As a postdoctoral researcher and senior lecturer, I am interested in how mentoring helps people develop not only as individuals, but also as active members of an increasingly interconnected world. In this regard, initiatives such as Bridges by Mentors demonstrate the potential of mentoring to foster global citizenship through meaningful local engagement.
Global citizenship is often discussed in educational policy and internationalisation strategies, yet it is difficult to cultivate through classroom learning alone. It emerges when people engage with different perspectives, question their assumptions, and develop a sense of shared responsibility for their communities. Mentoring provides exactly this opportunity. Through authentic relationships and collaborative experiences, participants learn to navigate cultural differences, build trust, and appreciate the value of diverse viewpoints.
What I find particularly valuable about Bridges by Mentors is that it connects international students and local communities in ways that enable mutual contribution rather than one-sided support. Participants are encouraged to engage with each other as partners in learning, sharing experiences, knowledge, and perspectives. Such interactions help develop the empathy, adaptability, and social responsibility that are essential qualities of global citizens. From a mentoring perspective, the project’s impact extends beyond individual participants. By creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration across cultures, Bridges by Mentors contributes to communities that are more inclusive, connected, and open to diversity. In a world facing increasingly complex global challenges, initiatives that strengthen these capacities are not simply beneficial, they are essential.
Dr. Tatiana Ciff
Postdoctoral Researcher and Senior Lecturer in (Social) Mentoring and Human Talent Management