Internationalization process: Landmarks in internationalization efforts, Schoolcraft College; an initial case study.

Transcription

1 Internationalization process: Landmarks in internationalization efforts, Schoolcraft College; an initial case study. Yovana Veerasamy The University of Toledo, Higher Ed. Doctoral program CCID Conference, February 2016, Florida

2 OUTLINE What is Internationalization? Policy & Process The Schoolcraft College Experience Initial steps to Internationalize campus

3 What is Internationalization? It is a multifaceted concept which encompasses various aspects of inter nation and intercultural exchanges. It involves cooperation between nations, students and institutions of higher learning. Delivery of education in the context of internationalization may take place in the real world or virtually. Aspects of Internationalization include: Partnering with institutions overseas to encourage student exchange programs Setting up satellite campuses overseas to educate students locally Providing courses to students overseas via technology Providing courses to International students in the USA

4 The current presentation focuses on one aspect of internationalization in the real world: Preparing campus for international students to study in US two year higher education institutions

5 Misconception Globalization Internationalization

6 Philip G. Altbach & Jane Knight: Globalization and Internationalization are related but not interchangeable terms Globalization is the context of economic and academic trends that are part of the reality of the 21 st century. Internationalization includes the policies and practices undertaken by academic systems and institutions and even individuals to cope with the global academic environment. The motivations for internationalization include commercial advantage..

7 Dr Ron Opp, The University of Toledo globalization is the movement of ideas, goods, services, and people around the world. Whereas internationalization is the response of Community Colleges to this trend.

8 DISTINCTION GLOBALIZATION INTERNATIONALIZATION Educate US students about world cultures & religions Delivers cultural enrichment to US students Requires cross border awareness between Nations Educate International students in disciplines of their choice in the USA Engenders economic gains for US institutions Requires cross border cooperation between Nations

9 INTERNATIONALISM Linked to both Internationalization & Globalization is the concept of Internationalism which emphasizes: International community international cooperation, international community of interest and international dimensions of the common good (Jones, 2000, p.31)

10 Different degrees of Internationalization Globalization of courses Global awareness in all disciplines Celebrate Diversity Certification for Globally endorsed courses ESL classes Partnership with Institutions overseas Study Abroad Travel Abroad International Student Organization

11 Different degrees of internationalization Globalization of courses -For example include comparative ideologies in an American Govt. Course Encourage Global awareness in all disciplines Demystify the origin of the word Betelgeuse in an Astronomy class. Offer certification for globally approved courses especially transferability of such courses to four year institutions. Celebrate cultural diversity Schoolcraft has an Annual Multicultural Fair Offer ESL classes Schoolcraft offers a variety of 14 ESL classes Make your campus welcoming to international students international Student Organization. Partner with institutions abroad to develop exchange programs. Establish Study Abroad or Travel Abroad Programs - Faculty at Schoolcraft lead students on European tours every year.

12 WHY INTERNATIONALIZE CAMPUS? CULTURAL EXCHANGE. DEVELOP GLOBAL, CULTURAL, LINGUISTIC COMPETENCIES FOSTER CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING. PROMOTE PEACE & UNDERSTANDING INTER NATION LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN A GLOBAL VILLAGE PERSPECTIVE OF ONE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN A CLASSROOM, PROMOTES CULTURAL AWARENESS FINANCIAL GAIN TO HOST INSTITUTION GLOBAL TALENT SEARCH GLOBAL DEMOCRATIZED ACCESS TO EDUCATION & EXTENSION OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY USE OF EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THOSE IN NEED SHARE WELL ESTABLISHED EDUCATIONAL PARADIGMS SHARE KNOWLEDGE TRAIN STUDENTS TO BE PRACTICAL LEARNERS WHO CAN IMPACT LIVES EDUCATION WITH A PURPOSE = RETENTION

13 POLICY Should cover the following areas Governance Academics Legal Fiscal Student support Social community

14 WHY OUTLINE A Policy It helps create conformity across campus Identifies policy owners Facilitates accountability Defines roles & responsibilities of stakeholders Prepares the institution for what if situations Defines legal liabilities Ensures compliance with State & Federal regulations

