Business students talk global issues with US counterparts

Students from the Faculty of Business and Law have been swapping notes on the future of the planet with college students from across the pond.

American students at Southern Conneticut State University have spent a month sharing lectures and seminars on climate change and sustainability with LJMU undergraduates as part of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project.

The cohorts also shared views and insights on global citizenship; environmental policy and economics and ecological awareness. 

David Curtis, a level 5 BSc Business Management student, said: “What really appealed to me was get to understand the perceptions of people from another part of the world on these issues. Here, it feels like we only really learned about it from a British or from a European perspective, we don't learn about it from a North American perspective.”

Cultural differences

Brendan Gillespie, a level 6 LJMU Business with International Business Management student, agreed that the inter-cultural awareness was an attraction for him. He added: “I was really surprised at how well we worked together. We actually worked really well. It was definitely enjoyable.”

Dr Alison Lui, Associate Dean Global Engagement of the Faculty of Business and Law said: “Collaborating with SCSU reinforces the strategic alliance formed in 2015 with LJMU. This experience has been fun and very informative and we will be looking to more cross-cultural collaborations.”

Professor Charlie Yang of SCSU agreed: “During the students’ final group presentations and a brief discussion afterwards, I also observed how thoughtfully and passionately students exchanged opinions about environmental and social challenges related to the 17 UN sustainability development goals (SDGs). In this regard, I see great potential for continuing the COIL projects between SCSU and LJMU in the future.”

Dr Jia Yang of SCSU added: “I was impressed by the thoughtful project structure design, efficient collaboration between faculties and students, and the fascinating student group presentations. I enjoyed this collaboration project with LJMU. I truly wish we could continue this wonderful collaboration in the future.”

Student feedback from both universities is encouraging. Felicia Whatley, an SCSU student, explained the reason for joining the project: “I like the collaboration between the two nations and anything about the environment is important to me. I want to hear where you are coming from and how far we've all come.”