Internationalisation of studies and teaching 

Guiding questions and characteristics

 

Internationalization of study and teaching or of teaching is a process in which the critical reflection of "why" and "how" play an essential role. The following guiding questions and characteristics for >> internationalisation of the curriculum  an support universities in this process, as well as in surveying the status quo and critically reflecting on the questions: "Where do we stand?" and "How can we further develop the internationalization of teaching?". 

Ten characteristics for internationalisation of studies and teaching 

 

1.    Documented involvement of different stakeholders in the institutional reflection and strategy process and reference to relevant documents (e.g. professional field analysis, international surveys and reports, etc.).

2.    Internationalisation of studies and teaching is anchored in the strategy, the associated goals and the corresponding responsibilities are defined at the various levels, communicated transparently and evaluated regularly.

3.    International cooperation including benchmarking and strategic alliances are used to develop and advance the programmes and the university as a whole.

4.   Internationalisation-related courses as well as international and culturally reflective learning outcomes (including language competence) are anchored in the compulsory areas of the curricula (at module/course/programme/curricular/curriculum level); appropriate forms of evaluation are used.

5.    Physical and/or virtual mobility is anchored in the curriculum in a form appropriate to the study programme and the target group.

6.    There are further training programmes and incentive schemes for staff on specific topics related to internationalisation of studies and teaching.

7.    The appropriate resources for both continuing education and the implementation of internationalisation of studies and teaching are made available on a sustainable basis.

8.    The university offers support services for international students and international staff.

9.    The higher education environment reflects an international mindset, documented and visible e.g. through:

·         English/foreign language course descriptions and corresponding English and/or foreign language teaching and learning materials.

·         English-language translation of the curriculum and certificates

·         Consistent bi- or multilingualism in the university's guidance system and communication forums

·         Human resources and infrastructure for virtual collaboration, teaching and learning opportunities with international partners

·         Interaction platforms for international students and faculty, e.g. International Fairs, language cafés ...

10. The impact of the internationalisation of studies and teaching is visible:

·         Students perceive internationalisation as a lived practice

·         Internationalisation of staff is visible

·         International students are integrated into everyday university life and university processes

·        Student satisfaction, graduate surveys and/or the degree of employability of graduates in an international and intercultural context confirm the acquisition of international and intercultural competences. The impact of the internationalisation of studies and teaching is visible:

·         Students perceive internationalisation as a lived practice

·         Internationalisation of staff is visible

·         International students are integrated into everyday university life and university processes

·         Student satisfaction, graduate surveys and/or degree of employability of graduates in the international and cultural-reflexive context confirm the acquisition of international and cultural-reflexive competences

 

The guiding questions are examples, do not claim to be exhaustive or exclusive and reflect the views of the higher education experts represented in the thematic field groups.