Internationalisation in university education is an important process that allows institutions to prepare their students for an increasingly interconnected global environment. As part of our commitment to embedding internationalisation in education, we recently implemented Global Week with Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. This educational event takes place several times a year, and not only promotes cultural exchange, but also addresses topics such as human rights in the digital age.
What is Global Week?
Global Week is a collaborative experience that highlights the value of inclusive internationalisation. It includes the participation of students from different careers at Tecnológico de Monterrey and, in this case, Universidad Austral. The planning and development are led by professors from both institutions.
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The event centres around the theme “Diversidad en un mundo globalizado” (Diversity in a globalised world). Over four or five days, students from both universities worked together in interdisciplinary and multicultural groups to explore these topics from diverse perspectives and subjects. In a synchronous closing session, student teams from both countries present their productions along with an original proposal for action to promote empathy, human rights and global vision.
The importance of internationalisation
Our students highly value the opportunity to participate in exchanges abroad – it’s one of their primary reasons for choosing an academic programme. According to a report from our institutional evaluation and analysis department, the opportunity to study abroad ranks among the top motivations for incoming students. Many also express a desire to work internationally after completing their studies.
We want to offer experiences that develop global competencies, aligning with our university vision of being open to dialogue and positively impacting the institution’s surroundings. Our strategic plan prioritises academic excellence and the comprehensive development of students.
These competencies refer to the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable individuals to navigate and thrive in an interconnected world. In higher education, global competence equips students not only to engage with diverse perspectives but also to act on issues of global significance, preparing them for professional and personal success in a rapidly changing world.
Challenges and opportunities
One of the main challenges is the need to integrate internationalisation across all areas of the university. Ensure that international activities are of high quality and relevant.
Developing intercultural competencies among faculty and staff is essential, providing training for those who manage cultural diversity in the classroom. Another significant challenge is ensuring equity in access to international opportunities, so that all students can benefit from these experiences.
A model of international collaboration
The success of Global Week is made possible by meticulous planning between the teaching teams from Tecnológico de Monterrey and Universidad Austral. Virtual meetings are held to coordinate activities, configure digital platforms and curate relevant materials.
Additionally, a base platform is designed using Google Sites, where students can access resources, daily assignments and spaces to share their work. Constant communication between student teams is facilitated by WhatsApp group links provided inside the platform.
The results of the experience were highly satisfactory for both students and faculty. Participants developed skills in effective communication, teamwork and solving complex problems. The ease and speed of communication through WhatsApp allowed for quick coordination, while Google Sites facilitated the exchange and collaboration among peers from different countries, enriching their perspectives.
The Global Week experience highlighted the value of collaboration in promoting peace and intercultural understanding. Students not only learned about the importance of human rights, but also practised active integration skills in diverse learning environments. Additionally, it raised awareness of the global challenges we face today.
Internationalisation is essential for our university, not only to prepare students for a globalised world, but also to enhance its reputation and international positioning. For such a process to be effective, it must be inclusive and integrated into all aspects of university life. The research and efforts to promote these initiatives aim to generate knowledge that strengthens internationalisation strategies, aligning with the goal of being open to the world and dedicated to the comprehensive development of students.
Francisco Narbais is pedagogical adviser at the Directorate of Educational Innovation and faculty member at Universidad Austral.
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