By Joseph E. Trainor, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business
February 25, 2025
In the Fall of 2024, I had the privilege of partnering with Dr. Bachar Moughayt, an Assistant Professor of Management at Université Catholique de l'Ouest in Angers, France, to implement a Global Online Learning Exchange (GOLE) project in my Principles of Financial Accounting course. This collaboration was a transformative experience for both me and my students, showcasing the profound benefits of connecting classrooms across continents.
Our project brought together undergraduate students from St. John’s University and undergraduate students from France to explore the intersections of financial accounting, international marketing, and corporate social responsibility. Students worked in cross-cultural teams to examine European companies’ sustainability efforts within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They also compared and analyzed cultural differences in sustainability practices between the United States and Europe, producing comprehensive reports that reflected their collaborative insights.
To build rapport and foster community, we began with a lively virtual icebreaker where students shared objects of personal cultural significance. This activity set the tone for the weeks to come, as students learned to navigate the complexities of cultural differences, communication styles, and time zone challenges. Weekly team journals documented their progress and underscored their ability to overcome these barriers to work effectively as global teams.
Working with Dr. Moughayt was a truly wonderful experience. His expertise in international business education and his passion for creating dynamic, interactive learning environments made him an exceptional partner. From our very first discussions, it was clear that we shared a vision of fostering global connections and equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. The opportunity to collaborate with a professor in another country added an exciting dimension to my teaching and reminded me of the universal nature of education as a bridge between cultures. Together we were able to create a meaningful and engaging experience for our students, one that I am confident will have a lasting impact on their academic and professional journeys.
This partnership exemplifies the mission of St. John’s University to promote global engagement and cross-cultural understanding. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Moughayt and for the chance to bring my students into this vibrant, international learning environment. I look forward to continuing this work and exploring new opportunities to connect with educators and students worldwide.