Sandy Marshall, associate professor of geology and Center for Research on Global Education (CRGE) intercultural learning scholar, attended the conference and shared research co-authored with Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler, professor of psychology and CRGE director, and Waseem Kasim, assistant professor of history. Their research was featured alongside the work of other international educators focused on Ubuntu philosophy, equitable North–South partnerships, and student empowerment through virtual collaboration.

Scholars and practitioners from Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America gathered at Université Internationale de Rabat, Morocco, for the conference. Hosted by Stellenbosch University, Université Internationale de Rabat, and Al Akhawayn University, the conference focused on advancing intercultural competence and inclusive global partnerships through education, dialogue, and virtual exchange.

The faculty research poster, “Supporting Intercultural Learning through a Mentoring Constellation Model,” explored how relational mentoring within a constellation model can foster intercultural learning and cultural humility. Marshall, Vandermaas-Peeler, and Kasim defined mentoring as a developmental, learner-centered relationship that supports academic, identity and cultural growth.

The research drew connections between mentoring constellations and Ubuntu philosophy, emphasizing mutual respect, reciprocity, and interdependence. The presentation highlighted the importance of cultural humility and critical self-reflection for both mentors and mentees, suggesting that incorporating near-peer mentoring and global experiences can deepen intercultural competence.

The second presentation, “Beyond Competence: COIL as a Tool for Critical Consciousness and Student Empowerment,” featured Marshall in collaboration with Abdalkarim Zawawi and Alia Gilbrecht from An-Najah University in Palestine. The research examined a six-week COIL—Collaborative Online International Learning exchange between students at Elon and An-Najah University.

The study found that Palestinian students gained confidence, communication skills and empowerment to advocate for themselves globally, while U.S. students developed empathy, cultural awareness and a deeper sense of responsibility toward global justice. The project demonstrated COIL’s potential as a critical pedagogy, drawing from Paulo Freire’s concept of conscientization, rather than just a professional development tool. The research emphasized that trust, preparation, motivation and curiosity serve as essential components of successful intercultural exchanges.

Elon’s participation underscores the university’s leadership in intercultural learning and global education research. The presentations connect to Elon’s mission of preparing students for global citizenship through mentorship, dialogue, and experiential learning, while aligning with global educational priorities around equitable partnerships and decolonizing international education.

The conference also featured related sessions on virtual exchange as resistance, Africa–HBCU partnerships, and Ubuntu-informed pedagogy, contextualizing Elon’s contributions within a global movement toward transformative intercultural learning. Through research and practice, Elon continues to advance understanding of how educational institutions can foster meaningful cross-cultural dialogue and prepare students to engage thoughtfully with diverse global communities.

As part of Elon’s monthly Dialogue Dinner Series, the Global Neighborhood hosted the Global Gratitude Dinner to deepen understanding across cultures and to offer a sense of belonging and community for both Elon students and local refugee families resettling in the Burlington area. The dinner provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and local refugee families to share food, stories, and perspectives in a space dedicated to intercultural learning.

“Such gatherings align with Elon’s mission of fostering Global Citizenship,” shared Sandy Marshall, Global Neighborhood faculty director and intercultural learning scholar for the Center for Research on Global Engagement. “This event served as a living example of intercultural learning.”

The evening featured personal and cultural reflections by Ashraaf Saad, an employment specialist at Church World Service who came to the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2023. Saad shared stories about migration, resilience and belonging that highlighted the experiences of refugees adapting to life in a new country. The remarks emphasized community collaboration and the importance of shared spaces that foster understanding between refugees and local residents.

Guests also heard from community leaders, including Anal Khdour, representing the Al-Aqsa Clinic, and Munib Sayyid and Imam Shaher Sayid from the Burlington Masjid. Million Mekonnen, executive director of the North Carolina African Services Coalition, attended along with board members, staff and refugee youth from Greensboro. Refugee families from the Burlington area also participated in the evening, contributing to the rich tapestry of voices and experiences shared throughout the gathering.

The event promoted student engagement through interactive “Dialogue Across Difference” activities, where participants shared experiences about home, belonging, and gratitude. Guests answered thoughtful prompts such as “Where do you call home and why?”, “Describe a time you felt welcomed somewhere new” and “What is one thing you are grateful for?” These conversations created meaningful connections across cultural and geographic backgrounds, allowing participants to find common ground while honoring their unique stories.

The evening also featured an interactive trivia session that sparked laughter and learning, with questions about Afghan history, African geography and facts about Muslim-majority countries. The activity brought together global and cultural knowledge in a welcoming, educational format that engaged guests of all ages.

The Global Gratitude Dinner is organized through partnerships with Church World Service, the North Carolina African Services Coalition, Burlington Masjid and other local refugee support organizations. These partnerships reflect Elon’s commitment to intercultural learning and global citizenship through dialogue and meaningful community engagement.

The Global Neighborhood works to engage students in developing a global perspective while emphasizing core values of respect, reflection and engagement with local and global communities. The dinner reinforced the Global Neighborhood pledge to “work for the common good” and “develop a global perspective” in connection with personal growth. Through events like the monthly Dialogue Dinner Series, Elon creates opportunities for students to practice intercultural understanding while building relationships with community members whose experiences expand perspectives and deepen appreciation for the interconnected nature of our world.