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INTERNATIONALIZATION
INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGY: PHASE III
2010 - 2020
Our International Vision
Message from the President
In 1990, when Mount Royal College established the first Office of International Education, we believed that we had much to gain from worldwide educa-tion and understanding and that internaeduca-tional experience was crucial to the personal and professional success of our students, faculty and staff and to the economic vitality of our communities.
In 2010, as Mount Royal University, we remain committed to international-izing our curriculum in order to provide global learning opportunities for our students, faculty and staff. Partnerships between Mount Royal and some of the world’s finest post-secondary institutions enable these opportunities to be realized. These partnerships also enable international students and faculty to come to Calgary and Mount Royal University. We welcome students and faculty from nations around the world to our campus. Here you will find an exceptional learning environment and an opportunity to expand your global perspectives and to create important business networks for the future.
We invite partners to work with us on international development projects where the experience and qualifications of our faculty are valuable assets. We invite partners in education and business to turn to us for your corporate training needs.
We encourage Mount Royal students, faculty and staff to study and work beyond Canada’s borders. Mount Royal University’s academic vision is to create exceptional learning experiences for a world of possibilities. A world of oppor-tunity awaits!
Mount Royal’s Commitment to
Internationalization
Message from the Director, International Education
Mount Royal’s internationalization strategy has been and is an important factor in achieving its academic vision. Mount Royal has had a formal committment to International Education for more than twenty years and we continue to be firmly committed for the future.
By strengthening and expanding our partnerships with similar institutions in strategically selected regions of the world, we provide international opportuni-ties for our students, faculty and staff and we create interest for international students and faculty in accessing programs and services at our campus in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Through some seventy partnerships that have been established, we have been able to enhance our international profile.
We offer our programs in regular or customized formats to individuals, our part-ner institutions, government agencies, business and industry, both in Canada and internationally. We are dedicated to the development of our local, national and international communities and, as Canadians, we embrace, respect and reflect the rich multicultural diversity of our communities. The strategies out-lined in this document provide a general outline of how we plan to achieve our objectives over the next ten years.
Background to Internationalization at
Mount Royal University
Mount Royal has been formally involved in internationalization since 1990, when the Office of International Education was first established after an initial period of market research.
During Phase I, (1990-2000) International Education operated within a set of guid-ing principles which encouraged the enrichment of the Mount Royal educational experience through: i) the creation of opportunities for faculty, staff and adminis-trators to participate in international projects that provided professional develop-ment and renewal; ii) the creation of opportunities for students to participate in international activities and learning experiences; iii) the improvement of access to Mount Royal for international students and iv) contribution to the socio-economic development of the local, national and international community. All activities undertaken were to be offered on a cost-recovery or revenue-generating basis. Over the initial ten-year period, the Office of International Education systematically developed a successful range of international programs and services which were recognized nationally by the awarding of the ACCC Internationalization Excellence Award in 1995.
Notwithstanding Mount Royal’s accomplishments during this period, an internal assessment conducted in 1999 indicated that internationalization had not yet truly become part of the College’s core activity, the teaching and learning process. For that reason, we committed to prepare a strategy for a second phase of internation-alization (2000-2010) which strove to integrate international programs and activi-ties into the teaching and learning process, research activiactivi-ties and the delivery of student services.
The Phase II Strategy was approved by the Board of Governors in June 2001 for the period of 2001-2010. The strategy document was updated in 2005 in accordance with internal and external developments and input through the institutional stra-tegic planning process. The six main areas of focus for the Phase II Strategy were: i) the development of institutional partnerships; ii) participation of Mount Royal stu-dents and faculty in international experiences; iii) access for international stustu-dents and faculty; iv) internationalizing the curriculum; v) international development and technology transfer and vi) customized training and contract education.
The development of Phase III of Mount Royal’s Internationalization Strategy
(2010-2020) coincides with very exciting milestones in Mount Royal’s history. On September 3, 2009, the Government of Alberta officially granted university status to Mount Royal, completing its transition towards becoming a unique undergradu-ate university serving its local, national and international communities. In 2010, Mount Royal celebrates its one hundredth anniversary as a post-secondary educa-tional institution. These are definitely exciting times for a world of possibilities!
