Internationalization |
IAU’s vision is to be the facilitator and promoter of an internationalization for all, in which all the different voices of nations, people and cultures of the world are represented and heard equally; an internationalization which allows students to grow as global responsible citizens, which promotes collaboration in research to find answers to most pressing challenges at global level; an internationalization which allows the sharing of experiences to find solutions to local problems and benefits local communities; an internationalization for society and the global common good, an internationalization that incorporates a global outlook in HEIs .
Such an internationalization is a fundamental tool to build a global community of higher education and research which contributes to openness, collaboration, social justice and equity, mitigate global asymmetries through education, research and community/societal engagement.
To achieve this vision, the IAU will lead the global higher education community, including all stakeholders, towards this common understanding of internationalization, and will proactively engage its members in this endeavor.
Strategic objectives
To achieve this ultimate goal IAU has established three strategic objectives directed at different stakeholders:
Lines of action
In order to achieve these strategic objectives IAU will perform four main types of actions:
Over the years, the concept of internationalization has evolved and different definitions exist, IAU adopts the following: “[Internationalization of Higher Education is] the intentional process of integrating an international, intercultural or global dimension into the purpose, functions and delivery of post-secondary education, in order to enhance the quality of education and research for all students and staff, and to make a meaningful contribution to society.“ (De Wit, H., Hunter F., Howard L., Egron-Polak E. (Eds.) (2015) “Internationalization of Higher Education”, European Parliament, Brussels: EU).
This recently refined definition emphasizes the fact that internationalization is an intentional process, not a passive experience. It underscores that internationalization is not a goal in itself, but a means of enhancing quality and excellence of higher education and research. In addition, the definition notes that internationalization needs to serve societal needs, rather than focusing solely on economic rationales and returns. Although globalization affects all institutions, HEIs experience different pressures; they exist in different contexts, and have different needs. Therefore, there is no “one size fits all” model or approach for internationalization, rather, each HEI must find its own way of internationalizing. At the same time, all HEIs can benefit from the best thinking and good practice from other institutions around the world. This is why IAU developed the internationalization strategies advisory service: ISAS (2.0).
ISAS IMPACT EVALUATION STUDY
Research objectives of this study are three-fold:
12 of the 17 institutions that ever undertook an ISAS or ISAS (2.0) service participated in the study. The sampling of institutions included in this study, with unique regional, national and institutional contexts, are a microcosm of global higher education at large. Yet collectively, their responses convey that internationalization remains a pressing priority of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), regardless of geographic location.
The results show that every university indicated that working with ISAS was helpful in advancing internationalization initiatives. This is a clear endorsement of ISAS by the institutions.
In their quest for internationalization, all institutions inevitably face challenges. Overcoming those challenges requires a clear, strategic approach, one that is responsive and in alignment with the core mission and values of the institution. IAU through its advisory services stands ready to help institutions in refining or progressing their internationalization priorities built on an inclusive, fair and ethical process.
It consists of three services:
Advancing strategic internationalization at HEIs (for HEIs)
Facilitating individual learning for internationalization for HEIs and individuals working at HEIs. (for HEIs and individuals at HEIs)
National advisory service for strategy or policy development for HE internationalization (for national governments, agencies and organizations)
ISAS (2.0) promotional leaflet
List of past and ongoing ISAS 2.0 projects
>>> ADVANCING STRATEGIC INTERNATIONALIZATION AT HEIs
There are 4 strands of service designed specifically for HEIs.. The duration of each strand of service depends on the specific needs of the HEIs but typically is between 6 and 12 months. Each strand culminates with the award of an IAU internationalization learning badge. Institutions awarded an IAU internationalization learning badge must follow the guidelines for use.
The Global Surveys are IAU flagship publications for our strategic priority on Internationalization. IAU has produced five Global Surveys to date (2003, 2005, 2010, 2014, 2019), and the reports of the surveys are of seminal importance in the internationalization of higher education. The survey has grown in breadth and detail over the years and are often cited by researchers and experts in the field, and higher education media.
As for the latest edition of the survey, IAU draws on the expertise of an Advisory Committee.
Sponsors and partners
IAU extends our gratitude to the institutions below who are the Global Survey sponsorship partners:
and the following organizations partnering with IAU for the Global Survey:
6th Global Survey Timeline
IAU developed a first draft of the questionnaire for the 6th edition in June 2022 and identified a group of 14 universities from all regions of the world for the pilot phase that took place in October 2022. The survey was launched on 16 January 2023 and closed on 16 June 2023 collecting replies from 740 Higher Education Institutions from 110 countries and territories around the world. IAU aims to publish the 6th Global Survey report at the start of 2024.
The Global Surveys in numbers
The 2003 edition of the survey was completed by 176 IAU member HEIs from 66 different countries. 745 institutions in 115 countries completed the 2010 edition. The 2014 edition was completed by 1 336 institutions in 131 countries. The 2019 edition saw fewer institutions (907 in 126 countries) taking part; however, it has the best geographical distribution of all the surveys. IAU aims to continue to build on these successes in the future.
Since 2003, IAU has conducted regular Global Surveys, which have become an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the internationalization of higher education. They are used by researchers, as relevant data that stimulate further research and innovation in the field; by HEIs to benchmark themselves in the development of their internationalization processes at global and regional levels; and by policymakers to seek inspiration for policies affecting higher education.
5th Global Survey (2019) - IAU 5th Global Survey on Internationalization of Higher Education.
Executive Summary
- Analysis of answers from francophone and francophile higher education institutions in French
4th Global Survey (2014) - IAU 4th Global Survey on Internationalization of Higher Education.
Executive Summary
IAU 3rd Global Survey (2010) - Internationalization of Higher Education: Global Trends, Regional Perspectives
Executive Summary
IAU 2nd Global Survey (2005) - Internationalization of Higher Education - New Directions, New Challenges.
Highlights of findings
IAU 1st Global Survey (2003) - Internationalization of Higher Education: Practices and Priorities
Highlights of findings
Contact: Giorgio Marinoni
The Future of Internationalization Partnership (FIP) is a three-year project, begun in May 2021, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) that brings together The Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) at Boston College, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, and the IAU.
Led by Project Director Dr. Elizabeth Buckner, an Assistant Professor in Higher Education at the University of Toronto, the FIP aims to deepen theoretical understanding of how internationalization is changing in response to global pressures.
The outcome of the first year of the project, the report "The Internationalization of Higher Education in the Wake of COVID-19: A Rigorous Review of the Literature on Short-Term Impacts" is now available.
During the second year, through mixed methods research, the project will design a new survey module to be included in the sixth edition of the IAU Global Survey on Internationalization, which addresses external pressures to internationalization.
The project will also conduct case studies of institutional innovations and engage scholars and practitioners to discuss effective, equitable, and sustainable forms of internationalization in higher education. One of the most important aspects of the project will be to translate research findings into profiles of good practice and resources for institutional leaders.
Giorgio Marinoni, Manager HE and Int sits on the Management Committee of COST Action - European Network on International Student Mobility: Connecting Research and Practice.
This Action responds to the pressing need for systematic interdisciplinary and international exchange of knowledge on theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, findings, and best practice examples, and for translating scientific findings into recommendations for international student mobility ISM practice.
The Action brings together established researchers, early-career investigators (ECIs) and PhD students from different scientific disciplines, countries, and research communities as well as stakeholders from international offices, international student and study abroad organizations, and different policy levels. The Action will offer comparative and practical insights into ISM dynamics by bringing fragmented knowledge together, with the main aim of generating new interdisciplinary and innovative empirical perspectives on the phenomenon and translating these into tangible recommendations for stakeholders.
Learn more about COST Action
2024 Conference of COST Action CA20115
‘European Network on International Student Mobility: Connecting Research and Practice’ (ENIS)
13-15 May 2024
Tbilisi, Georgia
Learn more about the conference.
ENIS COST Action Tweeter | ENIS COST Action LinkedIn |
IAU and Boston College collaborated on a research project about the role of English language instruction in higher education institutions(HEIs) around the world. IAU and the Boston College Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) co-supervised research undertaken by Xinyan (Sissi) Liu, a student in CIHE’s Master of Arts program in International Higher Education. This program requires that all students participate in a course titled “Field Experience in International Higher Education.” The course combines practical experience at higher education organizations, such as the IAU, with an in-depth research project.
Sissi’s report explores the national policies and role of English language instruction at HEIs in Brazil, France, Malaysia, South Africa and Spain. This is a particularly timely topic at the time when English language has become dominant in many fields, including in highly cited research and scholarship more broadly.
Policy Statements - Network of International Education Associations (NIEA) - IAU Working Group
IAU acts as the coordinator of the Network of International Education Associations, NIEA. NIEA members are non-profit, non-government associations which main stated purpose is to advance international higher education. The Network advances the global learning of post-secondary education organizations through the exchange of information and dialogue, advocacy for international education, professional development, and discovery of new approaches to international education.
NIEA members have two annual meetings, one alternating between EAIE and NAFSA conferences and the other at a conference organized by a member in the Global South.
In addition to IAU acting as a coordinator, one NIEA chair is elected from NIEA members. The chair for 2022 is Esther Brimmer, CEO, NAFSA.
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NIEA organised two Global Dialogues on Internationalization of higher education, the first Global Dialogue held in 2014 and hosted by International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA), led to the Nelson Mandela Bay declaration on the future of internationalization of higher education.
In 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, NIEA members published a statement reaffirming the importance of international higher education and research, which calls government and higher education institutions around the world for supporting international collaboration as an essential means to finding solutions to global problems, which manifest differently in local contexts.
Chair:
Members:
IAU Secretariat Staff:
Thursday, 2 May - Friday, 3 May 2024 - Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania
The International Association of Universities (IAU) and the European Association for International Education (EAIE) share a common understanding of internationalization of higher education as an intentional process undertaken by universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) to improve the quality of education and research and, ultimately, to achieve a better, more equitable world. Internationalization is a complex and constantly evolving phenomenon, the approaches to which vary widely depending on institutional, national and regional contexts. What is similar across contexts, however, is the enormous turbulence facing higher education institutions today, which in turn presents significant challenges and opportunities for carrying forward effective and transformational internationalization agendas.
Due to internationalization’s complex nature, its strategic importance and the need for intentional action to achieve desired outcomes, those responsible for this portfolio require substantive opportunities to connect with colleagues and experts in order to reflect, exchange ideas and explore new and innovative solutions.
To address this need, the IAU-EAIE Internationalization Leadership Retreat is specifically designed for individuals serving as Vice-Rectors/Vice-Presidents/Pro-Vice-Chancellors who are responsible for internationalization and/or global engagement at their institutions and who are interested in strengthening their peer networks and strategic toolkits. The program is organized around expert facilitation in a confidential peer-to-peer environment. Practical and data-driven discussions focus on surfacing actionable insights that are relevant to those working on internationalization at the leadership level at their institutions. By strengthening the knowledge base in key areas and providing insight into possible solutions through exchange and mutual learning among peers, the Retreat aims to invigorate and empower participants in their key leadership roles.
Important details to note:
This retreat is designed for leaders of internationalization at higher education institutions (ie, individuals currently in the role of vice-rector/vice-president/deputy vice-chancellor or the equivalent).
The registration fee is 900 Euros for EAIE / IAU members and 1300 Euros for non-Members.
Travel and accommodation costs are not included in the registration fee and are the responsibility of each participant. Advice on accommodation and other logistical matters will be provided.
Registrations are subject to approval by IAU and EAIE. After your registration is approved, you will receive information regarding the fee payment process.
Discover the Programme for this event here.
In collaboration with the UNESCO Chair "Internationalization of Higher Education and Global Citizenship" of the University of Guadalajara, the IAU offered an online diploma in Fall 2023 in "Management of the Internationalization of Higher Education" specifically designed for the context of higher education institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Throughout the course, the following themes were centrally discussed:
Strategies for the design, planning and management of a comprehensive internationalization process
Strategies and management of student mobility
Internationalization of the curriculum
Internationalization of research
Promotion and management of international cooperation
Promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global citizenship
The first edition of this project ran from September 2023 to December 2023. Courses were conducted completely online and in English and Spanish.
To learn more about the Online Diploma in Internationalization Management in Higher Education, please visit the project website here. The next and second edition of this online diploma is planned to start in September 2024 and to be global in scope.
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