What are the best ways to promote internationalization in higher education?

It’s worth stating a fundamental principle: universities are inherently global, providing the graduate skills and research discoveries to help solve global problems. Alice Gast, former President of Imperial College once wrote in Times Higher Education: “One need only look across the campuses of universities in the top ranks of the league tables to see that great education by definition is global, with brilliant students flocking to them from all corners of the world… Just as students benefit from a university environment that represents the global spectrum of cultures and values, so does research: it is interesting that such a fiercely competitive endeavour benefits so greatly from international collaboration.” A great vision to buy into.

Indeed nothing nourishes internationalization like diversity in students, in faculty members and in discussion about research findings in different contexts across the globe. Universities need to support internationalization by responding to international trends and graduate students who not only attend to these trends but also address them positively to grow.

First thing, we need to understand is that - successful internationalization is a long-term journey, not a destination. We also need to be clear as to what is the focus of the initiative, increasing student and faculty mobility, developing new partnerships, or incorporating global perspectives into the curriculum. Please also mind that it also requires extensive resource allocation and hence the cost-benefit analysis is must ..

Higher education institutions with an Internationalisation focus, must exploit transformative approaches. Firstly, universities need to focus on the development of globally minded students. Secondly, the must focus on creation and dissemination of knowledge with global reach and impact. Finally, they need to build global partnerships. Only international universities can influence and shape the world. To achieve this, they need to respond to globalisation over the long-term and, within that, the evolving international higher education landscape.

The very first step is understanding what your institutions core product/service is and what it takes to tailor it the needs of international clients (aka students). Look out for global trends and embrace thouse trends. Furthermore, internationalization is not possible without proactive collaboration with other leading HE institutions around the globe. Get ingaged in collaborative projects that provide exposure to global student and student-to-be audiences and utilize your presence on the big state to let others learn more about you and the Higher Ed programs you have on offer!

In a world of growing geopolitical tension and increasing “research security” challenges, universities need to find ways to transcend shorter-term politics and continue to collaborate across borders and drive “science diplomacy”. At the university presidents’ forum at the World Academic Summit in Sydney in 2023, Rocky Tuan, president of Chinese University of Hong Kong said that the perfect framework for international collaboration in these challenging times is provided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. They represent a global consensus on the world’s shared challenges. The academic response to the pandemic was a perfect example of the world uniting around SDG3 (health). SDGs can offer an inspirational strategic vision.

Internationalization strategy as a transversal topic should be interwoven into all core aspects of university strategy. Internationalization strategies that are designed independently of or with no connection to other university strategies (for example, research strategy, HR, academic development) are doomed to remain viewed as ‘nice-to-haves’ and not as integral to overall development.

A crucial aspect in developing an internationalization strategy, particularly for public institutions, is to ensure that your strategy aligns with your country's ambitions for international growth and collaboration. Too frequently I work with universities who are limited in their efforts to attract foreign faculty, students, partners, and investment by nationalisation projects. Where universities are hamstrung by such projects, they must ensure they work collaboratively within their country and without, as a mouthpiece to government on the benefits of an international higher education sector.

A higher education institution’s approach to Internationalisation needs to be shaped by its unique strengths & relationships, internal context & external profile. It needs also to being formed by its Vision, Values & Strategic Priorities. Internationalisation of a university can enhance an institution’s distinctiveness, providing a means of differentiation. So, universities with focus on internationalisation need to increase the level & impact of their international activities & enhance their global standing. This requires a sustained, informed & coordinated approach that creates a unified sense of direction & leads to a global outlook being embedded into their Teaching, Research & Outreach Activities, & Professional Service Operations.

