ALEXANDRA REYNOLDS// PROFESSOR // UNIVERSITY OF BORDEAUX
»Step out of your comfort zone and do something new. Seeing one problem from many perspectives helps us to grow as educators. «
Alexandra Reynolds, a passionate educator who has turned cross-border collaboration into a mission. Through ENLIGHT’s virtual exchanges and international projects, she has helped students step beyond classrooms and into real global conversations. In this heartfelt interview, she shares what drives her, the challenges she’ has faced, and why the journey, though demanding, is always worth it.
Alexandra Reynolds...
Where are you from ?
ALEXANDRA: Brighton England and Cannes, France. I am franco-british, with roots in both cultures.
Where are you researching?
ALEXANDRA: At the University of Bordeaux, where I work in the field of applied linguistics and language education.
Was this your first choice of University ?
ALEXANDRA: Yes, it was. I’ve been at the University of Bordeaux for many years, and it’s been a perfect fit for my research and teaching interests.
Why did you choose your field of Teaching ?
ALEXANDRA: I am interested in bilingual and professional speakers of English. I am interested in communicating in authentic ways outside of the classroom, specially through innovative formats like virtual exchange and blended mobility, which help learners develop intercultural competence and confidence in global settings.
How did you find out about ENLIGHT European University ?
ALEXANDRA: Through my university, I became involved through institutional initiatives.
Have you been a part of any ENLIGHT activity/course ? Tell us about your participation.
ALEXANDRA: I ran ENLIVE, a virtual exchange program connecting students across ENLIGHT universities for collaborative, cross-cultural learning for many years.
I also coordianted with my colleagues from ENLIGHT the Critical Thinking for International Collaboration course, a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) that combined online preparation with in-person workshops, fostering teamwork and critical dialogue among students from different ENLIGHT partners.
Briefly describe your overall experience
ALEXANDRA: These programs demand a huge amount of time and investment, often on a voluntary basis. Despite these difficulties, I feel that the experiences are extremely valuable for the students. My research has shown that it is valuable and this is why I continue to invest personally in these projects.
What are the benefits ENLIGHT has brought you ?
ALEXANDRA: I have learned to be aware and adapt to the differences in organisation between the different institutions. I have had the opportunity to meet academics and students from other universities. I have been able to further my research thanks to the ENLIGHT projects I organised. Notably in the form of student and staff feedback.
What motivated you to participate in ENLIGHT ?
ALEXANDRA: Having a consortium already in place means that I do not have to look for partners, they are already there. I also wanted my students to meet and study with students from other universities in Europe.
What is your biggest takeaway from your experience with ENLIGHT ?
ALEXANDRA: A steep learning curve but worth it for the student experience.
If you were to recommend ENLIGHT to a colleague, what would you say ?
ALEXANDRA: Step out of your (local) comfort zone and do something new. Seeing one problem from many perspectives helps us to grow as educators.
Alexandra Reynolds....