Being a student of an international master course means to be part of a multicultural environment and to confront constantly with attitudes, perspectives, and ideas different from our own. How much do we practice multiculturalism and inclusivity in our classrooms?
More than not, we are proud of studying and living with colleagues coming from different countries and of exchanging languages, idioms and everything that pertains to everyday life. But do we really embrace multiculturalism? Do we really challenge our mental stereotypes about other cultures and reflect on our own cultural bias? Do we really practice inclusion in our classrooms?
At the end of the day, we spent the majority of the first semester in front of the grey screen of our laptop, opening and closing the microphone not to interrupt other people talking, switching off the camera to hide our houses, our faces, our bad moods. We missed the chance to get to know our colleagues, to know their roots, and to take advantage of the outstanding uniqueness of our master. In such isolation, it is not very easy to feel part of a multicultural community of students.
The SET members recognise the challenges students may have experienced during the first semester, and they have organised an online session to help students create a more positive, stimulant and inclusive classroom, be it online or in presence. “Diversity as a strength” is not only the title of the community conversation, it is also a motto that may help students to kick off the second semester with a different mindset and skillset. During this second community conversation, the facilitators will address three core issues: practicing a fair and inclusive language, dealing with different personalities, and embracing multiculturalism. The speakers, Giulia Rosina, Monique Munarini and the new entry Ilaria Ragni, are 2-year HRG students who have drawn fully from their university-related experiences to encourage an open and friendly conversation on the benefits and challenges of being part of a multicultural environment. They have themselves gone through the feeling that two years pass very fastly, and they are motivated to make students understand the importance of embracing multiculturalism and practice inclusion at the earliest possible stage of their career.
Similarly to what happened in the first community conversation on Time Management for Success, the speakers will share their experiences making meaningful reference to scientific research, mainly from cultural and psychological studies, and provide concrete tips tailored for students. These community conversations aim to empower the students through open, non-judgmental dialogue about our struggles and how we have overcome them.
The event is free and open to UniPD students and the public through our secure RSVP portal. Join us on Friday, 5th March at 6pm.
Want to know more about the three speakers?
Monique Munarini is a SET Contributor, Double Degree candidate in Lyon, France, Best Student Award 2020, and women empowerment activist.
Giulia Rosina is the SET Curriculum Enhancement Leader, children’s rights advocate, social justice activist, and content creator.
Ilaria Ragni is a Curriculum Enhancement Member, cultural rights advocate, and integration’s benefits defender.
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