How can you create a global mindset and sense of belonging in higher education?

1 Define your vision and goals

The first step to creating a global mindset and a sense of belonging in higher education is to define your vision and goals for internationalization and globalization of your institution, program, or course. What are the expected outcomes and benefits of engaging with different cultures, perspectives, and issues? How do they align with your mission, values, and standards? How will you measure and evaluate your progress and impact? Having a clear and shared vision and goals will help you communicate your purpose, motivate your stakeholders, and guide your actions.

2 Design your curriculum and pedagogy

The second step to creating a global mindset and a sense of belonging in higher education is to design your curriculum and pedagogy to reflect and support your vision and goals. This means integrating global and intercultural content, skills, and competencies across the disciplines, levels, and modes of delivery. It also means adopting learner-centered and collaborative approaches that encourage active participation, critical thinking, and intercultural dialogue. For example, you can use case studies, simulations, projects, or service learning to expose your students to real-world problems and solutions from different contexts and perspectives.

3 Develop your resources and support

The third step to creating a global mindset and a sense of belonging in higher education is to develop your resources and support to enable and enhance your curriculum and pedagogy. This means providing adequate and accessible infrastructure, technology, materials, and services to facilitate global and intercultural learning and engagement. It also means offering professional development, recognition, and incentives to your faculty and staff to build their capacity and confidence in teaching and working with diverse learners. For example, you can offer online platforms, networks, or communities of practice to share best practices, resources, and feedback.

4 Diversify your student body and staff

The fourth step to creating a global mindset and a sense of belonging in higher education is to diversify your student body and staff to reflect and enrich your vision and goals. This means attracting, retaining, and supporting students and staff from different backgrounds, cultures, languages, and experiences. It also means creating a welcoming and respectful campus culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. For example, you can implement policies, programs, or initiatives that promote access, mobility, exchange, or integration of students and staff from different countries or regions.

5 Dialogue with your partners and stakeholders

The fifth step to creating a global mindset and a sense of belonging in higher education is to dialogue with your partners and stakeholders to inform and improve your vision and goals. This means establishing and maintaining meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with local, national, and international partners and stakeholders from different sectors, disciplines, and interests. It also means soliciting and incorporating their input, feedback, and perspectives into your planning, implementation, and evaluation. For example, you can involve your alumni, employers, community, or industry partners in your curriculum design, delivery, or assessment.