15 REACH OF WELL PLANNED POLICY A well planned policy broadens its reach throughout campus and off campus On campus Mission statement embrace internationalization Support from board of trustees Include global awareness in different disciplines Faculty training to serve international students Establish International student support services Award Certification for globally endorsed courses & Exchange programs to promote global citizens Adopt International Student outcomes Off campus Out reach program - partnership with institutions abroad

16 COMPREHENSIVE POLICY Within the context of Equity, Social Justice, Accountability, coherent planning is required Ascertain: Whether your campus is ready and prepared for Internationalization i.e. integration of international students IDENTIFY steps to be taken to facilitate this process: student support, education of faculty & staff Pinpoint who is responsible for facilitating this process on campus: a special committee or an international institute for e.g. Schoolcraft International Institute Can Internationalization happen in an eclectic manner? Absolutely Garbage Can Policy Model Outline an Action Plan identify who to target > academe, student support, fiscal, legal Make it comprehensive Make it strategic set realistic timelines A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FACILITATES ACCOUNTABILITY

17 Process Who is responsible for the process? President Discipline Deans? Dean of Instruction? ESL Staff? Interested Faculty? Staff? Student services? Institutional Research/ Analytics Every individual matters.every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference. Jane Goodall

18 PROCESS: FROM WHOSE PERSPECTIVE? Student Support Services Institution Policy

19 FROM STUDENT PERSPECTIVE Staff to handle immigration issues Staff to handle English proficiency exams ->TOEFL Staff to liaise with foreign institutions/bodies Student services to facilitate orientation Peer pals with host students social integration Peer pals for foreign language support talent management Housing needs Once students are enrolled they need to stay & succeed

20 FROM INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE Initial barriers Function of Community colleges is to serve the local community Overcoming Cultural reservations Mission statement - Internationalization is accepted Training Faculty/Staff Curriculum revision to embrace inter cultural impact of internationalization Customize ESL courses meet students at their level of English Include global awareness in courses Certification for globally endorsed courses Establish international learning outcomes Make existing program content relevant to international student body

21 FISCAL RESOURCES Relevant when catering programs offered by the institution to international students If existing programs are offered less costly Officer for international students More ESL classes Housing Cost of offering workshops to train faculty & staff will training be mandatory Sending staff to recruit abroad

22 The Process involves: Administrators Staff Faculty Students The local community Mission statement of institution The purpose of higher education

23 CONSIDER Does the Institution Mission statement support or preclude internationalization For example, Schoolcraft College Mission Statement : The Mission Schoolcraft is a comprehensive, open-door, community-based college. The mission of the College is to provide a transformational learning experience designed to increase the capacity of individuals and groups to achieve intellectual, social, and economic goals Source:

24 Schoolcraft College (SC) Community College Two year higher education institution Livonia, Michigan, USA Location : Suburban metro Detroit area Type: Public institution Enrollment : 13,000 students Courses offered: two year associate- Culinary Arts, Nursing program, Engineering, Business, Police Academy, Continuing Education

25 SC: A case study for Internationalization Background of the problem Schoolcraft College student enrollment has been on the decline. The College has to find innovative ways to maintain a viable student body in order to avoid Institutional Erosion, (Thelin) A proposed solution: Internationalize campus. One country at a time. Educate students from China, given SC partnership with The University of Toledo.

26 Schoolcraft College Student enrollment between

27 Internationalization at SC Schoolcraft college has an active international Institute (SCII) Internationalization is not addressed by the SCII Term Internationalization has been used interchangeably with Globalization Neither Administrative staff nor faculty involved with SCII display an understanding of the distinction between the two concepts and their differing needs(2015) Discussions are underway by ESL staff to internationalize campus

28 Schoolcraft College International Institute Mission Statement SCII The mission of the Schoolcraft College International Institute is to coordinate cross-cultural learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the community. The Institute strives to enhance the international content of coursework, programs, and other College activities so participants better appreciate both the diversities and commonalities among world cultures, and better understand the global forces shaping people's lives.

