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Safe Spaces for Disruptive Learning in a North–South Research Partnership Context: International Mobility of Doctoral Students

Author

Listed:
  • Lilian Julia Trechsel

    (Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

  • Anne Barbara Zimmermann

    (Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

  • Camilla Steinböck

    (Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

  • Thomas Breu

    (Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

  • Karl Herweg

    (Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

  • Susan Thieme

    (Institute of Geography, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

Abstract

This article spans issues of international student mobility, inequalities in higher education, and spaces for transformative learning for sustainable development. We tracked PhD alumni of an international Swiss research program in 2012 and 2017 and found that students from the global South experienced a significant, immediate career boost; most graduates decided to remain in or return to their country of origin after graduation (brain circulation). Career advancement among global North students took longer to develop. In-depth interviews with selected graduates gave students a voice: they felt empowered by networks, new friendships, and working relationships across disciplinary boundaries. The “safe spaces” or “Third Spaces” created in the program—encompassing inter- and transdisciplinary approaches, institutional and cultural diversity, and a real-world focus—were key for transformative learning, supported by an unconventional teaching and research strategy. To support disruptive learning leading to changes in mindsets and to reduce inequality in higher education, Western universities must question their own privileged position.

Suggested Citation

  • Lilian Julia Trechsel & Anne Barbara Zimmermann & Camilla Steinböck & Thomas Breu & Karl Herweg & Susan Thieme, 2021. "Safe Spaces for Disruptive Learning in a North–South Research Partnership Context: International Mobility of Doctoral Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:2413-:d:504644
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter Messerli & Eun Mee Kim & Wolfgang Lutz & Jean-Paul Moatti & Katherine Richardson & Muhammad Saidam & David Smith & Parfait Eloundou-Enyegue & Ernest Foli & Amanda Glassman & Gonzalo Hernandez Li, 2019. "Expansion of sustainability science needed for the SDGs," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 2(10), pages 892-894, October.
    2. Campbell, Anne C. & Baxter, Aryn R., 2019. "Exploring the attributes and practices of alumni associations that advance social change," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 164-172.
    3. Claudia Zingerli, 2010. "A Sociology of International Research Partnerships for Sustainable Development," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 22(2), pages 217-233, April.
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