Mount Royal’s Rationale for Internationalization
Since 1990, Mount Royal has been formally committed to recognizing and supporting the need for the international dimension to be an integral element of a Mount Royal education. We first accepted the definition ofinternationalization as “the process of integrating an international/intercultural perspective into the teaching/learning, research and service functions of a higher education institution” (Knight, 1994). In our Phase III
Internationalization Strategy, we will accept the working definition of internationalization provided by Canadian researcher Jane Knight in 2003. Internationalization at the national, sector and institutional levels is defined as the process of integrating an international, intercultural or global dimension into the purpose, functions or delivery of postsecondary education.
(International Higher Education #33).
We also consider that the rich multicultural realities of Canada, Calgary and the Mount Royal community provide a positive framework for the development of an international perspective which will increase the opportunities for students to become internationally knowledgeable, global citizens with strong
employment opportunities.
Mount Royal University’s long-term commitment to internationalization is included in the institutional Academic Plan released in 2006. The vision statement of “creating exceptional learning experiences for a world of
possibilities” and recommendations in the sections on the Student Experience, Faculty, Scholarship and Research and Student Services and Support reflect this ongoing commitment. (mtroyal.ca)
Mount Royal’s Internationalization Strategy is also well-aligned with provincial, national and international strategies. Phase III programming and activities will continue to function within those contexts and will build on the results
achieved between 2000 and 2010 through the Phase II Internationalization Strategy.
In 2005, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology released its document “International Education: An Action Plan for the Future” which articulated the Government of Alberta’s commitment to the internationalization of post-secondary education and the important role that this internationalization plays in proactively positioning the province for the future.
In November 2009, the government released its “International Education Framework” which states the province’s vision of being “…internationally recognized as a leader in learning, innovation and entrepreneurialism through Campus Alberta and Alberta Innovates, which serve as catalysts in support of Alberta’s economic and social well-being and the creation of a driven future” (p.5). The outcomes for this framework include: i) a knowledge-driven future ii) global strategic alliances iii) Alberta as a well-recognized leader in learning, research and innovation iv) sustainable opportunities and v) global awareness, leadership and entrepreneurial capacity.
On the national level, the report on the findings from the 2007 Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada-Scotiabank workshop on excellence in internationalization at Canadian universities (www.aucc.ca/
internationalization) asserts that “…internationalization is now an integral part of Canadian universities’ institutional strategies”(p. 5).
The AUCC 2006 internationalization survey also cited that, currently, the top five reasons for internationalizing Canadian campuses are to: i) prepare internationally knowledgeable graduates ii) build strategic alliances with institutions abroad iii) promote innovation in curriculum and diversity of programs iv) ensure research and scholarship address international and national issues and v) respond to Canada’s labour market needs.
Strategies for Internationalization:
Phase III
The following seven key strategies will contribute to the ongoing and sustainable internationalization of Mount Royal University in
Phase III: 2010-2020. They include:
Strategy #1 - Institutional Partnerships
Strategy #2 - International Experiences for Mount Royal Students Strategy #3 - Access for International Learners
Strategy #4 - Internationalizing the Curriculum Strategy #5 - International Research Collaboration
Strategy #6 - International Development and Technology Transfer Strategy #7- International Customized Training and Knowledge Export
“
I have seen international programs in the Faculty of Health and Community Studies create new opportuni-ties for students to expand their personal horizons, enhance their educational experience and increase their opportunities for employment in a global economy. One of the most innovative ways that faculty have incorporated international education into the curricula is through practicum experiences that involve cross-cul-tural, inter-professional teams of students in an interna-tional setting. It is innovative programs such as those that have inspired our students to make a difference and have contributed to MRU’s reputation as a world-class institution of higher education.”-Dr. Chad London Associate Dean, Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Strategy #1: Institutional Partnerships
Partnerships with institutions of higher education in other countries of the world create opportunities for Mount Royal students to add value to their undergraduate education through participation in learning experiences such as exchanges, virtual learning, internships, field schools/study tours,
mentorships, volunteer experiences, practica and applied research projects. Partnerships increase the opportunity for faculty, staff and administrators to enrich the workplace experience through professional development and renewal afforded by participating in exchange placements, visiting
professorships (actual and virtual), consultancies, project work, customized training, strategic research collaboration and scholarship.
