This document discusses internationalization in higher education and the work of the International Association of Universities (IAU). It notes that IAU is an independent membership organization that serves as a global forum for higher education leaders. It conducts research and analysis on major trends in internationalization, advocates for policies, and disseminates information. The document outlines challenges in internationalization like increased competition and commercialization. It emphasizes IAU's commitment to continuing education, research, advocacy, and promoting internationalization's role in developing responsible global citizens.

1. Internationalisation of Higher
Education – the work of IAU
Beijing, China
October 15, 2006
Eva Egron-Polak,
Secretary General

2. IAU: for a worldwide community
of higher education
North Am erica Africa
Latin Am erica 6% 10%
8%
Middle East
10%
Asia & Pacific
22%
Europe
44%
Africa Middle East Asia & Pacific
Europe Latin America North America
1 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

3. The Internationalization
Imperatives
The external political and economic forces for internationalization
– globalization in all areas
The cultural and demographic push for internationalization at
national and international levels
The internal – academic and scientific drivers for
internationalization in teaching, learning, research and service
The blurring of these internal and external forces
= costs of insularity or parochialism are very high for all HEIs
2 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

4. IAU: independent
membership organisation
Global forum for higher education leaders
Research and analysis of major trends
Advocacy and policy reflection
Information dissemination
3 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

5. Internationalization at IAU
Research and Analysis of Major Trends
2003 Internationalization of HE – survey of IAU
membership
Report: Practices and Priorities
2005 Internationalization of HE – global survey
of HEI and national university associations
Report: New Directions, New Challenges
4 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

6. Internationalization at IAU
2005 global survey report
5 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

7. Internationalization at IAU
Advocacy
2000 Policy Statement
Internationalization of Higher education: towards a century
of cooperation
2004 Statement (with AUCC, ACE and CHEA)
Sharing Quality of Higher Education Across Borders: a
statement on behalf of higher education institutions
worldwide
- 2006 Checklist for Good Practice in Cross Border Education
6 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

8. Internationalization – are we (still)
talking about the same thing?
Working definition – stable over time
– multidimensional and comprehensive efforts to introduce an
international, intercultural and global dimension into learning,
research and services
BUT IN TIME OF MAJOR CHANGE
Changing practices
– increasing differentiation of goals, rationales, strategies and
models or practices
Growing complexity and differentiated impact
– policy increasingly linked to other objectives (ex. Immigration,
competitiveness, security and even department/institution
survival)
7 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

9. HE and Internationalization
challenges (1)
Profound changes in where and how knowledge is created, how it is
disseminated and applied, how it is funded
Increasing competition – at all levels and among all actors
Risks of commercialization in traditional and new providers
Cooperation and academic solidarity weakened and undermined
Absence of strong policy frameworks to ensure ‘fair play’ and quality -
GATS or other trade agreements not the answer
Lack of knowledge about long term impact of certain approaches
especially in context of asymmetries
8 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

10. HE and Internationalization
challenges (2)
Pressures for ‘positioning’ for competitiveness and strategic alliances
colouring relationships and determining geographic focus
Persistent difficulties to effect curricular change where impact is most
inclusive
Disciplinary coverage in internationalization efforts still narrow
Need to widen and increase access to internationalization programs to
include economically disadvantaged or minority groups
Generalizing institutional engagement and integrating internationalization
in all strategic reflections by HEIs and Associations
9 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

11. Can we meet the challenges?
Opportunities are unprecedented!
Recognition of importance of internationalization at highest level
(2005 survey)
Numerous forums for collective action and advocacy
Consensus on the risks and challenges (2005 Survey)
Availability of technological means to share knowledge, create
networks and communities and widen access and participation
Many examples of success and good policies and practices
10 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

12. IAU Commitment
Continuing Education – LLL for HEI leaders
– All IAU functions – global forum for sharing and dissemination
– Continued analysis and research (2008 Global Survey)
– search for good HEI practices
– Stronger integration of internationalization to other themes
Advocacy
– internationalization as a positive force for building more than
economically competititive nations or regions
– but also for preparing well educated, employable and
responsible citizens, who are respectful of and sensitive to
cultural diversity and committed to international cooperation
and solidarity
11 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

13. IAU Wish List
2005 Global Report stimulates debate
– Partners to disseminate report as widely as possible
– Articulating convincing arguments to promote academic values and
social responsibilities as central to internationalization efforts
Checklist for Good Practice is useful and used by HEIs
Give recognition to Good Practice at institutions
– IAU Prize for Excellence in Internationalization?
– Recruiting for a generous Patron can start now!
Secure better rate of response in 2008 Global Survey
Continued support from current and new Members!
12 © IAU, 2005 24 October 2006

14. Thank you
Information and suggestions
www.unesco.org/iau
Contact
eegron.iau@unesco.org
2005 Global Repot
iau2@unesco.org