In cooperation with partner universities — the University of Cincinnati from the state of Ohio in the USA, Thapar School of Liberal Arts and Sciences from the Punjab province in India, and the University of the Aegean from the island of Samos in Greece — FOI students worked on a joint project during online meetings comparing human resource management practices in different countries. They examined similarities and differences in recruitment procedures, communication practices, talent acquisition, and career development.
This virtual collaboration project began at FOI in 2018 at the initiative of the Head of the Office for International Cooperation, Izabela Oletić Tušek, univ. spec. pol., and the partner institution Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, and later expanded to include other faculties. Students enrolled in the course Human Resources and Career Development within the professional study programme Information Technology and Business Digitalization will once again have the opportunity to collaborate virtually with students from the University of Pretoria in South Africa (during the summer semester 2025/26).
Over the years, the project has evolved from an initial virtual collaboration into the COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) format and has been aligned with the course learning outcomes.
Below are some of the positive comments and reflections from our students:
REFLECTIONS – COLLABORATION WITH STUDENTS FROM GREECE
“Collaborating with colleagues from Greece was an interesting and relaxed experience. From the very first meeting, it was clear that they were communicative and open, so there was no awkward atmosphere at all. The conversations felt more like a normal discussion among students than a strict academic collaboration, which greatly helped everyone feel comfortable.”
“At the end of this collaboration, I must say that everything went even better than we had hoped. We had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from different cultures and thus broaden our knowledge. I believe the collaboration was beneficial and that all participants are satisfied with the outcomes. This experience helped me better understand different approaches to work and problem-solving, and I also had the opportunity to use and practice English, which I consider very positive and useful. This experience will truly remain a fond memory.”
REFLECTIONS – COLLABORATION WITH STUDENTS FROM THE USA
“It was interesting to learn more about American employment culture and to meet students in the same field on the other side of the world.
Overall, the atmosphere during all meetings was very pleasant. I gained new and valuable experience, expanded my knowledge, improved my communication in English, and significantly reduced my nervousness. I believe this virtual mobility was extremely beneficial and contributed to my personal development.”
REFLECTIONS – COLLABORATION WITH STUDENTS FROM INDIA
“After getting to know each other and presenting the cultures of India and Croatia, I realized that despite certain cultural differences, we are similar in many ways.”
“This form of collaboration highlights the strengths and advantages of each country, their faculties and educational institutions, which I consider a very positive experience. I truly enjoyed learning about India, its culture, and its way of working. I would certainly repeat such an experience, especially when it involves such interesting people and a fascinating country, although I believe that every country has something unique to offer that makes it special.”
