1. The International Classroom; safe and open?
Franka van den Hende
Project manager International Classroom
Policy advisor in internationalization and education
PhD researcher
University of Groningen

2. The International Classroom; safe and open?
Short introduction
what is your role and organization?
do you work in an international environment?
What is internationalization?
a process of integrating an international and intercultural dimension into the teaching, research and service functions of the institution (Knight, 2008)
organizational adaptation and innovation, it is a strategic planning process that needs to be representative and participative of organizational culture (Bartell, 2003)

3. The International Classroom; safe and open?
Research university, 5,000 international students, 25% study abroad,
> 120 nationalities, 35% international staff,
107 Master’s, 21 Bachelor’s, 11 joint programs in English.

4. The International Classroom; safe and open?
what is an international classroom?
or: what makes a program international?
English language creates more diversity
how to work effectively with student and staff diversity
working from a specific vision on internationalization
including the overall teaching and learning environment (e.g. networks and values)
appropriate and effective support for staff and students
working with international and intercultural learning outcomes.

5. The International Classroom; safe and open?
Why internationalize, in your organization, specific context? > group discussion
attract more international students
and international staff (create diversity)
create greater inclusion of all students and staff
achieve higher employability for all students
produce higher quality and more innovative
education
achieve European quality label (CeQuint).

6. The International Classroom; safe and open?
How to develop an international classroom?
(a change process)
start with good practices, work with the willing
combine top-down and bottom-up
involve all levels and stakeholders, focus on the teachers
follow a scholarly approach
create cross-disciplinary and interdepartmental discussion
balance between generic models and specific context
work with international experts
dissemination through seminars, booklets, presentations and academic articles.

7. The International Classroom; safe and open?
International Classroom (IC) project ( )
development of an institutional vision on internationalization
development of an institutional language/culture policy
and implementation plan
pilot case studies in three faculties (based on international research)
development of IC framework and process model
seminars, booklets, presentations, workshops, publications
project call for all faculties
faculties develop and implement the international classroom
prepare for CeQuint accreditation in 2018.

8. The International Classroom; safe and open?
Initial observations
vision on internationalisation at faculty and program level can be enhanced
high impact of Dutch culture (local, disciplinary, academic)
diversity can be used more as a resource
learning outcomes based on international frameworks but not explicitly global and intercultural
support required (tailor-made and integrated) for language and intercultural competences
important role for students (and study associations).

9. The International Classroom; safe and open?
How to make IC safe and open?
inclusive: accessible, transparent and understandable
safe: open, small-scale, personalized, supportive environment
diversity as a resource (rather than a deficiency)
active, purposeful learning (meaningful tasks, appropriate pedagogical design).

10. The International Classroom; safe and open?
How? Where to start?
awareness
reflection
engagement
personal development
professional development
sharing good practices
creating shared understandings.

11. The International Classroom; safe and open?
Illustrative quotes (from pilot case studies)
“interaction works when students see the benefit and find common ground” (lecturer)
“whenever I learn anything about myself or about my friends, it is never when we are agreeing on subjects or when we share the same experience. You always learn about other cultures and other perspectives when you discuss it from different angles” (student)
“we only started to realize the Dutch ness of our rules when international students came to Groningen” (lecturer)
“international students also need to make an effort. You cannot come to a foreign country and not adapt. You need to try methods for making things work” (international student).

12. The International Classroom; safe and open?
Tools
institutional vision on internationalization
International Classroom conceptual framework
approach for internationalizing learning outcomes
constructive alignment with teaching, learning,
assessment
professional development programs for teachers
support and expertise available for all faculties.
Networks
IC project team for expertise development and sharing
involve students and student associations
work with international experts and partners.

13. The International Classroom; safe and open?
Discussion
how international is your work/study environment?
how open and safe is it?
what tools, expertise and networks do you use?

14. Thank you for your attention! Questions?
Further information: or