Internationalisation
What is Internationalisation?
Internationalisation means that all aspects of the university's activities - teaching and learning; research and research training; partnerships; management and resources are engaged with the broader international community and with international academic benchmarking.
n practical terms, it means building global skills and intercultural competencies in our staff and students so that we can operate effectively in the global environment. It also means re-examining not only what we teach but how we teach it, so that we develop programs which not only have an international focus but also have teaching practices which are inclusive and valuing of diversity.
Internationalisation will also mean developing international research and teaching collaborations so that we can increase our competitive advantage.
In fact, we are already rapidly internationalising the university. In 2006, we established a campus in Singapore. In 2007 we established comprehensive institutional partnerships with seven of the top ranked universities in China. This has already led to some significant outcomes including the establishment of the China Australia Centre for Clean Coal Technology in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Science, and clinical trials in stroke management in China.
Forty of our Communication students were also selected to attend the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing to assist with reporting on the events.
We have developed joint PhD programs with leading Chinese universities and a substantial number of twinning and articulation arrangements that will see Chinese students studying in our business, IT and engineering programs.
This is only the beginning. The University is about to undertake similar activities in India, which will see members of the University's senior executive meeting with the heads of a number of Indian institutions to negotiate partnership agreements that will open several exciting collaborative opportunities.
How Does Internationalisation Benefit Our Students?
It is imperative that we internationalise the university because we now operate in a global environment where:
- Knowledge and scholarship are international commodities;
- Graduates are increasingly mobile and require skills and qualifications that are transnational; and
- Internationalisation allows us to network world wide and to leverage our research and teaching skills.
For these reasons, we need to see internationalisation as a core part of the University’s mission in its teaching, research, scholarship and community engagement if we are to sustain and enhance the University's ability to:
- Prepare students to effectively operate as global citizens;
- Produce research that will have application to solving problems confronting the world;
- Attract top quality students and scholars to the University;
- Be a significant player in the provision of higher education services within the region.
The benefits to students range from the cultural enrichment of a truly diverse international university environment, to gaining a degree which will open doors for employment in a global arena.
Essentially, what we are seeking to do is introduce you to the world and introduce the world to you.
What Does The Future Hold?
Some of our recent activity has been focused on:
- Developing a Global Leadership Diploma Program
- Internationalising our curriculum
- Developing programs to improve the campus and community experience for international students
- Developing exciting new international partnership and exchange opportunities for students
- Reviewing English language and program entry standards
- Progressing the review of undergraduate diplomas in business, IT and Engineering
- Considering the establishment of concurrent undergraduate language diplomas
- Finalising a preferred delivery model for undergraduate diploma and International Foundation and ELICOS programs
- Developing a plan for new and emerging market recruitment
- Exploring options and developing an action plan for new international student accommodation
- Working with Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRUA) members to develop joint branding and marketing opportunities
- Expanding our international support programs and staff.
Where Can I Find Out More?
You can contact the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Advancement) or the Assistant Dean (International) in your Faculty for further information on internationalisation.
