ISM University of Management and Economics proudly participated for the first time in the Global Case Study Challenge (GCSC) an award-winning international learning initiative – becoming the first university from the Baltics to take part in this global program.
The participation was led by Assoc. Prof. Tobias Grünfelder as part of his course Cross-Cultural Communication within the Bachelor’s program International Business and Communication. The program is directed by Asta Lisauskienė. This initiative offered ISM students a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers from around the world in a highly immersive and practice-oriented learning experience.
The Global Case Study Challenge is a six-week global learning journey in which students work online in multicultural teams to develop solutions for real-world case studies. The program includes structured learning steps that support effective virtual collaboration, deepen students’ understanding of intercultural communication, engage them with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and culminate in a Virtual Global Conference featuring international keynote speakers and global managers.
Each year, more than 20 faculty members from over 10 countries – Germany, Austria, Spain, Ukraine, Kenya, Colombia, Finland, and others – co-create this learning experience for more than 400 students worldwide.
Throughout the project, ISM students worked in diverse teams across disciplines, ages, and cultural backgrounds. Reflecting on their experience, students highlighted the value of working with international peers, learning to navigate different working styles, and applying course concepts to real-world challenges. Many emphasized that successful cross-cultural teamwork depended less on nationality and more on shared goals, mutual respect, and clear communication.
Students also noted that building trust and rapport in virtual teams – by sharing personal stories and experiences – helped transform initial uncertainty into meaningful collaboration. For many, the GCSC became a practical test of their cross-cultural communication skills and an unforgettable learning experience.
As emphasized in the course, the Global Case Study Challenge is not only about positive experiences. It is equally about reflecting on challenges, learning from tensions, and making sense of both successes and setbacks in preparation for future international collaboration.
For ISM, participation in the GCSC demonstrates how experiential and globally connected learning can prepare students for today’s interconnected world. Cross-cultural communication is something that happens with others – and it requires shared experiences, spaces for dialogue, and opportunities for mutual learning and development.
ISM University would like to thank the Global Case Study Challenge team, especially Barbara, Anna, and Eithne, as well as all partner universities, educators, and students involved in GCSC 2025.
