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The article examines the impact of Ukraine’s EU candidate status on the innovative component of business economic security. It emphasizes the importance of innovation for business and the role of the EU in promoting innovative practices. The article analyzes the current state of Ukraine’s economy and its readiness to implement EU standards and practices in the field of innovation under martial law. It also discusses the challenges, threats, and opportunities that Ukraine’s status as an EU candidate presents for businesses, specifically in terms of strengthening economic security through the integration of innovation. The article outlines Ukraine’s rankings in terms of innovative capacity indices from 2015 to 2022. It also presents the dynamics of funding for Ukraine’s scientific sector from both the general and special funds of the state budget between 2018 and 2022. It was found that, in 2022, the volume of expenditures for financing the scientific sector increased through both the general fund (by 10.80% compared to 2021) and the special fund (by 41.55%). Innovative economies were studied by groups of countries based on income levels per capita (according to World Bank classifications). The introduction of innovative products in Ukraine during martial law, in cooperation with international partners and companies such as USAID, Microsoft, Google.org, and Rakuten, was also analyzed. The article emphasizes the improvement of the legislative framework regulating innovation potential in Ukraine, including the adoption of the draft Law «On Innovation Parks.» It stresses the need for a new framework for innovation policy to address the challenges outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals. This framework could be supported by the adoption of the Strategy for the Development of the Innovation Ecosystem in Ukraine, which aims for transformational changes and is based on a critical analysis of obstacles, challenges, and threats to the implementation of innovations by researchers and businesses, especially in key areas for reconstruction, as well as gaps in the management of innovation policy. Furthermore, the article highlights the adoption of the Innovation Development Strategy until 2030, based on three key principles: first, the development of the Ukrainian innovation ecosystem, which includes creating conditions for the free emergence and circulation of ideas, and assisting research institutions, innovative start-ups, and technology companies; second, a multilateral state policy of innovation support, ranging from deregulation to national programs; and third, the stimulation of innovation and the development of technologies that address both current and future pressing problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers a critical discussion of the evolution and impact of an international nursing writing group, developed to support nursing faculty and academics globally. Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the writing group adapted and thrived online with a flattened power structure, and shared influence and acknowledgment of mutual capacity and contribution. The writing group attracted participants from various countries, with international members enriching collaboration, and fostering a global network of nursing scholars. By embracing diverse perspectives and promoting nonpatriarchal approaches to scholarly writing, the International Writing Group became a unique and valuable platform for academic growth and cross-cultural exchange in nursing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the opportunities and main directions of international cooperation for the activation of startups. To achieve this goal, the authors developed and implemented a comprehensive multi-stage research project based on a quantitative approach. The research used both the results of statistical observations and primary information obtained by online questionnaires. The questionnaires involved economically active people demonstrating an active interest in the organization of startups (408 questionnaires). The results of study may be valuable for public administration specialists in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship, specialists in business incubators and venture funds, as well as academic researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose Strong primary health care (PHC) systems require well‐established PHC education systems to enhance the skills of general practitioners (GPs). However, the literature on the experiences of international collaboration in primary care education in low‐ and middle‐income countries remains limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation and perceived impact of the McGill‐Tongji Blended Education Program for Teacher Leaders in General Practice (referred to as the “Tongji Program”). Methods In 2020–2021, the McGill Department of Family Medicine (Montreal, Canada) and Tongji University School of Medicine (TUSM, Shanghai, China) jointly implemented the Tongji Program in Shanghai, China to improve the teaching capacity of PHC teachers. We conducted an exploratory longitudinal case study with a mixed methods design for the evaluation. Quantitative (QUAN) data was collected through questionnaire surveys and qualitative (QUAL) data was collected through focus group discussions. Results The evaluation showed that learners in Tongji Program were primarily female GPs (21/22，95%) with less than 4 years of experience in teaching (16/22，73%). This program was considered a successful learning experience by most participants (19/22, 86%) with higher order learning tasks such as critical thinking and problem‐solving. They also agreed that this program helped them feel more prepared to teach (21/22，95%), and developed a positive attitude toward primary care (21/22，95%). The QUAL interview revealed that both the Tongji and McGill organizers noted that TUSM showed strong leadership in organization, education, and coordination. Both students and teachers agreed that by adapting training content into contextualized delivery formats and settings, the Tongji Program successfully overcame language and technology barriers. Conclusions Committed partnerships and contextualization were key to the success of the Tongji Program. Future research should focus on how international primary care education programs affect learners' behavior in their practice settings, and explore barriers and facilitators to change.

