Multiculturalism, identity, and education: Local and global perspectives on a journey to Ethiopia and its impact on Israeli students and staff citizenship

This study explores the impact of an academic, multicultural, education for sustainability program, on local and global identities and citizenship of Israeli Ethiopian and non-Ethiopian teaching students and staff. The core component of the program was a journey to Ethiopia. The framework of global and critical citizenship was adopted. This case study included qualitative data collection from diverse sources: observations, interviews, and documents. The program had an impact on identity and citizenship mainly at the multicultural Israeli local level and enabled participants to engage in critical reflection, develop intercultural competencies, and better understand global issues. It also revealed a complex interplay between personal and collective identities, emphasizing local action and global awareness. This study elucidates the interaction of critical citizenship, cultural education, identity development, and sustainability in higher education, and has important implications for educators and policymakers seeking to promote global citizenship and sustainable development in higher educational settings. • The program influenced identity and citizenship mainly at the Israeli local level. • The study shows interplay of personal and collective identities. • Study connects critical citizenship, cultural education, identity and sustainability. • Study implies promoting global citizenship and sustainability in higher education. • Program outcomes show focus on local action and global awareness promotion.