International Experience Sharing Session

The Office of International Affairs (OIA), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organized an International Experience Sharing Session on 16 June 2026 at the Banquet Hall, Central Block. The session was designed to provide staff and faculty members with first-hand insights into international academic engagements, intercultural learning experiences, and the growing importance of global collaborations in higher education. It served as a platform for participants to understand how international exposure contributes to academic excellence, professional development, and institutional growth.

The event featured Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, Director and Dean, Dr. David Joseph, and Prof. Kalpesh Patkar, who shared their experiences from recent international academic engagements and immersion programs. Through their reflections, the speakers demonstrated how global interactions foster innovation, strengthen academic partnerships, and enrich teaching and research practices.

Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas shared his experiences from Hong Kong, Macau, and the USA, highlighting the diverse academic environments, collaborative opportunities, and institutional partnerships he encountered. He emphasized the significance of building sustainable international relationships that facilitate knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and the adoption of innovative pedagogical practices. He also reflected on the role of internationalization in preparing higher education institutions to address global challenges while nurturing globally competent educators.

Dr. David Joseph spoke about his academic engagements in Hong Kong and Macau, where he experienced diverse educational systems and meaningful intercultural interactions. He discussed the importance of embracing different perspectives, strengthening institutional collaborations, and creating opportunities for faculty mobility and collaborative learning. His experiences illustrated how international exposure contributes to professional growth while enhancing the quality of teaching and academic engagement within the University.

Prof. Kalpesh Patkar shared valuable insights from the Poland Immersion Program 2026, highlighting the academic sessions, collaborative activities, and cultural experiences that formed an integral part of the program. He explained how immersion initiatives promote experiential learning by enabling participants to engage with international faculty, explore new educational practices, and develop a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity. His reflections underscored the value of such programs in fostering adaptability, intercultural competence, and lifelong learning.

The session also encouraged meaningful interaction between the speakers and participants, providing an opportunity to discuss international collaborations, faculty mobility, research partnerships, and future global initiatives. These discussions enabled staff and faculty members to better understand the University's internationalization efforts and the avenues available for active participation in global academic programs.

By sharing authentic experiences from different parts of the world, the speakers demonstrated how international engagement contributes to institutional development, strengthens global networks, and enhances academic quality. The session inspired participants to explore future opportunities for international collaboration and reaffirmed the University's commitment to creating a vibrant academic environment rooted in global engagement and intercultural understanding.

The International Experience Sharing Session exemplified the Office of International Affairs' continued efforts to cultivate a culture of internationalization across the University. Through the exchange of experiences, ideas, and best practices, the program reinforced the importance of global academic engagement in shaping forward-looking educators, fostering meaningful collaborations, and preparing the University community to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.