Collaborative learning across borders can bring huge benefits to students, but it's often hard to implement because of barriers like:
Lack of direct contact with schools in other countries
Language differences
Time zones and schedules
No clear platform or guidance
Global Collaborative Learning Network — led by UNESCO
Every school should be paired with one or more schools in different countries.
It becomes a mandatory part of the syllabus to collaborate with students from other places.
Rules of collaboration will guide students to interact respectfully and meaningfully.
This system will promote global friendship, peace, tolerance, language learning, and innovation.
UNESCO would facilitate the platform, training, and digital tools to make this possible for every school.
Right now, most international collaborative learning depends on:
Personal contacts
Relatives abroad
Principals or teachers who already know someone
Private school networks or international schools
If you don't have these connections, collaboration becomes almost impossible — and that’s not fair, especially when teachers and students want to connect and learn globally.
🧩 So, What’s the Solution?
Let’s break it down into practical steps any school can follow, even without personal contacts:
1. Use Open Platforms Built for School Collaboration
There are already a few free or low-cost platforms where teachers around the world can meet, connect, and start collaborative projects:
eTwinning (for European and some neighboring countries)
iEARN (International Education and Resource Network)
Empatico (free, for ages 6–11)
PenPal Schools
Global SchoolNet
Microsoft Global Learning Connection
These platforms do not require personal contacts. You just register your school and get matched with others.
2. Ask Your School to Join a Teacher Network or Forum
Start with forums like:
UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet)
British Council Schools Connect
Cambridge Global Perspectives Community (if using that curriculum)
These help schools join global educational communities, often for free or with simple membership.
3. Ask for Help from Your Local Education Office or NGOs
Many local education departments or NGOs (like Save the Children, Teach for All, or even national teacher unions) may help:
Facilitate international school partnerships
Provide digital tools or training
Set up email/video exchanges
🧠 4. Start Small with Digital Cultural Exchange
If you can’t do a full collaboration project yet, start small:
Record a short video where your students share something about their school, food, or culture.
Post it safely on a teacher community or global forum.
Ask if another school would like to reply with a video from their side.
That is the beginning of collaboration!
You don't need a relative or a principal's friend to start global collaboration.
What you need is:
A willing teacher (
that’s you)
A simple internet connection
A free platform where global educators are ready to connect