IU’s Institute for Curriculum and Campus Internationalization (ICCI) serves as a catalyst for advancing global education, hosted annually on the Bloomington campus and organized by the Center for the Study of Global Change. This is one of the many resources the center provides to educators and students worldwide as a Title VI center on campus. It is a hub for internationalization that fosters innovative partnerships and interdisciplinary initiatives, guided by its core values of global engagement, understanding, and responsibility. All of the center’s initiatives, and particularly ICCI, provide a unique platform for universities to internationalize their campuses, courses, and curriculum. Through systematic efforts, the center infuses global perspectives into learning at all levels, preparing students for the challenges of an interconnected world.
This four-day event brings together a diverse community of educators, administrators, and global-minded individuals who are passionate about advancing international education. Over the past ten years, the Institute for Curriculum and Campus Internationalization has welcomed nearly 500 faculty, staff, and administrators from across Indiana, the United States, and the world. The program has attracted participants from various IU campuses, as well as institutions like Ivy Tech, Ball State University, University of Indianapolis, and more. This year, the program hosted 40 individuals, including five participants from IU’s international partner institutions such as the University of Hamburg and the American University of Central Asia. The institute’s credibility is reinforced by the support it receives from IU Global, all six national Title VI resource centers at IU, Kelley’s CIBER, the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, and external partners the American Council on Education and American Association of Colleges and Universities.
The purpose of this event is to unlock opportunities for internationalization on campuses, within courses, and across curricula. Why is this so crucial? Internationalization equips students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an interconnected world. It fosters intercultural competence, broadens perspectives, and deepens understanding of global issues. The institute empowers participants to explore comprehensive internationalization, collaborative dialogue, innovative pedagogies, and effective assessment of global learning objectives. Strategic planning and measuring institutional success are also key components, encouraging the open exchange of best practices and fostering a vibrant global education community.
This immersive program blends small group workshops – focused on course or campus internationalization – with large group sessions that invite diverse perspectives from institutions worldwide. These sessions include presentations and interactive activities, providing participants with practical tools to drive the internationalization process within their own institutions. By engaging in interactive activities and receiving practical tools, participants are empowered to implement effective strategies that propel the internationalization efforts of their respective institutions to new heights.
The impact of this initiative can be felt through the voices of its participants. James Norton, dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Marian University, describes it as, “the best academic conference workshop I have ever attended.” Other participants applauded the program’s ability to energize and inspire, even after long and demanding days. These testimonials embody the transformative nature of ICCI and its power to invigorate educators and administrators alike.
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for global education, the Institute for Curriculum and Campus Internationalization enables educators to navigate a connected world with confidence and embark on a collective journey that will shape the future of global education and empower generations to come.
Director of the Center for the Study of Global Change and conference organizer Eli Konwest lauded the event’s success. “The staff and leaders of the Global Center thank this year’s leaders and participants for generously sharing their expertise and diverse perspectives. ICCI thrives on conversation and collaboration. We are particularly grateful to Dr. Keshia Abraham who led an opening dinner dialogue on ‘When Where I Already Am Is the Mainstream: JEDI Internationalization.’ We look forward to hosting new and returning participants in May 2024.”
Leave a Reply