The article outlines the conceptual directions of the professional activity of Academician Nellia Hryhorivna Nychkalo in the dimensions of labor pedagogy. Based on biographical information and facts from the academician's biography, it is proven that her initiatives testify to an effective professional and life position, a focus on the implementation of conceptual ideas of labor pedagogy in the scientific and educational space to affirm the values of science and education, strengthen international educational partnership, taking into account the realities of war, the need to realize the value of science, culture, and education as the main factors of preserving national identity. Nellia Hryhorivna Nychkalo's moral dignity and inner need not to stand aside from significant socio-cultural shifts in the conditions of Russia's war against Ukraine determined her optimistic and productive work to strengthen partnerships between educational institutions and scientific institutions of Ukraine and abroad, systematic coverage of the results of the activities of the institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which is aimed at affirming national and European values of education and science, etc. Work as a life concept of Academician N.H. Nychkalo became a reference point in the implementation of the research, educational, and educational mission from the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into the territory of Ukraine. Nellia Hryhorivna sees her professional mission as highlighting the significant experience of strengthening the national foundations of Ukrainian education, confronting the opposition of Russian ideology, as evidenced by the publication initiated by her in collaboration with a group of co-authors, “Ukrainian Education in the Flames of War” (monograph / author N. Nychkalo, O. Ovcharuk, V. Hordiienko, I. Ivaniuk; edited by N. Nychkalo. Kyiv: LLC “Yurka Liubchenko”, 2024. 208 p.). The development of international partnerships in the scientific and educational space is facilitated by holding the 10th Ukrainian-Polish / Polish-Ukrainian Scientific Forum “Education for the Digital Transformation of Society” (November 27-28, 2024) at the initiative of Academician N.H. Nychkalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive article explores the global trends in defense acquisition processes, examining key practices in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Highlighting the diverse organizational structures and decision-making support systems, the article delves into challenges faced by each nation and strategies implemented for improvement. Drawing insights from the U.S. strategic planning and flexibility, Canada's multidepartmental approach, France's emphasis on innovation, the UK's integrated procurement and support, Germany's technological advancements, New Zealand's collaborative framework, and Australia's adaptability, the article presents a comparative analysis. It underscores the importance of joint capability management, strategic planning, flexibility, and international collaboration. In the context of Georgia, the article provides a glimpse into the current landscape of defense acquisition, focusing on key entities within the Ministry of Defense and their roles in shaping the country's defense acquisition capabilities. The findings underscore opportunities for fostering inter-departmental collaboration, leveraging innovation, optimizing logistical processes, strengthening international partnerships, enhancing personnel training, and fortifying legislative frameworks. Additionally, the study advocates for a structured defense acquisition framework inspired by international best practices, incorporating decision-making support systems, delineating clear acquisition phases, and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The proposed recommendations aim to guide Georgia towards a more resilient, adaptive, and forward-looking defense posture in the dynamic global security landscape.

