Vancouver Island University International Education Strategic Plan 2013-2016
ii Vancouver Island University
Building a Global Community Internationalization making education international in vision and practice is one of the most powerful educational and community-building movements in universities and colleges around the world. Internationalization sparks innovation and creativity in individuals and communities. VIU is committed to a dynamic process of internationalization designed to bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, new skills and relevant competencies into our classrooms and our communities. At VIU s campuses we strive to offer rich and varied opportunities to all students to become cross-culturally competent and well prepared for global citizenship. International Education Strategic Plan 1
I am very happy with the friendliness of VIU employees, being new to the campus everyone is helpful and patient with the many questions I have One of my goals in life is getting this MBA degree and hopefully run my own hotel or business. With the education I am getting here @ VIU I would be able to achieve this goal. Marjorie Venus Baliog, Philippines, MBA/MScIB 2 Vancouver Island University
The President s Commitment Through the work of the Faculty of International Education, Vancouver Island University contributes significantly to the health and well-being of the region we serve. International students make a significant economic contribution (estimated at 8 billion dollars across Canada in 2010) through their tuition fees, living expenses and discretionary spending. Perhaps more importantly, we see compelling evidence of the other, less direct impacts of international students as we learn of students, alumni and their families who create economic, social and cultural links between our region and other places around the world. I am frequently delighted to hear firsthand about the kitchen table diplomacy that occurs every day in the homes of our homestay families, where real and lasting relationships are developed through mutual understanding, respect and learning. Both federal and provincial governments have clearly indicated that they see the recruitment and retention of international talent as an essential and increasingly important component of building the future of Canada. In August 2012 the final report of the Advisory Panel on Canada s International Education Strategy, International Education: A Key Driver of Canada s Future Prosperity, was released. Its recommendations support an increase in the quantity and quality of international students as sources of highly qualified and skilled individuals to meet our current and future labour market demand. As a key component to Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, BC s International Education Strategy was released in 2012 to position British Columbia and its residents to benefit even more from the social, cultural and economic opportunities that flow from international education activities. Among its recommendations is an increase in opportunities for BC students to study and work abroad. VIU is a very strong supporter of both federal and provincial strategies and the objectives outlined in this Strategic Plan describe the concrete steps we are taking to help ensure their goals are met. My own commitment to international education is substantial I believe strongly in the transformative power of international experience and cross cultural exposure. I envision campuses and communities that make even more opportunities easily accessible, and help propel students and all of us towards success in an increasingly, excitingly globalized world. Ralph Nilson, Ph.D. President & Vice-Chancellor International Education Strategic Plan 3
Being from Casablanca, the biggest city of my country, I thought this (arriving in Nanaimo) was the end of my life and the biggest mistake of my life and that survival in such a small city was impossible. Right away I fell in love with the people, the culture, education, and nature in Nanaimo. What was going to be my life s biggest mistake turned out to be my life s best choice. Nanaimo is now my home away from home. I will never regret coming here because simply put, it helped me be my best. This great opportunity gave me the chance to understand this world much better; and of course appreciate this warm, beautiful and welcoming country. Hamza Slaoui, Morocco Hospitality Management and VIU Valedictorian, 2012 4 Vancouver Island University
The Dean s Commitment Vancouver Island University has a long and rich tradition in international education. We have been privileged to host many thousands of students, from around the globe, on our campus and in our communities. Our faculty and staff have devoted their time and expertise in many countries to innovative projects designed to enhance opportunities for people who lack the basic necessities for a decent and dignified life. Our students have ventured far afield to study in places with distinctly different languages, cultures and education systems, or to volunteer their skills and enthusiasm in communities across the planet. At the institutional level, we have benefited from the exchange of ideas and personnel with our partner colleges and universities in many countries. The impact of all of these activities has been to create, at least in nascent form, a global community at VIU. The internationalization of colleges and universities has become a hot topic in recent years. What is encompassed by internationalization varies from one institution to another. At VIU, it includes a wide array of activities and programs that are designed to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding and to broaden our individual and collective appreciation of the joys and responsibilities of global citizenship. In everything we do, from recruitment of international students to supporting faculty s work in international development, our vision is shaped by the ideals of a just, equitable and sustainable global community. This Strategic Plan represents the diverse, but interconnected goals of the faculty and staff in the Faculty of International Education. It is a forward-looking, but essentially pragmatic document that builds on the five key objectives of VIU s Academic Plan and details how the Faculty will achieve these objectives through work in four areas: Creating a diverse campus; Promoting international students success; Fostering global literacy; and Building a global community. In so doing, the Plan acknowledges the specific functions and obligations of this Faculty in the broader context of the University and the communities it serves. The co-ordination of all international education activities in one Faculty unique in a Canadian university affords VIU an exciting opportunity to be a leader in harmonizing the service requirements of international student mobility with the pursuit of innovative academic programs that promote intercultural and global understanding. The realization of this opportunity would make a significant contribution to international education in Canada and elsewhere. We have achieved much in international education at VIU; there is much more still to be done. We are up for the challenge. Graham Pike, Ph.D. Dean, Faculty of International Education International Education Strategic Plan 5
