at Venice International University (VIU). An interesting experience about international and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Photo : Venice International University @ Sara Garfield
Venice International University @ Sara Garfield

What is the “Globalization Program”?

VIU's "Globalization Program" offers a multicultural, international and interdisciplinary learning environment with students and professors from over 20 nationalities and diverse academic backgrounds. Participants come from various disciplines, including liberal arts, economics, history, architecture and international relations. Students can take courses outside their primary field of study during one or two semesters at VIU withing the framework of their degrees. The programme fosters critical thinking, creative problem-solving and intercultural understanding by exposing students to diverse perspectives.

Venice International University (VIU)

The University of Bordeaux became a member of VIU in 2015, joining the 15 member institutions that participate in this innovative and ambitious university project. VIU is located on the island of San Servolo, and through its members, it offers cross-disciplinary training programmes addressing today's societal challenges: sustainable development, climate change, ageing, ethics, cultural heritage, etc.

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Why did you decide to take part? What were your objectives and expectations?

I was drawn to VIU because of its authentic international and interdisciplinary character. When I first considered this opportunity, I was attracted to their experimental and innovative approach to teaching and learning, where new ideas were not only welcomed, but encouraged.
However, I did not know what to expect and I was put off by initial administrative obstacles. Thankfully, professors who had taught there before me, as well as the administrative team at the International Office and Vice-President for international networks, helped me overcome these issues. My personal and professional objective was to challenge myself to teach two content subjects I am interested in - intercultural communication and science communication - and experiment with new ideas and teaching techniques.

Our language departments have an important role to play in the internationalisation process. Therefore, I wanted to learn from working with students and professors with very different disciplinary, linguistic and cultural backgrounds so that I could share the lessons learnt from this international experience with my colleagues in Bordeaux and use them in my classes. 
 

 

My goal was to bring a communication centered teaching approach to a diverse group of international students. I created two courses based on this learning approach: “Intercultural Communication” and “Strategies for Effective Science Communication”. The classes encouraged students to look into their cultural backgrounds and scientific interests to be creative.

During my intercultural communication class, students explored identity, language and stereotypes through theory and hands-on activities. My other class on science communication challenged students from science and humanities backgrounds to explain complex ideas. A standout project was a video by two students about air pollution in Veneto region.

I learned a lot from the discussions that took place not only in the classroom, but also during workshops, academic talks and extracurricular visits. It reminded me that learning happens as much outside as inside the traditional classroom.

What made this teaching experience special to you?

First of all, the environment was incredible. I started each day by taking a boat with international students and professors to an island campus near the Venetian Lagoon. The building surrounded by trees and nature was well equipped, allowing us to study and work efficiently on the campus.

But, to be honest, it was the interactions that left me with the biggest impression. Classes were small and filled with rich conversations. Being surrounded by students and professors from all over the world was very inspiring.