In an increasingly interconnected world, the concept of a global classroom has redefined higher education. Online universities, such as Parami University, provide students with a unique opportunity to learn from diverse perspectives, engage with international faculty, and collaborate with peers across borders. The flexibility and accessibility of online education allow students to pursue their academic goals regardless of their geographic location or background.
In the spring of 2025, Parami welcomed 45 American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) students to take courses across various disciplines, including Advanced Machine Learning, Comparative Philosophy, Ethics of Technology, and Programming with Python. Recognizing the importance of familiarity, the students saw Parami as a way to continue their education and work toward graduation despite global disruptions.
Parami University also onboarded former AUAF instructors, such as Dr. Lina Kassem and Dr. Muska Dastageer, to teach the students and help them adjust and feel supported in their academic journey. “Hopefully, they [the students] will appreciate familiar faces or people who are familiar with the circumstances of AUAF students,” said the Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Phil Enns, with excitement to welcome the international students to Parami classes.
The inclusion of Afghan students from AUAF and other universities from the OSUN network in Parami courses further highlights the university’s commitment to providing education in challenging circumstances.
At Parami University, fostering a sense of belonging is at the heart of its global classroom approach. The Student Affairs team plays a crucial role in supporting students through welcome sessions, academic advising, and extracurricular activities. Events such as guest speaker sessions, International Day celebrations, mental health initiatives, and career readiness workshops ensure that students feel connected to the university community. Additionally, Parami encourages its students to participate in events from international networks like the Open Society University Network (OSUN).
“Through these initiatives, we hope our students gain exposure to different cultures and academic experiences, enriching their global perspective,” said Pedro, the Assistant Manager of Student Affairs at Parami University.
Parami University collaborates with institutions worldwide to enhance its academic offerings. In Fall 2024, seven students from OSUN-affiliated universities joined the course "OSUN OOC Writing Self and the World." Although there were no OSUN students in Spring 2024, Parami students actively participated in OSUN online courses, with 56 students enrolling in Spring 2024 and 78 in Fall 2024. These students took part in a diverse range of courses across 17 and 36 subjects, respectively, demonstrating the strong academic exchange between Parami and its partner institutions.
Online universities offer more than flexibility—they provide inclusive, high-quality education without physical barriers. The global classroom fosters cross-cultural exchange, ensuring academic continuity amid instability. Students can tailor their studies with diverse courses and connect with global networks like OSUN for future opportunities.
Parami University’s commitment to a global classroom ensures that students receive an education that is not only flexible and accessible but also rich in diversity and international perspectives. By embracing online learning, students from different regions, including Myanmar, Thailand, Kenya, and beyond, can achieve their academic and professional goals in a supportive and inclusive environment. The future of higher education is global, and Parami University is leading the way.
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