Reflecting Cultures: Implementation of Mirror Classes

Abstract

Mirror classes have become key tools for enhancing comprehensive higher education by facilitating internationalization in a democratic way. This proposal aims to enrich academic training through shared experiences between countries. Universidad de Aquino Bolivia (UDABOL) identified the Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI) of Argentina as a strategic partner, recognized for its experience in internationalization. The collaboration began with the Architecture program through the implementation of a mirror class. Faculty members received prior training, a joint agenda was approved, and tourist sites were selected as study subjects, with the final product being open in scale and level of detail. Some teams worked on the Metropolitan Park of the Piraí River in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, while others focused on Juan María Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The experience was highly rewarding for both faculty and students, who appreciated the opportunity to collaborate and learn alongside peers from another university and country.