On a reciprocal basis, Mount Royal benefits from the international perspectives and experience of students, staff, faculty and administrators from partner institutions who take part in similar activities on our campus.
The development of formal partnership agreements with educational institutions in other countries allows Mount Royal University to negotiate favourable conditions through agreements on tuition waivers and in-kind contributions. This strategy also protects the institution, to the best of its ability, from major risk and liability issues.
Mount Royal will sign partnership agreements only where it is assessed that there is a fit with the mission, values, programming base and strategic directions of the partner institution and a strong indication that the partnership will be active. Programs of particular interest to international partners include Nursing, Business, Journalism, Public Relations, Environmental Studies, Information Technologies and English Language training.
Strategies 2010- 2020
• Mount Royal University has 72 active international partnership agreements. New partnership agreements will be developed in accordance with the resources available within the Office of International Education and funding support from the internal Internationalization Incentive Fund and the strategic directions of the Alberta International Education Framework.
• Faculties will be invited, on an ongoing basis, to identify the types of institutional partnerships which they believe will add value to the educational experience and career opportunities of students in their programs.
• New partnerships will be established in strategic regions identified in the International Education annual Strategic Business Plan and approved by the Deans’ Council and the Office of the Provost and VP Academic. These
partnerships will be developed in regions complementary to the strategic directions identified by the Government of Alberta.
• Existing partnerships will be monitored and evaluated by the Office of International Education on an annual basis
and inactive partnerships will be discontinued.
Strategy #2: International Experiences for
Mount Royal Students
Participation in international experiences provides students with the opportunity to expand their personal horizons and develop international cultural awareness and skills. It enhances their educational experience, adds value to their credentials and increases their opportunities for employment in the global economy. Student mobility helps to develop global citizens and
strengthen international understanding. International experiences offered by Mount Royal may include, but will not be limited to: semester or year-long exchanges at partner institutions; employment in international programs delivered on campus; participation in International Academic Mobility Programs; international internships, practica and work placements; language learning
opportunities; study tours; field schools; concert tours; sports tours or competitions and local volunteer programs.
Strategies 2010- 2020
• International opportunities will be promoted to students centrally, through the Office of International Education, in cooperation with representatives from the individual Faculties, the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) and the Division of Campus Affairs and Student Life, where appropriate.
• In order to increase the sources of financial support available to students, proposals to external funding sources and targeted
fundraising efforts to corporate donors will be prepared by the Office of International
Education in cooperation with the Foundation and the individual Faculties.
• Student services such as pre-departure orientation, re-entry debriefing, access to language training and
cross-cultural workshops will be continuously improved and new programs developed, as required.
Strategy #3: Access for International Learners
International students come to Mount Royal University to study in full-time undergraduate degree programs or for university transfer, applied degree, diploma or certificate programs. They also come for full-time English language training in the Languages Institute, for music training in the Conservatory and for participation in customized educational packages during the regular terms and the spring and summer periods. International students also have access to Mount Royal programs through an ever-increasing number of online learning opportunities.International students also attend Mount Royal as part of
government-sponsored mobility exchanges or direct exchanges with international partner institutions. International students choose Mount Royal because of the international profile that has been established over the past 20 years, the excellence of our educational programs and services and the attractiveness and reputation of our city, Calgary, our province, Alberta, and our country, Canada.
International students seek to pursue higher education in North America or to improve their employment and career development options upon their return home. They wish to expand their personal and educational horizons by living and learning in another language and culture. International students enrich our campus life by providing an alternative perspective on educational issues and cultural activities. They serve as ambassadors for Mount Royal and Canada when they return home and help to build an alumni network that is important for future university initiatives and for trade and economic development links for Alberta and Canada. Under recent federal and provincial legislation, international students are also being encouraged to remain in Canada and work after graduation.