Our Principles of Practice In the Faculty of International Education, we: Show respect and provide equitable service regardless of gender identity, age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or opinion. Communicate openly, effectively and respectfully with students, colleagues and partners. Commit to high standards of professionalism through continuous learning and personal growth. Conduct ourselves in a mindful and professional manner at all times and in all communications, with particular regard to our interactions with people from a variety of cultures and traditions. Promote the value of global citizenship. Commit to the evaluation and improvement of our services. Explore solutions to challenges in constructive and creative ways. Provide support for each other in a workplace culture of empathy, grace and kindness. Know that our success depends on the positive, ethical and responsible actions of all individuals. Pursue the internationalization goals of the University in ways that are in harmony with our Principles. 6 Vancouver Island University
International Education s commitment to student learning, engagement and success: We will lead in ensuring student success in a diverse and globally aware University. How we will fulfill our commitment within three years: Creating a diverse campus Increase the diversity and number of best fit international students attending Vancouver Island University (VIU) and The International High School at Vancouver Island University (TIHS/VIU) each year. Strategically focus enrolment planning and management for international students in English as a Second Language (ESL), academic and applied programs. Finalize an effective, high value process for international scholarships offered by VIU. Achieve our recruitment targets through a stronger emphasis on academic success. Promoting international students success Improve international students learning, engagement, retention and success throughout the University. Student learning, engagement and success Academic Plan Objectives Promote student leadership and the application of intellectual and practical skills to ensure the success of our students Encourage the development of literacies and communication skills in all of our instructional programs Enhance experiential learning opportunities and involvement in scholarship and community based learning Provide effective student services that support programs, build the campus community and improve the quality of life of students Work collaboratively with other faculties and service departments to develop responsive new supports for international students in academic programs. International Education Strategic Plan 7
If not for loving this experience for its extreme nature, for its unimaginable, other-worldly intensity, I would hate it. It is a terrifying experience to be immersed in such sensory stimulation, but at the same time, it is exhilarating, exciting, and deeply beautiful. Celia White, Canada Global Studies intern in India 8 Vancouver Island University
Continuously improve pre-arrival and orientation processes and activities. Identify students who are academically at risk earlier and put effective processes in place to support both students and faculty. Develop new, enhanced and more proactive advising services for international students. Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of support services through implementing a new data management system. Eliminate any remaining barriers to student engagement and success. Fostering global literacy Increase awareness of the benefits of Education Abroad opportunities for all students. Increase the number of domestic students who participate in international projects and programs. Launch the Masters in International Development Administration and Management collaboratively with the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Management. Work collaboratively with other decanal areas to develop new courses and programs that consolidate international education as a field of academic enquiry. Building a global community Collaborate to develop a university-wide approach to meeting the housing needs of all VIU students. International Education Strategic Plan 9
The most interaction possible between international students and domestic students is the key. Xander France, Canada VIU Grad who studied at the University of Hertfordshire 10 Vancouver Island University
International Education s commitment to VIU s academic community: We will champion excellence in culturally and globally aware teaching and learning across decanal areas and campuses at VIU. How we will fulfill our commitment within three years: Creating a diverse campus Encourage faculty exchanges and actively support visiting international faculty. Promoting international students success Foster high level expertise amongst ESL faculty members through comprehensive professional development. Support faculty across the campus as they further develop cross-cultural teaching and learning skills. Fostering global literacy Academic community Academic Plan Objectives Maintain teaching as our priority in support of student learning and institutional identity Attract and retain faculty with expertise that supports the institutional vision Develop an appropriate identity and standards for members of our diverse academic community Enhance academic support services in order to empower faculty Foster campus-wide faculty scholarship and professional development related to global citizenship. Build key literacies for global citizenship such as proficiency in multiple languages and cross-cultural competence amongst all students. Support faculty who provide students with international experiential learning opportunities. Building a global community Collaborate with other faculties to strengthen the effectiveness of international academic partnerships and agreements. Involve colleagues in other Faculties in establishing and maintaining high quality international partnerships. International Education Strategic Plan 11
People are so kind here. The strangers say hello to you People are easy going and speak out their ideas directly. You don t have to guess their meaning. Just say what you want to say. Lei (Natalie) Wong, China MBA/MScIB 12 Vancouver Island University
