In 2023 CHEI launched Glocal Connections, an intercultural peer mentoring project for international and local students, with the support of Istituto G. Toniolo. So far 80 students have taken part. The project is now going into its fourth edition from January 2026.
Based on mentoring principles of reciprocity and dialogue, the project places students in teams for a series of encounters and activities over a semester. Mentors take part in intercultural workshops to prepare for their roles as team leaders. Guided by facilitators, mentors lead their teams on an intercultural learning journey on campus and in the local community.
Activities in past editions have included documenting Milan design week, dragon boat racing on the canals, museum visits and interviewing each other. Through these activities, mentors support students in informal language learning and develop communication and leadership skills. New connections and friendships have formed through the project and students have gained better understanding of the local area.
The project aims to:
• Increase intercultural competence of all participating students
• Facilitate friendship and inclusion through the informal curriculum
• Create opportunities to improve communicative competence in the local language for international students
• Provide an internationalisation experience for local students without the need for mobility.