29 Schoolcraft College Experience 2015 Internationalization is confused with Globalization. Underestimation of required Institutional preparation : Collaboration & leadership involvement, Faculty engagement, operational details, cultural awareness at Admin, Faculty & Student level. Oblivious to degrees of Internationalization. No articulation of Institutional objectives and goals for this process. As of 2015, SC Mission Statement and SCII Mission Statement are silent on Internationalization. No action plan on how to effectuate the Internationalization process Unclear from whose perspective SC is engaging in the process; is it from an Institutional, programmatic or cultural perspective. Occurring in an eclectic manner by interested individuals on campus. Thus far it has been done under the umbrella of the SCII & ESL. The issue is being discussed, but, not clear who has responsibility for this process. There is no Officer with a clear job description & responsibility This blurs Transparency and Accountability for such a process.

30 Initial outcomes since February 2015 SCII shows more awareness of distinction between Globalization and Internationalization Planning workshops to sensitize faculty on teaching international students SC has an International Student Organization ( ISO) SC has a Faculty Advisor to ISO December 2015 saw a peer pal/buddy effort towards social integration of international students with host students A comprehensive packet for immigration requirements for international students SCII discussed setting up a scholarship fund for international students. They do not benefit from Financial Aid Hosting Michigan institute on International Education Annual Conference, April 2016 Prior to February 2016 Member of MIIE Faculty Chaperones Travel Abroad programs Increasing number of Globally Endorsed Courses

31 WHY STUDY & PLAN? To analyze the strategy adopted by SC to Internationalize Campus. Dissipate confusion between Globalization & Internationalization namely Clarify the concept to guide effective and long lasting policy. Only comprehension of the concept can equip SC face potential benefits and potential adverse effects of Internationalization. A well devised plan can also prepare SC cater for and avoid potential negative consequences in the process.

32 How do I start to Internationalize my campus? Speak to like minded personnel Engage your Dean Speak to the President Speak to Dean of Instruction Speak to ESL staff Speak to Faculty involved with globalization- if you don`t have any Engineer it!

33 Planning process Ascertain whether: Your campus is ready and prepared for Internationalization from both an institutional and student perspective Think of how to facilitate the process Outline an Action Plan Set up a committee in the absence of a global/international institute A well outlined plan is desirable to educate all parties at the institutional level. Seek transparency & accountability. Establish a well guided policy to counter potential negative experiences

34 Lessons Learned Methodology: Information about internationalization at Shoolcraft College was obtained during conversations with administrative personnel, participation at SCII meetings & institutional research data Purpose of the study: To ascertain whether Schoolcraft college has an Internationalization policy. If not to encourage its adoption. Contribution to the field: Share knowledge and experience of the internationalization process at a US two year institution in the Midwest.

35 References Affirming Academic Values in Internationalization of Higher Education: A Call for Action, IAU 2012 Altbach P. G. & Knight J.The Internationalization of Higher Education: Motivations and Realities, Journal of Studies in International Education : 290, Retrieved from Building Support for Internationalization Through Institutional Assessment and Leadership Engagement, New Directions for Community Colleges, March 1, Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement (CIGE), American Council on Education (ACE),2015, International Higher Education Partnerships: CIGE Insights A Global Review of Standards and Practices Fisher, K. New Report Charts Mixed Results in Colleges' Internationalization Efforts, May 22,208 The chronicle of higher education, may 22, Retrieved from: Kreber C., Different perspectives in internationalization in higher education, NEW DIRECTIONS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING, no. 118, Summer 2009 Wiley Periodicals, online in Wiley InterScience Retrieved from: /tl.348 NAFSA (2015) Internationalizing the campus Profiles at colleges and universities 2015 Opp R. & Poplin Gosetti P.The Role of Key Administrators in Internationalizing the Community College Student Experience,, NEW DIRECTIONS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES, no. 165, Spring 2014, Wiley Periodicals, Wiley Online Library Retrieved from: wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI: /cc Stage, F.K., and Manning, K.(2003). Research in the college context. New York: Brunner-Routledge.