As part of an ongoing effort to integrate international content and experiences into the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) undergraduate curricula, two additional courses are being modified to offer collaborative international learning, facilitated by technology, between students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and students from National Taiwan University and Croatia’s University of Rijeka.

Two College of ACES faculty members received funding through the U. of I.’s Global Classrooms program to work on innovative classroom modifications for academic year 2024-2025: 

FSHN 120: Contemporary Nutrition (James Scholar Discussion Section) taught by Toni Gist

ACE 398: Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Economics in Croatia taught by Renata Endres

Although ACE 398 already includes a study-abroad option, not all students are able to travel. These modifications will allow the non-traveling students to internationalize their educational experience.  

“Students will work in groups virtually to collaborate on an assigned project exploring different aspects of agritourism and sustainable development,” Endres said. 

In FSHN 120, Gist oversees more than 50 of the college’s James Scholars who choose one of several final projects that most appeals to them. She expects this new option of collaborating with peers in Taiwan will be popular. 

“The students from each university will work on a project showcasing food, health, and behavior from the region around their university while creating a cultural guide for future students who may visit their respective areas,” she said. 

The ACES Global Classroom grants provide faculty members a stipend for course development and access to training and logistical support and are sponsored by ACES Academic Programs, ACES Education Abroad, and the ACES Office of International Programs.