This paper focuses on a process for helping a traditional higher education institution make a shift toward an orientation of lifelong learning. The sections provided are: Background of the relationship between University of Missouri and University of Western Cape; the international bridge building conferences; characteristic elements and measurable performance indicators; culture - development of new directions and related questions; impetus for the project; difficulties of bringing together the thinking from many countries; confusion that emerged, understanding communications, tensions and how they originated; differences throughout; fulfilling and contradicting expectations; comparing national and international networks; values and disappointments in international work; mosaic-stone adding to the overall result; and result, outcome and insights gained.