This comprehensive article explores the global trends in defense acquisition processes, examining key practices in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Highlighting the diverse organizational structures and decision-making support systems, the article delves into challenges faced by each nation and strategies implemented for improvement. Drawing insights from the U.S. strategic planning and flexibility, Canada's multidepartmental approach, France's emphasis on innovation, the UK's integrated procurement and support, Germany's technological advancements, New Zealand's collaborative framework, and Australia's adaptability, the article presents a comparative analysis. It underscores the importance of joint capability management, strategic planning, flexibility, and international collaboration. In the context of Georgia, the article provides a glimpse into the current landscape of defense acquisition, focusing on key entities within the Ministry of Defense and their roles in shaping the country's defense acquisition capabilities. The findings underscore opportunities for fostering inter-departmental collaboration, leveraging innovation, optimizing logistical processes, strengthening international partnerships, enhancing personnel training, and fortifying legislative frameworks. Additionally, the study advocates for a structured defense acquisition framework inspired by international best practices, incorporating decision-making support systems, delineating clear acquisition phases, and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The proposed recommendations aim to guide Georgia towards a more resilient, adaptive, and forward-looking defense posture in the dynamic global security landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Global ophthalmology opportunities are becoming increasingly popular, and international partnerships are becoming more common among academic training institutions in the United States. There is need for training in the complex relational, motivational, ethical, and logistical issues that may arise in these partnerships. Methods We developed a 3-hour case-based session featuring four characters in a fictitious international ophthalmology partnership scenario. Facilitators used structured questions for each of the four parts to foster interaction and discussion among learners. After the activity, participants completed an evaluation/questionnaire consisting of Likert-scale and open-ended questions. Results A total of 23 ophthalmology residents and seven medical students underwent the activity over four iterations. The activity was well received, with 100% of learners either strongly agreeing (90%) or agreeing (10%) when asked if the session was worthwhile and 100% of learners either strongly agreeing (87%) or agreeing (13%) when asked if the format was conducive to achieving the learning objectives. Answers to questions on how learners would change how they practice ophthalmology in their residency and in their future careers revolved around the following topics: consideration of other perspectives, humility, self- and situational awareness, complexities of partnerships, reciprocity and exchange, importance of communication, and connection of principles between international and domestic medical practice. Discussion While this case study explores an international ophthalmology partnership scenario, the principles and themes presented can be applicable to other fields of medicine, and can be applicable to the practice of medicine both internationally and domestically.

The Government of the Russian Federation is implementing comprehensive measures to counter sanctions, stabilize the economy, restore economic security, and achieve technological sovereignty. Draft laws to close lacunas are being considered, and measures taken to support domestic enterprises in the sphere of economic development priority areas. It is impossible to universally finance a wide range of projects, so the author of the article recognizes expediency of considering prioritization according to certain criteria, such as size of the industry, participation in value chains, efficiency, and operability of the industry at the moment. For the microelectronics industry, it is important to consider state of inter-industry balance indicators to generate orders and maintain economic equilibrium, as its manufactured products are consumed in almost all sectors of the economy due to digitalization penetration at different levels. The purpose of the study is to identify trends in global economy, analyze and predict actions of major players, analyze the Russian microelectronics industry, and rationalize suggestions based on the data collected. The suggestions are to create conditions for innovative development institutions interaction with groups of educational institutions in order to realize joint projects to create innovations. The methodological basis for building the model was provided by modern works in the researched area. The article considers main causes and problems preventing industries from getting out of the critical state within the framework of achieving technological sovereignty, analyzes current state of the microelectronics industry in the current geopolitical situation, and proposes external and internal ways to expand the ‘bottlenecks” in the form of measures to stimulate end-to-end technologies creation.

This practice report describes the design and implementation of a collaborative and virtual exchange-embedded virtual summer school for postgraduate students in the context of European Higher Education. The two-week virtual summer school on multilingualism and intercultural learning brought together 40 students who collaborated to produce ten video-case studies based on their experiences as educators in a number of contexts. We share our experiences as organisers and participants and offer insights from the process of planning for, engaging with and evaluating the summer school. Our paper draws on quantitative and qualitative data, i.e., a pre and post summer school survey, a qualitative evaluation questionnaire and a student-participant account to evidence how the experience benefitted participants. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the model presented here: participants’ understanding of key concepts of interculturality and multilingualism increased, there was a statistically significant difference in perceived development of digital competences and presentation skills, and more than 90% of the participants were very satisfied with their training and international collaboration opportunities. In conclusion, we propose a set of learning points that may support others to design and deliver a collaborative model of summer school and the use of ‘skills passports’ in alternative to accreditation.

