Matching student mobility and development: fieldwork experiences in the global South

University of Bologna (Unibo) has a long tradition of mobility programmes with universities in Latin America and in the so called Global South. The goal is mainly to carry out study experiences, attending classes and being absorbed by university life. But recently a new programme has been launched called "fieldwork", offering to students the opportunity to spend a period at an NGO (non-governmental organization) or other bodies active in development cooperation. Students can carry out activities “in the field” in developing and emerging countries where NGOs and other bodies work. These activities must be recognized within the curriculum of studies, mainly as credits for final dissertation or internship. University offers some predefined fieldwork positions, agreed with the network of NGOs of Emilia Romagna Region (where Bologna is located) but Unibo invites also students (and their academic supervisors) to propose experiences autonomously under specific criteria.
The objectives of the programme are mainly three: 1) to strengthen skills and competences concerning intercultural sensitivity, multilingualism, the ability to adapt to different contexts and environments, the ability to work in a group and the ability to apply theoretical notions to a practical level; 2) to provide a chance to learn about sustainability in a constantly-changing, global, interconnected society; 3) to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among UNIBO students and professionals working in development cooperation.
The programme is open to all field of studies and aims also at involving academic staff into development cooperation projects, supervising the activities of their students and providing a solid academic background.
The fieldwork programme has been launched in 2018 as a pilot initiative but it raised immediately a wide interest both from students and professors but also from the local community of NGOs. Which are the main elements to be considered a university curricular experience? To which extent may be replicated in other contexts and, in particular, in Latin America? Is it sustainable? The presentation aims at presenting the main rationale of the programme but also to open a discussion with Latin American colleagues on different approaches to student mobility and university social responsibility. For more information: https://www.unibo.it/en/international/Studying-abroad/field-work/bando-f...