Key Facts and Figures of LearnCUID Participation
Idea
LearnCUID officially launched in 2020, following its initial development as a spin-off from the Physiognomy at School initiative. Since its inception, the initiative has seen continuous and rapid growth, reflecting a strong engagement from learners and mentors alike.
Early Stages
In its first year, LearnCUID began with around 1000 participants*, divided into smaller research groups, each exploring a distinct cultural theme. The program’s unique structure, centered around long-term research projects spanning 6 to 12 months, immediately set it apart as a deep and immersive learning experience. By 2021, participation had increased to over 1,500 learners, with a major focus on Arabic-European cultural intersections and Scandinavian heritage studies.
By 2022, LearnCUID had expanded to over 2,500 active participants, forming over 50 themes. Each group maintained an very small average size of around 10 members, ensuring a collaborative yet personalized learning approach. The mentorship model also grew significantly, with the number of mentors rising from 100 in 2020 to over 200 in 2022. This increase in mentorship allowed for specialized guidance, particularly in groups exploring complex cultural topics such as Balkan oral traditions, Arabic folklore, and Slavic mythology.
Expansion
The impact of LearnCUID became even more pronounced in 2023, as enrollment climbed to over 4,000 participants, making it one of the largest digital informal learning initiatives focused on cultural studies. The retention rate, which was already high at 90% in 2020, had increased to 94% by 2023, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program’s structure and its ability to keep learners engaged throughout the research cycle.
As of 2024, LearnCUID has reached a milestone of almost 6,000 active learners, with a record 150 cultural research groups now operating within the initiative. With over 350 mentors providing academic and cultural expertise, LearnCUID has maintained a small learner-to-mentor ratio 17:1, or a mentor for maximum 2 small groups, ensuring that students receive personalized feedback and guidance throughout their projects. The structured multi-month research period, from 6 months reaching up to 2 years, remains a key feature for learners to dive deep into their respective cultural studies, analyze primary sources, and engage in comparative discussions.
Conclusion
Since its official launch, LearnCUID has provided a transformative learning experience to over 5,000 participants. It continues to thrive as a leading model for digital informal learning, fostering cross-cultural understanding through research-driven, mentor-supported collaboration. The initiative’s steady growth and sustained participation highlight the demand for in-depth, immersive cultural learning experiences, proving that digital platforms can be an effective medium for meaningful global education.
*Note: The current page provides an overview of the total number of participants in cross-cultural learning groups. Detailed key facts and participation numbers can be found in the respective sub-sections of each cultural group’s dedicated page.