Dr. Nasima Junejo, Research Grant Facilitator at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, recently travelled from Alberta to Chongqing, China to share her expertise as an instructor in Southwest University’s Global Immersion Program.
Dr. Junejo delivered an intensive course titled “Decision-Making Wisdom for Global Agricultural Challenges” to undergraduate and graduate students. Over 10 days of instruction, teaching nearly five hours daily, she guided students through complex global ag decision-making frameworks. With high temperatures, heavy humidity and a full classroom schedule, the experience required both academic energy and a good supply of water.
The Global Immersion Program brought together highly qualified PhD scholars, professors and researchers from 28 countries, each teaching in a different academic area. It created a truly international classroom environment and plenty of opportunities to exchange ideas, compare teaching styles and learn from colleagues around the world.
During the first few sessions, Dr. Junejo noticed quiet visitors slipping into the back rows of her classroom. Initially mistaking them for unusually silent and serious students, she soon learned they were members of the university’s teaching evaluation committee observing the classes.
The observation team was clearly impressed: by the conclusion of the program, Dr. Junejo was recognized as one of the top instructors of the session. Impressed by her impact, the Dean of the College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture expressed interest in welcoming her back for future international academic programs.
“The students were respectful, hardworking and highly engaged,” said Dr. Junejo. “Teaching for five hours a day was intense, but their energy and thoughtful appreciation letters made it worthwhile.”
In addition to teaching, she met with faculty members, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and academic leaders to connect, explore shared research interests and cultivate ongoing institutional relationships.
Her time in Chongqing also offered opportunities to experience the region's rich heritage, including tours of historic cultural sites, Southwest University’s beautiful green campus, and the city’s famous spicy local cuisine.
Reflecting on the trip, Dr. Junejo noted that the combination of intense teaching, academic networking, cultural immersion and a touch of classroom mystery made for a deeply rewarding and memorable international experience — one she would be happy to repeat.
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