Societās Internationalization Assessment

Indicators

These elements offer a collective understanding as to what international engagement means for the particular institution which is reflected in its initiatives, successes, and participation. How international engagement is navigated provides a strong account of what it means for the institution. This rationale in turn impacts the ability of the institution to create new visions for their future international plans. This exercise will also capture challenges and opportunities of universities’ operational and strategic international activities.

• Internationalization Activities

• Performance and Outcomes

• At home initiatives

• Inclusivity

Institutional Capacity for International Engagement

• Intercultural Training

• Internationalized Curriculum

• Virtual Initiatives

• Institutional Culture

These observations focus on the structural forces and institutional readiness which open gates of opportunities or obstruct collaborations. They reflect the interlinked nature of international engagement and identify the external forces that make them successful. Without a supportive external environment that celebrates international excellence and innovation, universities might not be able to successfully reach their international potential as they interact with others abroad.

• Institution strengths

• International influence

• Government

• Staff trained abroad

Structural Barriers and Institutional Readiness

• Institutional Governance

• Internal knowledge

• Ability to deploy new initiatives

• Calibre of international impact

These observations focus on the ability of universities to deeply integrate their services, initiatives and programs in support of international engagement. The lack of such integration is reflected in their own internal cultures, policies, practices, and frameworks. The inability of universities to distribute the benefits of international engagement impacts the commitment from some parts of a university, creating silos, or gaps. Without the strong support of university leaders, internationalization would have to compete with other priorities despite their strong potential for institutional transformation.

• Participation in global initiatives

• Level on internal coordination

• Priority for its international office

• Reactive or Proactive Approach

Internationalization Integration and Institutional Leadership

• Leadership vision and action

• Leadership involvement

• Incentive to internationalize

• Resources and Support

Preliminary

Framework

Data Collection

Analysis

Report

A preliminary assessment design is created based on the institution's mission and international aspirations.

A work plan is developed and tested in consultation with the institution in line with its priorities and data capabilities.

The collection of quantitative and qualitative data, their connections and ability to bring out hidden elements of internationalization.

A comprehensive account on the state, opportunities, challenges, narratives and other aspects that define the institution’s ability to engage globally.

A written report, workshop training for leaders and administrators (optional) and an internal symposium to raise awareness involving university communities (optional).

The Process of Internationalization Evaluation

Frequently Asked Questions

The Assessment, its parameters and methodology, apply to some settings

Who is the Assessment for?

The Assessment is created for small, medium or large higher education institutions across the world.

Does the Assessment intend to become a standard?

It is not intended to be a standard (such attempts aren’t recommended), but a sound evaluation capable of offering flexibility and scalability to as many institutions as possible.

What informs the evaluation framework?

It is conceived to incorporate well-known concepts and practices that are common in some parts of the world, but especially in Canada, Europe and other regions.

Is the Assessment for universities that interested in starting their international plan, or for those who already have one in place?

It assumes that universities have already initiated their process of internationalizing their institution. However, the Assessment can be a powerful tool for internationalization strategic planning.

What is the level of involvement of the university?

It involves universities (the client itself) in the process of evaluation in order to promote future applications and knowledge dissemination. The case of a committee of wide representation, with the participation of a senior international officer or other designated university leader is recommended.

Is this a university-wide assessment?

The Assessment can also apply to a part of an institution (large department or faculty), as well as the entire university.

Does the assessment use a western-based or other perspectives?

It doesn’t include any international priorities. They are better defined and understood by each university in line with its own perspective as to what success in international education should entail. This Assessment strengthens the international engagement capacity of the institutions.

Will the Assessment require institutional data?

It relies on the availability of institutional data and it includes interviews as a way to enhance the interpretation of the data or expand it (in addition to other evaluation methods). The use of such data is carried out in line with the policies of the institution.

Will the Assessment explore where the institution is on its internationalization journey?

It offers a level of international engagement capacity and it is focused on the process that makes a university ready for international engagement.

What is the role of leaders in the assessment process?

The Assessment in order to be carried out depends on the commitment of university leaders and their ability to mobilize internal support.

Can the Assessment be applied to colleges and institutes as well?

It focuses on universities, but it can be applied to other higher education institutions.

How long does it take to complete the Assessment?

The time to complete the evaluation is within 3 to 6 months depending on the availability of data and level of involvement of the institution (committee, etc.).

How does the Assessment define internationalization?

It views internationalization as a vehicle for institutional improvement. The application of the Assessment takes into consideration dominant and non-dominant concepts.

What makes Societās Internationalization Assessment unique?

• It is carried out along with members of the institution, allowing the dissemination of knowledge and future application.

• It includes outcomes commonly associated with other assessments but it goes further by focusing on how an institution can better approach its own internationalization efforts, and

• It focuses on the progress of internationalizing a university and its required institutional transformation.

About the Internationalization Assessor

Carlos Vargas is the Societās Partnerships’ founder. With over 13 years of experience in internationalization of higher education at the University of Calgary, Carleton University, and University of Toronto. He has provided support and guidance for the improvements of their international engagement efforts under different roles.

Carlos has led, or been involved in the development of initiatives, programs, and services such as international relations database, directory of international activities, high calibre campus events, international strategies, visiting scholar programs, university agreements, graduate mobility programs, delegations and missions, international funding opportunities database, etc. He completed his MEd in Leadership in Higher Education, with a focus on Internationalization, from the University of Calgary. Carlos is also fluent in Spanish.

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