Futureproof your internationalisation strategy
The issue
UK institutions need to compete more strongly than ever for international students as well as produce graduates with the skills and confidence to enter the global job market. This requires a wider, more visionary approach to internationalisation.
What you can do
The benefits of a comprehensive internationalisation strategy go beyond recruitment. It has the potential to enrich the student experience and open up opportunities for new partnerships, networks and collaborations in teaching and research.
Easier access to online services and resources, social media, virtual research and learning environments are all playing an increasingly significant role in education across borders.
Reach out with online learning
Online learning has clear global potential. Open educational resources can help market your courses to international students, as Oxford University’s Open Spires project found.
Connect through social media
Web, email and social media can provide students with remote access to staff, resources and other learners regardless of their location. Universities now use Twitter and Facebook to support their international students, while channels such as YouTubeEDU and iTunesU can easily make learning materials available globally.
Be clear on international qualifications
Don’t get lost in translation. The Bologna Process simplifies comparisons between many different national higher education qualifications.
Collaborate internationally for:
- Teaching and learning - Projects at Northumbria University and the University of the Arts demonstrate the possibilities for international teaching and learning
- Research - Virtual Research Environments (VREs) enable distributed research groups or teams to collaborate online, regardless of location
- Business - Digital technologies are also helping institutions work with global businesses. Our infoKit, online collaborative tools for business and community engagement, can help you get started.
Encourage study abroad
Applications to study abroad can be enhanced with e-portfolios: digital, transportable collections of a student’s lifelong learning, acting as a convenient way of demonstrating their previous experience.
Enable secure global access
Remote learners and international collaborators need safe, secure access to your institution’s services and resources. Our interactive brochure and guide outline how federated access management and single sign-on can help.