The more "advanced" institutios should share their knowhow with the less advanced ones, be it in management methods, software or simply in how they treat their students. Enhanving this will allow a greate flow of students in both ways, not just from one institution to the other

This is particularly pertinent for two reasons. Firstly, we have sadly seen in many countries a lurch to the right and the growth of populism and divisive political discourse. We need our next generation of leaders to have a global and collaborative outlook, to appreciate the value and richness of different global perspectives. But what transcends this and injects absolute urgency is the climate emergency. The science clearly shows we are on a knife edge, that what is a global problem requires global solutions and consensus. It has to be win-win with everyone pulling their weight and pulling together. This starts with understanding each other’s lived experiences and the different physical and cultural contexts that shape who we are.

The International Office needs to: - Communicate student mobility opportunities to all stakeholders on campus & develop Year abroad programmes. - Maintain & track a database of all global experiences offered at the University toward future programming needs. - Review & promote the scholarship practices that support students & faculty going abroad. - Work with Faculties to offer double\joint undergraduate & postgraduate degrees. - Enhance participation in research programmes of returning study-abroad students. - Assign a contact person for 'students abroad' to facilitate tracking of postgraduate international research. - Encourage international field based opportunities for students and staff.

There are various ways of contributing to internationalization in higher education. Student mobility significantly contributes to the internationalization of higher education in several ways: 1. Cultural Exchange: Student mobility facilitates cultural exchange, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to interact, share experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. 2. Academic Collaboration: International student mobility promotes academic collaboration between institutions. Students engaged in exchange programs often collaborate on research projects, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the internationalization of academic curricula.

A portfolio of high-quality global partnerships and active membership in global university networks and consortia, are key features of a global/ international university. This portfolio will enhance the quality of activities and services undertaken by universities. They will also enable the universities to extend their global reach, impact, and reputation. So, nowadays, modern universities with a global focus need to develop a strategic and responsive approach to the development and management of their global partnerships with universities and private corporations, and identify approaches to maximise the value of its participation in different consortia.

Any measures must consider both the direct outcomes of Internationalisation & the way in which Internationalisation has contributed to institutional goals. While quantitative metrics can provide a useful measure of success, it is important that consideration is given to how Internationalisation adds value to the university. Academic Output KPIs such as global partnerships & Curriculum Internationalisation are important. In achieving these targets, universities need to be monitored on an ongoing basis & reviewed & reported via an Annual Report. The report must include a more qualitative assessment of the international impact & the ways in which the outcomes of Internationalisation are benefitting the university & the global community.

I’d also add that our efforts need to keep in mind the need for levelling the field between the Global North and South. All too often, our internationalisation strategies in the Global North are developed while assuming that they are inherently positive for our Global South partners, which is not always the case.

It's important to opt for a cost benefit analysis before allocating resources for internationalisation by HEIs. This exercise becomes important as most often, the costs incurred are real and benefits are intangible. Though it's important to be guided by a vision for internationalization that's idealistic and focused on having diversity at the very heart of the process, it's pragmatic to not miss out on the details in the process of resource allocation.

Internationalization within a university creates incredibly powerful human stories: stories of transformation, stories of adventure, stories of understanding humanity and joining worthwhile causes. The best way to promote further internationalization and to build on your efforts is to TELL THESE STORIES. Collect the student and staff experiences. Collect the experiences of your partner institutions. And then tell them through articles, newsletters and vlogs. Everyone can collectively learn from the hundreds of experiences you are creating, so finding a way to systematically share them actually creates its own pedagogy.

Universities with a focus on internationalisation must provide a global student experience. Firstly, universities need to develop and offer internationally informed curricula, which incorporate global perspectives, and support students to develop their inter-cultural competencies. Secondly, universities need to create opportunities for students to gain international experience through studying or working overseas or in an international setting. Finally, the modern universities need to offer professional development and careers support services that is globally relevant.

Beyond the structured initiatives, the commitment to internationalization extends to the everyday experiences that shape our educational community. Student-led multicultural events, faculty exchange forums, and global research collaborations are essential components. These unscripted interactions create a dynamic environment where diverse perspectives converge, fostering a truly global mindset. It's the anecdotes of cross-cultural friendships, the unexpected insights from international projects, and the spontaneous cultural celebrations that define our commitment to a rich and inclusive educational experience.