Bridging cultures in academia: A duoethnography of cross-cultural collaboration and self reflexivity in Warsaw, Poland

Abstract

Poland has recently received a significant influx of migrants, presenting both challenges and opportunities for a society traditionally perceived as monolingual and monocultural, as well as for its higher education system. As migrants living and conducting research in Warsaw, Poland, from diverse sociocultural backgrounds, we have witnessed firsthand the increasing internationalization, linguistic and cultural diversity, and the resulting complexities faced by academic institutions. Using a duoethnographic approach, we reflect on our lived experiences as part of a transdisciplinary, cross-cultural research team. Through an ethnographic analysis of personal narratives and critical incidents, we identified systemic gaps in higher education institutions, including insufficient support mechanisms and communication skills to address the needs of international students and scholars. These shortcomings can lead to exclusion, discrimination, and existential personal challenges for those navigating academia abroad. We thus advocate for improved policies and support mechanisms for all members of the academic community through heteroglossic practices and the establishment of international, hybrid Communities of Practice to de-hierarchize higher education and facilitate cross-cultural collaboration.