University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) Associate Professor of Justice Studies Sharon McMahon Sawyer has recently returned from six weeks of intensive engagement with faculty and students as a visiting professor at the Technical University of Liberec (TUL) in the Czech Republic.
Sharon arrived on Sept. 21, 2024 and stayed very busy lecturing two to four times per week, offering workshops for professors and team teaching with various faculty on a broad range of topics, including American studies, psychology, mediation, conflict resolution, active listening and cross cultural communications.
In addition to teaching, Sharon’s time in the Czech Republic was spent reconnecting with education colleagues and collaborating to develop a network of TUL and UMA professors who will combine their expertise across disciplines to build international virtual classrooms for UMA students and students at TUL.
There are several professors at both universities collaboratively creating cross-cultural, interdisciplinary courses. “This is something we’ve been working toward since 2011,” said Sharon. ”In 2019, I co-created a course module on international law and the Holocaust, which was my first attempt at Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). We are so fortunate to have the full support of President Cushman, the Provost and Deans in developing COIL opportunities at UMA. UMA has always offered our students the cutting edge in distance learning, so we are in a great position to expand our reach across national borders.”
There is a lot of work involved to make sure that all the students have access to the same materials in their respective languages, and it can be challenging facilitating bi-lingual group discussions, but facing these challenges and finding solutions is part of what will make these programs special, meaningful and successful.
Sharon’s amazing work with TUL faculty and students in the Czech Republic exemplifies UMA’s dedication to creating opportunities that adapt to students’ unique circumstances and aspirations. By fostering innovative, cross-cultural learning experiences and building international networks, she advances UMA’s mission to deliver transformative, career-aligned education that extends beyond borders. Her efforts to integrate global perspectives into the classroom ensure that students are equipped to thrive in an interconnected world, making a lasting impact both locally and globally.