Strategies 2010- 2020
• The Office of International Education will provide input into the development of the institutional Strategic Enrolment Management Plan, particularly as it relates to the development of long-term recruitment strategies and procedures for the acceptance of international students into existing and new Mount Royal University degree programs.
• Student services provided through Enrolment Management Services and the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life, will continue to be responsive to the particular needs of the international student population.
• The Languages Institute, which serves as a feeder to Mount Royal degree, diploma and certificate programs, will continue to provide high quality English language training programs that prepare international students and local immigrants or refugees for a seamless flow into post-secondary programs and/ or the business world.
• The Languages Institute will continue to diversify its programming to serve local, national and international markets for customized and online English language programming.
• Efforts will be made to increase financial support for international students through development of Mount Royal scholarship funds, donations from external funding agencies and corporate fundraising initiatives.
Strategy #4: Internationalizing the Curriculum
A curriculum that includes an international dimension increases the options for Mount Royal students to acquire the skills and knowledge to perform competently, both professionally and socially. Such a curriculum provides students with knowledge of the differences in professional practices across cultures and offers opportunities to learn other languages and participate in a broad range of cross-cultural learning experiences and activities. It also reflects diverse perspectives on economic, political, environmental and social issues of global importance. An internationalized curriculum provides an opportunity for Canadian students to develop global perspectives and skills without leaving Canada, while studying at Mount Royal University.Internationalization of the curriculum may include, but not be limited to, activities such as: hosting international scholars and visiting experts;
encouraging students to participate in work/study abroad or service learning experiences; organizing international field schools or study tours; developing joint programs with international partner institutions; conducting joint research projects; co-presenting at conferences; using the international experience of students in the classroom; participating in international
development projects; participating in international mobility project symposia or integrating student mobility into academic requirements.
Strategies 2010- 2020
• Faculties will, as part of the annual university strategic planning process, identify their overall goals and objectives for internationalization of the curriculum. In consultation with the Office of International Education and the academic Dean, funds may be made available from the Internationalization Incentive Fund to support the development of the proposed
internationalization initiatives.
• The Office of International Education will provide support to Faculties for the development and implementation of proposals to funding agencies such as the International Academic Mobility Program (IAM) of Human Resources and Skills Canada (North America and European Union); the Alberta Advanced Education and Technology’s faculty awards program (“Excellence in the Internationalization of the Teaching and Learning Process”) and their support program for faculty-led Field Schools (“Campus Alberta Grant for International Learning Program”) and various funding opportunities offered by agencies such as the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) or international development cooperation projects supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) or other International Funding Institutions (IFIs).
• Internationalization of the curriculum initiatives will be highlighted through internal, campus-wide publications and special events, such as International Education Week. They will also be highlighted in the internal semester publication of the “International Update” newsletter, the Office of University Advancement’s publications, the “Annual Report on the Implementation of the Internationalization Strategy” and in
external publications, as appropriate. • Customized training packages will continue to be developed for
international clients by interested faculty members in consultation with the Office of International Education and with the approval of the department and the Dean.
Strategy #5: International Research
Collaboration
””Global problems increasingly require global research and solutions-as well as scholars at ease with collaborative research on an international scale” (www. aucc.ca/internationalization, p.18). Undertaking research and scholarship al-lows MRU faculty to develop new knowledge and take that new knowledge back to the classroom.
A key vision for Mount Royal University is to increase the numbers of our stu-dents involved in research, either as part of faculty- led projects or through undertaking their own research in areas of interest. Mount Royal’s research and scholarship includes projects with countries such as China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, Brazil and the United States.
“
Today we have students in practicums and graduates working comfortably all over the world. To foster an internationalized learning environment means that students perceive few if any boundaries in life.”Joe Pavelka
Associate Professor, Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership
Department of Physical Education & Recreation Studies
Strategies 2010- 2020
The Office of International Education and the Office of Research will support interested faculty who wish to work with MRU international partners in areas considered of mutual interest through means which may include but are not limited to:
• developing basic and applied research proposals to be presented to external funding agencies;
• promoting scientific and cultural activities such as: short courses,
conferences, seminars, workshops, symposia of common interest for both parties;
• encouraging the enrolment of academic staff and researchers interested in studying a specialty course or a degree program in common interest areas; • exchanging information, textbooks, computer programs, publications, access to specialized bibliography, instructional and audiovisual materials and library facilities subject to the copyright and intellectual property requirements of each institution;
• providing mutual assistance in technical operations through the
participation of personnel or use of equipment for the training of academic staff and administrative personnel for the development of joint projects.
