Internationalization at Home: Fostering Global Mindsets in Higher Education

The Internationalization of Higher Education is a relatively recent phenomenon, shaped by the evolving circumstances and challenges that university education has confronted in recent decades. Its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century, when coordinated international cooperation systems began to emerge, along with some university institutions’ establishment of exchange programs. This trend gained momentum after the Second World War, with the United Nations (UN) establishing specific cooperation and exchange programs in Higher Education aimed at promoting peace and understanding among nations, addressing an urgent need in the wake of two devastating global conflicts.

Today, the Internationalization of Higher Education is defined as the policies, programs, and strategies universities adopt in response to globalization. Understanding the relationship between Higher Education and globalization is crucial, as economic shifts have led to an emphasis now placed on objectives such as international prestige or financial benefit. In short, universities today are internationalizing to become visible within an enormously competitive global market.

Considering the unprecedented global challenges we face today, the Internationalization of Higher Education should undoubtedly align its efforts with the 2030 Agenda through collaborative research initiatives, participation in international networks, or the implementation of internationalization at home actions. Specifically, it should contribute to SDG 4.7, which aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, global citizenship, and cultural diversity appreciation.

By fostering intercultural competence and empathy among students, internationalization at home can nurture global awareness and empower individuals to become agents of change and address pressing global challenges.

How can this be achieved? Implementing internationalization at home, which involves deliberately incorporating international and intercultural dimensions into both formal and informal curricula within domestic learning environments. This measure is feasible, easy to implement, and cost-effective. However, it is regrettable that it is currently overlooked and underfunded (Manning, 2023).

In essence, this article underscores the role of Universities in fostering global mindsets to advance Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship through Internationalization at Home actions. This calls for a shift in focus towards promoting intercultural awareness and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals among students rather than solely focusing on marketing or economic endeavors. Universities need to remember that the Internationalization of Higher Education originated in cooperation and peace.