Doctoral education in Africa is a rigorous journey that demands unwavering commitment from both students and mentors. It involves original research aimed at contributing new knowledge to the academic realm, making it a formidable scholarly pursuit. The pivotal players in this endeavor are the students, their mentors, and the higher education institutions. This paper delves into the strategies and recommendations for enhancing excellence in doctoral education across Africa. One significant approach is fostering entrepreneurship among doctoral students, empowering them to develop businesses and cultivating an innovative culture to broaden their career prospects. Additionally, robust academic support systems play a crucial role, encompassing services like academic writing centers, article writing workshops, and well-structured mentoring programs. These resources bolster research and writing skills, aid in crafting research proposals, and facilitate publishing, thereby boosting students' self-esteem. International partnerships offer opportunities for academic mobility, through scholarships, exchange programs, and funding. This international exposure fosters cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Collaborations, both with academia and industry, enable problemsolving and interdisciplinary research, further enriching the doctoral experience. Exchange programs serve dual purposes by providing funding and ensuring quality standards are met in doctoral programs. These measures collectively contribute to the advancement of excellence in doctoral education in Africa, nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and development on the continent. This theoretical paper relies on extensive scrutiny of reputable sources and accredited journals. The findings emphasize the significance of collaborations and academic support systems in achieving academic success, which, in turn, leads to entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth generation. Adequate funding and motivated supervisors and students are foundational elements for a thriving doctoral program. Overall, these interventions and recommendations pave the way for Africa's doctoral students to reach their full potential, contributing to the continent's growth and prosperity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the aviation and space industries on the development of the world economy and economic development, industrial potential, competitiveness and position of various countries in the world is shown in the article. Global aviation and space market has been studied and an economic analysis of the aviation and space sector of the industry of the countries that are among ten world leaders in the industry was carried out. The main indicators of the development of the aviation and space industry of world countries-leaders and Ukraine have been systematized. The volumes of income of the leading companies of the industry producers, between which there is fierce competition, have been given. International competitiveness has been analyzed and ways of recovery and development of the aviation and space sector of Ukraine were proposed, taking into consideration the significant losses and damages caused by full-scale military invasion of aggressive neighbor on the territory of Ukraine. Scenarios of competitive behavior were considered and a strategy for the restoration of one of the largest enterprises in the world and single one in the aviation and space industry in Ukraine that has completed the cycle of engine production – Joint Stock Company Motor Sich has been made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doctoral education in Africa is a rigorous journey that demands unwavering commitment from both students and mentors. It involves original research aimed at contributing new knowledge to the academic realm, making it a formidable scholarly pursuit. The pivotal players in this endeavor are the students, their mentors, and the higher education institutions. This paper delves into the strategies and recommendations for enhancing excellence in doctoral education across Africa. One significant approach is fostering entrepreneurship among doctoral students, empowering them to develop businesses and cultivating an innovative culture to broaden their career prospects. Additionally, robust academic support systems play a crucial role, encompassing services like academic writing centers, article writing workshops, and well-structured mentoring programs. These resources bolster research and writing skills, aid in crafting research proposals, and facilitate publishing, thereby boosting students’ self-esteem. International partnerships offer opportunities for academic mobility, through scholarships, exchange programs, and funding. This international exposure fosters cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Collaborations, both with academia and industry, enable problem-solving and interdisciplinary research, further enriching the doctoral experience. Exchange programs serve dual purposes by providing funding and ensuring quality standards are met in doctoral programs. These measures collectively contribute to the advancement of excellence in doctoral education in Africa, nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and development on the continent. This theoretical paper relies on extensive scrutiny of reputable sources and accredited journals. The findings emphasize the significance of collaborations and academic support systems in achieving academic success, which, in turn, leads to entrepreneurship, job creation, and wealth generation. Adequate funding and motivated supervisors and students are foundational elements for a thriving doctoral program. Overall, these interventions and recommendations pave the way for Africa’s doctoral students to reach their full potential, contributing to the continent’s growth and prosperity.

The need to conduct a study on accounting for the costs of restoring non-current assets after the lifting of martial law in Ukraine is urgent. This need has arisen as a result of the extensive destruction and damage that the military conflict has caused. The end of the war will lead to the need to restore these assets in order to alleviate the humanitarian situation and facilitate economic recovery, and this is of great legal importance to ensure proper accounting. The study aims to develop a model to systemise and predict the process of accounting for costs associated with the restoration of non-current assets. The following methods of scientific cognition were used: comparison, description, modelling, analysis, and synthesis. Thus, the main factors that destroy certain non-current assets were formulated in the course of this study. Each of the proposed stages of this accounting process has been thoroughly researched, analysed, and explained, which ultimately demonstrated its holistic mode of operation. It also proposed a classification of costs that should be recorded, supported by specific examples, and tracked the entire document flow process, including its preparation, receipt, registration, and retention, which made it possible to specify the implementation of the steps involved. Emphasis is placed on the importance of maintaining company records, listing necessary documents. Evidence of proper fund utilization for non-current asset restoration is deemed vital for addressing stakeholder concerns effectively. In terms of practical implications, this paper should be useful for accountants, auditors, government officials and all those involved in the cost accounting mechanism, as the study will contribute to a better understanding of the implementation of all accounting steps, which in turn will allow identifying and eliminating problems that may arise at each stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marketing partnership, also called Cooperative marketing is a collaborative and strategic effort between two or more companies or organizations to jointly promote their products, services, or brands. In a marketing partnership, each company contributes its unique strengths, resources, and capabilities to create a mutually beneficial relationship.The goal of international marketing partnership is to leverage the strengths and reach of each partnerin target markets, to boost performance, increase brand awareness, customer engagement,and ultimately, sales. By working together, partners can share the costs and risks of marketing initiatives, while also tapping into each other customer base and audienceIn fact, Marketing partnerships are becoming increasingly popular among AfricanBusinessesas a way to expand their reach, tap into new markets, and increase brandawareness. Yet, we have tried through this article to draw up an inventory of the notion of international Co Marketing activatedon the African continent, and more specifically among a sample of companies in member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). through an empirical investigation. The objective is to decelerate the impact that the Marketing partnership brings on the economic performance and on the development of the African Company in the Years [2012-2017].Through an exploratory approach, the results of this study will focus on the challenges of the Moroccan-African relationship, by describingthe behavior of marketing partners in Africa and by identifying the key success factors of Co-Marketingin African companies.T he interest is to finally deduce its impact on the activity and performance of African companies

A steady and inexpensive energy supply is the essential basis for the successful development of countries in Africa. Ghana currently suffers from an energy crisis. Ghana is no longer able to meet the rising demand for electricity due to increasing economic growth, urbanization, and industrial activities. This energy crisis has been a significant challenge for the Ghanaian economy, affecting various sectors and hindering economic growth. This review paper aims to analyze the impact of the energy crisis on the Ghanaian economy and propose strategies to overcome it. By examining relevant literature, government reports, and case studies, this paper identifies the causes and consequences of the energy crisis and provides recommendations to mitigate its effects. The findings suggest that a comprehensive approach involving diversification of energy sources, improved infrastructure, policy reforms, and sustainable energy practices can alleviate the energy crisis and foster economic development in Ghana.

Educational approaches that emphasize engagement within communitybased contexts in both domestic and international settings are widely recognized as high-impact pedagogical practices. However, the international components of global learning programs are increasingly being viewed through rigorous ethical lenses as the potential and actual harms of these initiatives have become more widely recognized. Six common criticisms of international components embedded within global learning programs are highlighted in this essay, along with responses and counterpoints to each. We assert that although each of these concerns warrants significant discussion, all six can be satisfactorily addressed using proactive and ethical strategies that are already employed in bestpractice community-based global learning (CBGL) work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing and implementing impactful international partnerships was the top priority for higher education institutions prior to the pandemic breakout. The pandemic forced higher education to change and act quickly to avoid international enrollment crash and spurred some unprecedented international collaborations. This case study examines an unconventional international cooperation that a public research university in China initiated for providing a college learning environment for Chinese students enrolled in other countries during the global challenge. This study responds to the call for how to build sustainable internationalization. The research findings contribute to the development of a new paradigm of internationalization and creative internationalization for the future of new normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the Reciprocal Learning Programmes between Western and Eastern educational systems through a Sister School project as well as, a Reciprocal Learning Programme through preservice programs between a Canadian university and a Chinese university. Benefits of the Reciprocal Learning Programs include reflective practice of content and pedagogical learning, cultural and societal learning, globalisation and emotional and social impact. Qualitative documentation demonstrates that educational, social and cultural dimensions are cultivated and nurtured through the Reciprocal Learning programs and have positively affected the students, educators and leaders involved in the project. Criteria for success in the programs included professional and personal commitment, educator inquiry, vulnerability, organisational commitment and multi-dimensional partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Programs of international cooperation in higher education claim to promote peace and intercultural understanding, contribute to development of efficient human resources as well as research and innovation. For centuries, universities were centers of progress that ensure community’s development. Processes of globalization, internationalization, rapid development of information technology transform the mission of university, challenging modern universities to join forces to meet growing needs of knowledge society. The European Higher Education Area is continuously working to reduce mismatch of skills between the workforce and labor market. International cooperation in education has fundamental potential for reducing economic disparity. Ukrainian government views higher education as a means of growth and development and considers international activity pivotal in responding to global and regional change and achieving world quality standards of education. The aim of this paper is to explore potential of international cooperation in higher education in globalized world by examining selected international projects and their outcomes.

