As part of its Global UCU 2030 strategy, the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) is launching a new large-scale educational initiative – the “Bridge” Project (Building Relationships and Intercultural Dynamics through Global Education with Latin America). This project aims to foster academic and intercultural connections between Ukraine and Latin America, creating a sustainable network of collaboration among universities from both regions.
In today’s world, where armed conflicts, geopolitical instability, and information warfare deepen societal divides, open intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and solidarity are essential components of resilience. Education serves as a powerful tool for bridging cultural divides, cultivating responsible global citizens, and countering misinformation.
Key Partners of the Initiative
The project is being implemented in partnership with five leading Catholic universities across Latin America:
- Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (Brazil)
- Catholic University of Manizales (Colombia)
- Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (Chile)
- Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (Peru)
- Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina (Argentina)
Education as a Catalyst for International Solidarity
The “Bridge” Project expands the horizons of international academic collaboration by incorporating COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning)—an innovative approach to global online education. This methodology will enable students, faculty, and academic administrators from Ukraine and Latin America to co-develop academic courses, engage in joint educational initiatives, and exchange knowledge in a shared learning environment.
Five Pillars of the “Bridge” Project
Creating a Collaborative Learning Space for Students
The project will introduce 15 innovative academic courses designed to bring together students from Ukraine and Latin America, fostering critical thinking, intercultural communication, and a deeper understanding of historical, socio-economic, political and other contexts in both regions.
Enhancing International Faculty Collaboration
The project will establish 15 international teaching tandems, integrating intercultural education into university curricula through the COIL methodology. This will facilitate knowledge exchange and the development of new interdisciplinary educational and research initiatives in the future.
Strengthening Administrative Synergy and Sustainable Partnerships
By fostering institutional cooperation, the project aims to align administrative processes, develop co-managed educational programs, and establish long-term models for academic collaboration between Ukraine and Latin America.
Promoting Global Dialogue and Strengthening Solidarity
The initiative seeks to expand academic, cultural, and social exchange between Ukraine and Latin America, enhancing international cooperation, countering misinformation, and fostering connections among young leaders from both regions.
Amplifying Global Impact through Public Events and Research
The project will organize global education forums and support student research and publications, contributing to a broader intercultural dialogue and the development of new research collaborations.
Halyna Protsyk, Deputy Vice Rector for Global Outreach and Internationalization, Program Director of the Bridge Project:“By strengthening academic ties between Ukraine and Latin American countries, the Bridge project brings together collective efforts to tackle the pressing challenges of our time. In an era defined by geopolitical shifts and the rapid evolution of information landscapes, building bridges of trust and mutual understanding through education is more crucial than ever. This initiative is not merely an academic program – it is a commitment to global solidarity, creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and collaboration between our regions.
Through COIL partnerships, we create opportunities for students and educators to think globally, act responsibly, and harness education’s power to rebuild societies. Only through shared knowledge and collaboration can we shape a world where respect, dignity, and justice form the foundation of a resilient global community.
Aligned with UCU’s Global 2030 Strategy—#UCU is our compass, world is our campus – the Bridge project embodies the university’s commitment to serving Ukraine and the world by mobilizing intellectual potential for a stronger, more interconnected future”.
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The Bridge project is implemented with the financial support of the International Renaissance Foundation, whose grantee is the Ukrainian Catholic University. We are grateful for your trust and support for the development of global education.
The views expressed in this material are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the International Renaissance Foundation.
Source: Ukrainian Catholic University