International Education s commitment to program quality: We will continually improve the quality of our programs and services. How we will fulfill our commitment within three years: Creating a diverse campus Broaden the diversity of our international student population. Improve the retention rates of our international students. Promoting international students success Fully and actively engage students in planning and in evaluating International Education s programs and services. Initiate, support and encourage quality improvement in international initiatives across departments, faculties and disciplines. Advocate for and contribute to a more vibrant summer campus with a range of services and activities to complement and enrich our summer programs. Program quality Academic Plan Objectives Maintain our commitment to academic, applied, developmental, experiential and professional programs that provide multiple educational opportunities Continue to explore the development of high quality programs, including graduate programs that address identified needs Support programs with operationally sustainable services, technologies and facilities Promote a culture of program assessment and continuous improvement Foster a campus-wide culture of high expectations for international students. Consistently position our students as capable university students with a diverse range of skills and talents. Fostering global literacy Develop a process for continuous assessment and prioritization of ESL programs. Complete the restructuring of the Comprehensive ESL Program to offer more flexibility for students and to enhance student progress. Proactively build innovative new group programs to complement the strengths of VIU and the region. Continue to collaborate with other faculties in devising and delivering innovative cross-disciplinary programs with an international dimension. International Education Strategic Plan 13
I wanted to be a fluent English, Canadian English, speaker. I wanted to be able to understand jokes, to laugh at things; each other. Mia Yamamoto, Japan ESL and Chemistry graduate 14 Vancouver Island University
Building a global community Increase the quality of homestay experiences for students and families. Increase the support given to homestay families by providing earlier, more frequent, and more systematic interventions. Support an increase in the range of options for student housing, on campus and in the community. International Education Strategic Plan 15
Community engagement Academic Plan Objectives Sustain collaborative relationships with communities and educational partners in order to ensure optimal responses to regional cultural, economic, environmental and social needs Enhance collaborative relationships with Aboriginal communities in order to develop opportunities for, and to promote the success of, Aboriginal students Develop innovative multi disciplinary programs that address the issues facing the region Promote awareness of global cultures, issues and conditions and the role played by the region nationally and internationally International Education s commitment to community engagement: We will reach beyond our own Faculty and University to create vital alliances, partnerships and initiatives with shared purpose. How we will fulfill our commitment within three years: Creating a diverse campus Develop more effective ways for domestic students to benefit from campus diversity. Promoting international students success Further develop opportunities for experiential learning for international students. Educate our broader communities about the benefits and opportunities associated with international education. Fostering global literacy Launch the Global Leadership co-curricular program, designed to encourage campus and community engagement. Increase the reach and impact of International Development Week and International Education Week. Develop collaborative, dual or joint degree programs that promote student and faculty exchange among partner institutions. 16 Vancouver Island University
Building a global community Initiate and play a committed, energized role in partnerships within our communities to increase awareness of and celebrate international students. Continue to develop international students engagement with their communities in order to promote global awareness. Weave internship and volunteer opportunities more firmly into programming. Develop initiatives that encourage collaboration between international students and Aboriginal communities worldwide. Seek out and nurture the most strategic and effective international relationships, with the intent to maintain rich, mutually beneficial partnerships over the long term. International Education Strategic Plan 17
Institutional effectiveness Academic Plan Objectives Promote a culture of respect, transparency and accountability Provide visionary administrative leadership that creates a valued institution Support faculty, staff and student involvement in University leadership and governance Build relationships with local, national and international organizations, alumni and friends that contribute to the reputation and success of the University International Education s commitment to institutional effectiveness: We will refocus on effectiveness. How we will fulfill our commitment within three years: Creating a diverse campus Collaborate with the domestic recruitment team to increase impact and share effective practice. Generate campus-wide willingness and excitement about creating new opportunities for international students. Continue to define and consolidate activity in our best markets for international student recruitment. Implement more effective marketing campaigns for VIU regional campuses and for The International High School at Vancouver Island University. Promoting international students success Strengthen the contribution of The International High School at Vancouver Island University and VIU regional campuses by offering unique programs and experiential learning. Lever the knowledge, relationship building and communication potential of the International Education Advisory Committee. Identify opportunities to make campus internationalization more visible. Identify opportunities to make international activities more visible to regional, provincial and national public audiences. 18 Vancouver Island University
Building a global community Quickly, accurately and proactively share information about our work, our successes and our students within and outside the University, including among the international education community. Engage and recognize our international Alumni as valuable marketing, educational and networking resources. Support International Regional Representatives by raising awareness internally and externally of their role and affiliation. Build high quality, mutually beneficial relationships between The International High School at Vancouver Island University and selected sister schools. International Education Strategic Plan 19
My life mission is helping other refugees. I want to give them hope. Aden Ahmed, former WUSC-sponsored refugee, current Bachelor of Business Administration student 20 Vancouver Island University
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Learn more: www.viu.ca/international