
KPU’s Global SDG Fund creating new global opportunities for faculty
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to visit Skoda Auto University. This exchange trip has been an incredibly enriching experience, both professionally and personally. Engaging with colleagues about potential research collaborations and visiting state-of-the-art labs has broadened my perspective on our field. The chance to give visiting lectures and interact with students has reaffirmed my belief that, despite cultural differences, the curiosity and enthusiasm of students are universal."

In 2024, Marcelo Machado, an instructor in the Melville School of Business at KPU visited Škoda Auto University in the Czech Republic, which was possible due to KPU’s Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Fund.
Škoda Auto University, located in Mladá Boleslav and affiliated with the Volkswagen Group, offers a unique business-oriented perspective. Its close ties with the Škoda car manufacturing plant provide access to advanced laboratories, including a state-of-the-art Supply Chain Management lab. Marcelo noted that the university’s location near Prague and its affordable living costs make it an appealing destination for international students.
Marcelo’s experience was shaped by the diverse student body at Škoda Auto University, which was primarily composed of European students, mostly Czech, alongside Erasmus students. He noted the students’ English language skills were strong, typical of most European universities, but the cultural differences proved more challenging.
"Cultural nuances, such as facial expressions and humour, required thoughtful adaptation," Marcelo shares, recognizing how essential these adjustments were for effective teaching. Despite these challenges, he found the students’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn universally inspiring.
Marcelo’s teaching was aligned with two key themes: artificial intelligence in human resources with an emphasis on ethics, and sustainable supply chains. These topics were integral to his lectures and exemplified Škoda Auto University’s focus on ethical business practices and sustainability. He emphasized how these subjects connected to broader global goals, demonstrating the value of such international experiences for both faculty and students.

Beyond the academic setting, Marcelo immersed himself in local life and exploring the culture, which further enhanced his experience. He emphasized that stepping out of one’s comfort zone contributes to both personal and professional growth.
"Teaching in a new environment broadens your perspective on humanity and enhances your appreciation for cultural diversity," he says.
The connections Marcelo established during his visit were significant and lasting. This was not his first experience teaching abroad, but he found Škoda Auto University particularly impactful. He is now collaborating with colleagues on future international projects, including team-teaching a course at OTH Regensburg in Germany in May 2025 and exploring a three-way Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) partnership between Canada, Czechia and Germany. Additionally, he is involved in sustainability research related to supply chains.
Marcelo encourages other KPU faculty members to take advantage of KPU’s Global SDG Fund, saying, "It’s a chance to learn, grow, and bring back invaluable experiences that benefit both the individual and the university.”
Marcelo’s experience exemplifies how KPU’s Global SDG Fund enables meaningful international collaboration, strengthening the university’s commitment to global education and sustainable development.
To learn more about KPU's Global SDGs Fund and how it can support faculty, visit the website or contact the Global Partnerships Team at global.partnerships@kpu.ca.