Global BUzz

Yesterday, Go International hosted a conference in London’s Woburn House, which explored mobility in relation to how it may benefit those who partake in study and work abroad programmes, and as a part of a larger internationalisation strategy.

Go International was chaired by Professor Colin Riordan, who also opened the conference. He pointed out that only five years ago, student outward mobility was not even on UK HEI agendas, highlighting how this has quickly changed in a short period.  Professor Riordan was followed by MP for Stroud, Neil Carmichael, who put his support for remaining in the EU forward by explaining the advantages of being a part of the EU; but also advised universities to work more with pan-European businesses to increase outward mobility opportunities.

It was said that mobility is a key tool in building partnerships and relationships worldwide, but also provides the experience needed to develop resilience and improve intercultural awareness of students. VC Professor Slade of Bath Spa University had said, with the help of universities, students should become ‘socially engaged global citizens’, while VC Rammell of the University of Bedfordshire noted the challenges of encouraging more integration between home and international students.

Rt Hon Lord Willetts made a strong case for the importance of outward mobility on both individual minds and on whole nations through embracing mobility as a tool for leveraging soft power.

Other strategies promoting internationalisation were also suggested, such as through extra-curricular activities that involves some sort of international engagement at home. It was also mentioned that the development and promotion of global opportunities is something that entire institutions and bodies should be involved with, and should not be isolated for one particular team to accomplish.

For more information on the event, see #GoIntl2016