UoC DIES iGuide

This learning app has been developed to provide you with a tool on the topic of “Sustainable Internationalization of Higher Education”. In the shape of a glossary and a handbook, it provides guidance and offers a series of the most relevant definitions, terms, explanations and best practice examples that are crucial for the planning, realization and implementation of sustainable internationalization strategies at universities and higher education institutions. The UoC-DIES-iGuide shall additionally serve as a template for further discussions. The terms you find are not rigid, but subject to permanent change – sustainable internationalization is a constant learning process based on a conscious decision out of a sense of responsibility.
Following a holistic approach, four key areas – Internationalization at Home; Internationalization of Management; Internationalization of Mobility; Internationalization of Research – have been defined and are gathered within the general term of “Sustainable Internationalization”. These key areas are not to be seen separately, but are much more affiliated with each other, and stand in a close reciprocal relationship. Therefore, you might find same intersectional terms in different key areas.
All definitions and explanations followed an intense research and are based on a variety of literature, sources, glossaries, and own experiences and are brought together in this app following the concept of sustainable internationalization. All quotations and sources were verified as to their reliability, reviewed, and made recognizable according to the relevant copyright notice.
Individual terms can be interpreted and understood differently depending on the country-/region-specific circumstances and/or the cultural background. For that reason, we do not lay claim to any universal interpretation. Terms, such as “Interculturality” or “Culture”, are incumbent upon a series of scientific discourses and analyses, thus, there is not one single correct definition. This interpretational variety is crucial and an integral part of every single scientific discourse, research, and analysis.
Furthermore, this handbook remains work in process, especially as also the concept of sustainable internationalization and Global Responsibility is still developing. It therefore neither seeks nor claims to be complete or definitive in its definitions. Sustainable institutionalized internationalization in higher education is broadly diversified, interdisciplinary, and dominated by a large spectrum of topics. This learning app shall comply with the idea of a sustainable orientation and be considered as addendum to workshops, seminars, and trainings on the aforementioned topic. By making this app available, we can live up to our own claim of being responsible and sustainable in our internationalization efforts. We hope that this learning app will have an added value for our seminar participants and users.
Thank you for downloading and using the UoC-DIES-iGuide and being part of the sustainable internationalization community.