Study visit “Inclusive internationalisation: from good intentions to measurable results” (2-4.10.2024, Ghent, Belgium)

From 2 to 4 October 2024, members of the Higher Education Reform Experts Team (HERE team) – Iryna ZOLOTARYOVA, Yuriy RASHKEVYCH, and Maria MYSHLOVSKA – participated in the study visit “Inclusive internationalisation: from good intentions to measurable results”. The event was organised by the OBREAL Global consortium (coordinator) in cooperation with the European University Association, Ghent University, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, and the Support Centre Inclusive Higher Education (SIHO), Belgium.

The main objective of the event was to explore the following questions:

1. How can educational institutions make the internationalisation process more accessible and inclusive?
   Discussions covered topics such as mobility, virtual and hybrid exchanges, internationalisation at home, the presence of international staff and students on campus, and key aspects of inclusive international education programmes. Support for international students, inclusive internationalisation in cooperation with partners from third countries, collaboration prospects within European University Alliances, and their links to the Sustainable Development Goals were also addressed. Policies, strategies, impact assessment, and the roles of responsible actors were considered.
2. How can higher education systems promote and support inclusive internationalisation?
   Examples were provided on how Flanders’ policies and measures influence the activities of higher education institutions, particularly in the context of students’ mental health and well-being.
3. What are the current EU policies on inclusion and internationalisation, and how are they reflected in European programmes?
   The discussions focused on actions that various stakeholders – universities in programme and partner countries, national agencies, Ministries, the European Commission, and EACEA – can take to make international credit mobility (ICM) and cooperation programmes more inclusive.

Key topics discussed during the event included:

• Inclusion as a cross-cutting aspect of internationalisation: systemic and institutional perspectives.
  Speakers, including Valérie Van Hees (SIHO Coordinator, Flanders), Frederik De Decker (Head of the International Relations Office, Ghent University), and Mira De Moor (Head of the International Office, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences), shared their experiences in implementing inclusive mobility and internationalisation within their institutions and highlighted current trends in the European Higher Education Area.
• Steps towards internationalisation: Ghent University’s approach to inclusive international education programmes.
  The concept of curricula designed to maximise opportunities for all students to develop international and intercultural competencies, essential in a globalised society and labour market, was presented.
• Mental health challenges: impact on international students.
  Discussions examined how student mental health issues are addressed in Flanders and the measures implemented to ensure an inclusive learning experience for international students.

Interactive Workshop

Participants engaged in an interactive workshop on the potential of online and blended learning at Ghent University and within the ENLIGHT project. The workshop, led by Judith Goris, educational developer at Ghent University and ENLIGHT project team member, provided insights on implementing online learning in an international context.

Panel Discussion

During the panel discussion, “European approach to social inclusion in internationalisation and its implications at the national and institutional levels,” participants explored the European Commission’s goals on inclusion in higher education, Erasmus+ priorities, and parameters for inclusive mobility.

The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the interplay between inclusion in higher education and internationalisation, contributing to the development and implementation of inclusive policies and practices at various levels.