We recognized the need to increase our students’ awareness and sensitivity to the challenges faced by developing countries, with a particular focus on Africa. To attract and engage students in high-quality education, we leveraged the opportunities offered by digitalization. Therefore, the main objective of the IDEC PBL project was to enhance the quality of education by developing a serious game in the field of international development cooperation. The game was intended to promote active learning, raise awareness of global issues, and strengthen students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills through practice-based, immersive experiences.
Glocalization – the principle of “acting locally, thinking globally” – is a key feature of the 21st century. While the problems we face are increasingly global, solutions still often lack international cooperation. Universities and young people play a vital role in changing this mindset. To foster a responsible generation of glocal citizens, we need to equip students with practical, action-oriented skills. A 2021 student satisfaction survey at the University of Szeged (SZTE), along with partner needs analyses, revealed a clear demand for more practicebased learning beyond basic presentation skills. International accreditation bodies also emphasize active learning, including project-based approaches, as essential for high-quality education. Moreover, students reported limited awareness of global challenges and issues in developing countries – highlighting the need to integrate these topics into education in a meaningful, experience-driven way.