Developing an internationalisation strategy: laying the groundwork and taking some practical steps Vicky Lewis Nicola Peacock

Structure of session Agenda Icebreaking The theory: reasons for internationalisation and some recent research The practice: what BU is doing on an operational level What can you do to make a difference?

The Theory (1): rationales and approaches What do we mean by internationalisation? Why do we engage in it? Rationales National / regional variations Institutional approaches –Self-centred vs outward-looking –Fragmented vs integrated

The Theory (2): recent research What are the sweet jars telling us? Headline results from national survey Some observations Prerequisites for an internationalisation strategy

The Practice: Bournemouth University case studies On-the-ground projects at BU: Academic / educational Cultural / social Economic / commercial

Academic / educational (1) Global perspectives working group –Leadership Foundation Fellowship –‘Graduates as Global Citizens’ Conference (Sept 2005) Curriculum development –Audit of current provision –New programme requirements –Cross-cultural competence units

Academic / educational (2) Processes of transition: pre-arrival / on arrival Ongoing support and development: PDP / PAL / mentoring / workshops Diversity week

Showcase: Introduction to Academic Life Programme Proposed Benefits: Re-deployment of resources – greater efficiency in support provision Improved retention and progress levels Improved learning environment (and learning / teaching experience) An international experience for all (and all the benefits associated with Employability/Learning and Teaching strategy) A learning package that can be used with students / staff from other cultures on entry

Programme of sessions Cultural transition to Britain / British HE Experience of academic time Academic status Individual responsibility Assessment HE language

The process Student evaluation / focus groups Informal discussion with like minded colleague! Paper written for International Development Steering Group Funding from central Academic Services (induction focus in L+T strategy) L+T bid – student evaluation

But it wasn’t all plain sailing…! Some barriers: Devolved structure / corporate provision Generic preparation for academic life / specific subject based preparation Academic / admin Resourcing

Showcase: Diversity week Annual corporate event for ALL internal community Celebration and awareness raising Contributions from academic Schools, support services and student union Limited Funding from HR pot International support team contribute funding for our student events

Diversity week; our contribution Active members of steering committee International pavilion: performances / presentations by student societies International student photo competition and viewing

Opportunities Opportunity for students to give something back Opportunity for students to express themselves: be seen / be heard / be valued Opportunity for all internal community to develop themselves Need to extend out to external community

Threats Lack of buy in from students and staff What is the point? Is one week enough? Possible solutions: Student society contract Embedding diversity agenda; staff development strategy

Cultural / social Employability –Working Worlds –Learning & Teaching at BU Conference Integration –Community work –Student ambassadors –Hosting

Showcase: Working Worlds Primary objective: To develop our careers, advice and support function for incoming international students AND outgoing students on placement overseas through: online and paper resources workshops greater collaboration between the International Office Support Team, the Careers Service and other relevant parties.

Achievements: Workshops for international students Resources on web Cross cultural training with Careers Service / other staff development planned Cross cultural training for students going overseas on exchange / placement Articles in local business magazine and internal magazine outlining issues for employers Leaflet for employers Input employability conference

Economic / commercial Student support and excellent service as selling points –The role of the International Office as a model of good practice Tie-in with Marketing Strategy Full and honest information, informed by current students Access to current students

Showcase: using existing students Target country focus groups –Outcomes feeding into marketing / recruitment plans –Outcomes feeding into promotional materials Current student and alumni profiles “Contact a current student” service Student ambassadors

But where’s the strategy? Still in development –Internationalisation Working Group Much can be done on the ground even while strategy still developing Can help to build strategy “from the bottom up” - so not starting with a blank sheet

Prerequisites for successful on- the-ground projects All projects must be consistent with institutional values and priorities Visible top-down commitment – including resources Firm links with other strategies, policies and procedures Internal communication and self- promotion

What can you do to make a difference? Action planning: Ideas for projects –What are the barriers? –How can they be overcome? Reality check: are they in line with institutional values?