21st-Century Teaching and Learning Competences – Preparing Professionals for What Lies Ahead in International Cooperation

The field of international cooperation demands more than technical expertise. Professionals must also integrate competences such as adaptability, intercultural communication, and resilience, so called ‘soft skills’, to succeed in the diverse and challenging environments international cooperation offers.  

Kimon Schneider explained, "Competences are more than just knowledge and skills; they also include attitudes, beliefs and responses that influence behaviour and decision-making."  

Competences are more than just knowledge and skills; they also include attitudes, beliefs and responses that influence behaviour and decision-making.

While higher education institutions increasingly recognise the importance of these competences, gaps remain in preparing students for real-world challenges. Here, we discuss how Swiss academic programmes address these gaps, preparing students for careers in international cooperation while adapting to the sector’s evolving needs. 

1. Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice 
   Many academic programmes now incorporate practical components to ensure students are job-ready. Michal shared that one-quarter of the interdisciplinary master’s programme at the Geneva Graduate Institute is dedicated to applied research. Students work in small, diverse teams on real mandates from international organisations. This practical approach helps students develop teamwork, conflict resolution, and research skills. They learn how to collaborate, manage their time, and address conflicts with empathy, leaving them better prepared for the demands of international cooperation. 
    
2. Fostering Emotional Resilience and Self-Awareness 
   Emotional resilience and self-awareness are important attributes for professionals navigating complex international environments. Yet, these traits are often overlooked in traditional curricula. Kimon highlighted the value of emotion-oriented adult teaching practices (ASPs), which challenge students to reflect on their beliefs and behaviours. The study revealed that profound change happens through critical events, emotional disruptions, and self-inquiry-based learning practices abundantly present in the international cooperation sector.
    
3. Promoting Intercultural Communication and Localisation 
   Communicating and collaborating across cultures is a core competence in international cooperation. Nancy discussed how internships organised by Swiss institutions expose students to new cultures and help them adapt to local contexts. However, she noted that preparation for these experiences varies widely, with some institutions offering minimal guidance.  
   
   "Learning flexibility and understanding local cultures are recurring themes, but inadequate preparation can hinder students’ ability to cope with complex situations," emphasised Nancy. 
    
4. Addressing Gaps in Resilience and Adaptability 
   Employers often highlight resilience and adaptability as areas where graduates fall short. Kimon's study showed that while competences like creativity and humility are generally well-developed, others, such as accepting vulnerability and sustaining optimism amidst challenges, need to be systematically addressed. Though resilience is highly valued, many young professionals struggle with criticism, opting for sick leave instead of taking the negative feedback on board and moving forward.
    
5. Leveraging Immersive Learning Technologies 
   Innovative technologies, including virtual reality (VR), offer new ways to teach 21st-century competences. These tools allow students to practise complex scenarios, such as negotiation and sensitivity to diversity, in a safe, controlled environment without the emotional strain of real-world consequences. 
    
6. Encouraging Continuous Reflection Among Trainers 
   To teach competences effectively, trainers themselves must model emotional resilience and self-awareness. Kimon referred to this as addressing the "hidden curriculum," where trainers’ unexamined attitudes may inadvertently influence students. 
   
   Kimon recommended that trainers engage in professional development to understand their beliefs and attitudes, which fosters a reflective learning environment.

While Swiss academic programmes are making strides, gaps remain in preparing students for the realities of international cooperation. Employers praise graduates for their creativity and technical skills but often find them lacking in resilience and adaptability. Addressing these shortcomings requires a holistic approach integrating practical experiences, emotional competence training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

As the international cooperation sector evolves, young professionals must embrace lifelong learning and self-reflection to succeed. To leverage their studies, students should: 

1. Seek out programmes that combine theoretical knowledge with real-world practice 
2. Engage in internships and immersive experiences to build cultural competence 
3. Prioritise emotional resilience and adaptability through self-reflection and targeted training 

"Soft skills are essential," concluded Michal Sela. "If institutions want to remain relevant, they must focus on equipping students with the competences needed to succeed in diverse and challenging environments." 

If institutions want to remain relevant, they must focus on equipping students with the competences needed to succeed in diverse and challenging environments.

Preparing young professionals for international cooperation requires more than academic excellence – it demands a holistic approach that integrates practical experience, emotional resilience, and cultural competence. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, fostering self-awareness, and leveraging innovative teaching methods, educational institutions can equip students to navigate complex global challenges. As the panellists emphasised, self-reflection and adaptability are not just desirable traits but essential competences for thriving in this dynamic sector. By committing to continuous growth and embracing opportunities for immersive learning, students can transform their studies into impactful, sustainable contributions to the field of international cooperation.