|
|
|
May 5, 2000
|
Volume 7, Number 16 |
 |
GENERAL |
|
Survey shows internationalization supported by university leaders
OTTAWA – Fully 94 per cent of senior university leaders say that making university education more international should be a priority, according to a survey released recently by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. "Our campuses are becoming more international in outlook, " AUCC President Robert Giroux said ina news release. "Canadian universities are integrating international and intercultural perspectives into their teaching, research and community service." The AUCC report was authored by Jane Knight, a policy advisor at Ryerson Polytechnic University. It is a follow-up to a 1993 AUCC survey. The new survey found that 84 per cent of the institutions polled are incorporating internationalization activities into their strategic plan. Ninety per cent of university leaders said the main reason they’re interested in internationalization is to ensure graduates will be better prepared for today’s increasingly international and intercultural world. Other benefits cited for students were enhanced job opportunities, better employability skills, and increased sensitivity to cultural differences and diversity. Despite the heightened interest in internationalization, Canada still lacks international study and research opportunities for students and researchers. