MAGGIE WOODROW Passionate commitment to making higher education accessible to all who would benefit International vision – EAN Doughty fighter for her principles What would she think about internationalisation?
INTERNATIONALISATION “Internationalisation is the process of integrating an international/inter-cultural dimension into the teaching, research and services functions of the institution” Jane Knight (1994) Internationalisation: elements and checkpoints. Canadian Bureau for International Education Ottawa.
Why Internationalise? Global society – universities’ role? Return from public investment Economic benefits from skilled graduates and research and knowledge transfer International competitiveness Universities to be at forefront of new thinking - global
Motivation for universities Idealism – global citizens Intellectual challenge Reputation Research opportunities Money Keeping up with the neighbours
What does internationalisation mean? Diverse “home” student population Diverse “international” student population Global issues incorporated into curriculum International staff Integrated student environment and services includig Students’ Union Active international research partnerships
What does internationalisation mean? Actively managed international partnerships Active promotion of study abroad Supportive quality assurance arrangements Strong international scholarship programme Active international student support – language, study methods, protocols University engaged in “off-shore” developments and partnerships
Necessary Characteristics Strong, demonstrable commitment from top Bottom-up staff commitment-embrace diversity Appetite for assessed risks Encouragement of students to engage (SU) Staff working abroad in partnerships Internationalisation support by all staff International curriculum
What would Maggie ask? This is all very well but is it not elitist and unsympathetic to Access students?
Issues Evidence for social class and ethnic divide in international participation Problems for “home” students with families and financial constraints Part-time jobs Erasmus/Socrates type support
Access policies for international students Difficult for high fee and cost of living countries eg UK Educational disadvantage difficult to overcome internationally Confidence raising Scholarship support Visa and immigration rules
International Development Activity Key aspect for internationalisation agenda Active exchange partnerships New institutional development and capacity building University of Westminster experience Benefits to staff involved Creating opportunities for students
Benefits Opening up opportunities for students otherwise not available Taking international university experience to those who cannot afford to travel Creation of wider global community with diverse experience Breaking down barriers and ignorance
Maggie’s Answer ?