Strategy #6: International Development and
Technology Transfer
Mount Royal University has participated in more than 30 international
development projects involving institutions in Brazil, Cameroon, China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Palestine, Guyana, Hungary, India,
Indonesia, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Trinidad, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia.
International development cooperation primarily involves human resource development, institutional capacity building and research collaboration. It interacts with all other facets of
internationalization, including student and faculty mobility, the
internationalization of the curriculum, the export of educational services and
international research collaboration. Through participation in international
development projects funded by agencies such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the World Bank, or the Inter-American
Development Bank (IADB), Mount Royal is able to provide assistance to educational institutions in the developing world. Faculty, staff, students and administrators have the opportunity to share their expertise and experience and develop professionally through working with colleagues in developing countries. They also have the opportunity for significant learning experiences through participation in international development projects, consultancies, internships or volunteer experiences.
Strategies 2010- 2020
• The Office of International Education will support and maintain networks with key international agencies and organizations such as the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), the International Organization for Higher Education (IOHE), the Consortium for North American Higher Education (CONAHEC), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), World University Services of Canada ( WUSC), the Canadian Council of the Americas (CCA), the Hong Kong Canada Business Association (HKCBA) and provincial networks supported by Alberta Advanced Education and Technology (AAET) International.
• Mount Royal will participate, where appropriate, in the development of provincial proposals coordinated by the AAET or with other consortia of national or international partners seeking funding from national or international funding agencies.
• The Office of International Education will work with all Mount Royal departments to coordinate International Education Week and highlight the international development experiences of
Strategy #7: International Customized Training
and Knowledge Export
Canada is recognized internationally for the quality of its education system. Increasingly, governments and institutions in other countries are willing to purchase customized training packages that address particular needs for their national educational or business development.
The Government of Canada, through the establishment of EduCanada, has acknowledged that education and training are valuable exports, in much the same way as other more traditional commodity exports.
Federal departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Interna-tional Trade (DFAIT), Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRS-DC) and Industry Canada are but a few examples of federal departments that are providing support to the development of international contract training programs.
Mount Royal will work with international partner institutions, government agencies and businesses to provide customized training packages either in Canada or on-site internationally.
Strategies 2010- 2020
• Development of new international contract training initiatives will be coordinated through the Office of International Education in conjunction with the Faculties proposing the programs and with the Faculty of Continuing Edu-cation, the principal contract training delivery unit of Mount Royal.
• The Office of International Education will continue to network with national funding agencies such as EduCanada, HRSDC and Industry Canada to monitor opportunities for delivery of customized training packages.
• The Office of International Education will liaise with international partner institutions to identify possibilities for customized training, particularly in the area of teacher training and professional development.
Works Cited
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. Internationalizing Canadian cam-puses. 2007 AUCC-Scotiabank Workshop Proceedings. aucc.ca/internationalization Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. Internationalization of the curricu-lum: A practical guide to support Canadian universities’ efforts. 2009
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. The AUCC 2006 internationalization survey (2006) 5 fact sheets aucc.ca/internationalization
Government of Alberta. International Education: An Action Plan for the Future (2005) advancededucation.gov.ab.ca
Knight, Jane. Internationalization: Elements and Checkpoints. CBIE Research No. 7, 1994
Knight, Jane. Upating the Definition of Internationalization. 2003 http://www.bc.edu/ bc_org/avp/soe/cihe/newsletter/News33/text001.htm
Knight, Jane. Taking the Pulse: Monitoring the Quality and Progress of Internationaliza-tion. CBIE Research Millennium Series-No.2, 2000.
Mount Royal Academic Plan (2006) mtroyal.ca
Mount Royal Internationalization Strategy: Phase II (2001-2010) international.mtroyal. ca
