Crossing boundaries, building bridges in the academic apprenticeship

This paper reflects on the experiences of the three authors who participated in the CROSSLIFE study program. CROSSLIFE was a European Union supported experimental program for VET professionals enrolled in post-graduate programs at the member universities (Monash, Tampere (Finland), London Institute of Education, Malta, Zurich. A range of cross-cultural issues arose when members of the Monash home-group, from different backgrounds, organisations, cultures and disciplines, collaborated on a common task with flexible guidelines in preparation for the Malta workshop. The task was to employ diverse ways to present local issues raised by selected ?readings? on how pedagogical practices travel globally. Following the work of Kraus Sultana (2008), the intention of this presentation is to explore ?the complex and challenging processes that come into play in cross-cultural and inter-disciplinary settings? from the perspective of experienced VET practitioners undertaking an academic apprenticeship. The issues addressed include the challenges in establishing a ?community of practice?, identification and negotiation of boundaries, shared spaces and understandings, development of capacities for cross cultural communication and collaboration across local and national boundaries through various mediums, competence building through mentoring relationships with other students and academics and collegial and peer support.