| Title: |
Virtual Exchange to Develop Global Citizenship and Promote Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Wynina Jansen van Vuuren (ORCID 0009-0008-9680-2441); Yolande Heymans (ORCID 0000-0003-4459-2266); Jessica Pool (ORCID 0000-0002-6839-4419); Courtney Strosnider (ORCID 0009-0000-9897-0694) |
| Source: |
Open Praxis. 2025 17(2):409-420. |
| Availability: |
International Council for Open and Distance Education. Lilleakerveien 23, 0283 Oslo, Norway. Tel: +47-22-06-26-30; Fax: +47-22-06-26-31; e-mail: icde@icde.org; Web site: https://openpraxis.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
12 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Citizenship; Global Approach; Sustainable Development; International Cooperation; International Educational Exchange; Undergraduate Students; Health Sciences; Foreign Countries; Diseases; Prevention; Public Health; Responsibility; Intercultural Communication; Electronic Learning |
| Geographic Terms: |
South Africa; Georgia |
| ISSN: |
1369-9997; 2304-070X |
| Abstract: |
Higher education institutions should prepare students to address global health challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. This study investigates how a virtual exchange project between North-West University in South Africa and Georgia State University in the United States of America are developing global citizenship among undergraduate health students while promoting Sustainable Development Goal 3.4. This goal aims to reduce noncommunicable disease mortality through prevention and treatment. A constructivist-interpretivist paradigm and a qualitative methodology were used to collect data through open-ended reflective questionnaires. Thematic analysis identified three themes: understanding global citizenship, virtual exchange as a vehicle to develop global citizenship, and promoting Sustainable Development Goal 3.4. The findings demonstrated that virtual exchange significantly enhanced participants' understanding of global health issues, raised awareness of global responsibilities, and promoted intercultural competence. Participants reported personal growth and a sense of responsibility towards global health. These insights demonstrate that integrating a virtual exchange project into health curricula can develop global citizenship in students and promote Sustainable Development Goal 3.4. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1481264 |
| Database: |
ERIC |