The Lower Bidasoa region, which encompasses the municipalities of Irun and Hondarrabia in Spain and Hendaye in France, has been cultivating municipality collaboration for decades, especially after the foundation of the international partnership of Bidasoa-Txingudi in 1998. The objective of the investigation is to show the activity of this entity as an example of the development of policies between interstate border boundaries in the European Union, and of the spatial socialization schemes that operate around them. We opted for the in-depth interview to contrast the results obtained through published sources. The results suggest an unquestionable willingness to materialize this relationship. However, this collaboration is limited by the difficulty of initiating common projects governed by legislation from two different states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent migration and other security crisis have made the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region one of the most problematic and challenging for Europe. The lack of effective decisions to solve it raises the question, weather EU has ever had any good strategy for the relations with this region. This article examines the path of "Euro-Med partnerships" and the recent developments within the EU's external policy titled "Union for the Mediterranean". Since 1995, when "Barcelona process" was established, the European Union has been developing economic and political relations with the Mediterranean countries in North Africa and Middle East (MENA) region. Within this period EU has introduced several initiatives focused on the same region including "Barcelona process"/"Euro-Mediterranean Partnership", "European neighborhood policy" and the newest one- the Union for the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, the results of the policies are far from satisfying the initial goals. Various institutional structures, which have been established for building the partnership, did not contribute much for settling the recent migration and asylum crisis in the EU either. This article analyzes the reasons and the main institutional frameworks paying attention on the goals' set and comparing it with the achievements of the EU policies in MENA region. It is stated that EU stance is rather based on "low politics" issues leaving aside the "high politics" questions for many years. We argue that the EU's external policies directed towards the Mediterranean region, namely the Union for Mediterranean (UfM), did not live up to its expectations and is more focused on low politics, topic-specific issues, rather than solving the major political challenges of the Mediterranean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the evaluation of a staff exchange program between a US and a German non-profit social service agency. The program’s 12-year history, challenges, and successes are presented. Focus group and in-depth interview findings include the following: (1) support from leadership and staff impacts sustainability, (2) development of collaboration principles is key for continued partnership, (3) financial input seems small when compared to outcomes, (4) traveling abroad and hosting fosters positive learning experiences, (5) agencies learned to better position themselves and increased their retention, and (6) themes among staff include observing, reflecting, and learning from each other. Suggestions for replication are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide a comparative case study of rehabilitation counselling across the U.S., Japan and Taiwan focusing on the common challenges facing international constituents in the field. Through interviews with students, faculty and administrators from each of the respective countries, we use thematic coding analysis to identify key points of tension. Emergent themes comprise (a) systemic challenges, (b) student and faculty mobility, (c) cultural and linguistic differences and (d) lack of sustainable international leadership. We further discuss mitigation of these recurrent challenges and conclude collaborative research, student exchange and institutional partnerships may advance teaching, research and service scholarship of rehabilitation counselling programs, and, in turn, enhance the lives of people with chronic illness and disability worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the initial steps of an internationally funded project focused on enhancing teachers’ conceptual and pedagogical knowledge of literacy development in the Western Cape of South Africa. We asked what are the tensions and breakthroughs when engaged in international teacher professional development? Four lines of inquiry support this work: internationalization and production of knowledge, professional development structures, communities of practice, and ethic of care. Resulting themes included initial barriers, localized professional development, and enhancing teacher capacity for change. To explain the themes, we identified four critical incidents. This study has potential to inform the international community of new directions for teacher learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]