What does Internationalization mean for Western?Faculty workshop 1 (27 and 28 October 2014)

Input/Output-based definitions:

More international students

More students studying abroad

More GURs with a global focus

More majors with globalized content

More partnerships with universities in other countries

More international faculty and staff

More world language programs

ACE working definition:

Globalization is what is happening to the planet.

Internationalization is higher education’s reaction to globalization.

Today’s working definition:

Global Learning refers to the study of global (systems and phenomena transcending national borders), international (nations and their relationships), and intercultural (knowledge and skills to understand and navigate cultural differences) themes and content.

Internationalization refers to the process by which institutions embed global learning in the existing curriculum, including courses and overseas activities, to ensure all students achieve global competence.

(University Leadership Council (2009). Global Learning in the Undergraduate Curriculum: Preparing Students to Live and Work in an Interconnected World. The Advisory Board Company, Washington D.C.)

Resources:

Institute of International Education

Center for International Higher Education

Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement (American Council on Education)

Association of International Education Administrators

National Council on International Intercultural Education

Today’s objectives:

Build the groundwork for curricular change at WWU.

Provide participants with a context for internationalization, including best practices at other institutions.

Engage participants in envisioning an internationalized curriculum at WWU.

“

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Hilary oversees and initiates programs and projects involved in the deeper internationalization of Indiana University, leads the overall administration of the Center, and encourages innovative research and interdisciplinary scholarship in the field of Global Studies.

Hilary Kahn, Director, Center for the Study of Global Change, Indiana University

The One World Curriculum Team reports that:

Western has great potential resources for integrating more international content into the curriculum.

Western is well-positioned to take advantage of best practices and to be a leader in internationalization.

There is strong university support for further internationalization.

But, overall, efforts at Western are best characterized by a lack of coherence.

What are your perceptions of internationalization at Western?

Group exercise: Which of these Student Learning Outcomes might characterize the global skills/knowledge/attitudes of a Western graduate?

Suggested Global Competencies:

1. Knowledge of world geography and history.2. Understanding of diversity of values, beliefs, ideas, and worldviews.3. Understanding of one's identity and culture in the context of an ever-changing

world.4. Curiosity and openness toward new opportunities, ideas, and ways of thinking.5. Awareness of ethnic and cultural differences.6. Ability to examine issues from multiple perspectives.7. Ability to think critically and creatively, and integrate knowledge of the world 8. Ability to communicate effectively in a second language and interact with people

from other cultures.9. Ability to cope with unfamiliar and challenging settings with resiliency.10.Ability to locate information and investigate issues about international topics.

 

How do we get there?

Recognize existing international content and encourage the integration of more international content across the curriculum.

Work within the GUR structure, considering the potential of the Comparative, Gender, and Multicultural rubrics.

Create an International Proficiency (IP) requirement or certificate.

Or … ?

Winter and Spring workshops:

15-20 faculty participants

Hands-on set of workshops

Report to department/program

$1,000 stipend

Applications due 1 Dec 2014

Saturday, 31 January 2015 (10 am – 3:30 pm) in VU464: Internationalizing Individual Courses

Saturday, 25 April 2015 (10 am -3:30 pm) in VU464: Internationalizing Programs and Disciplines

Thank you for your participation!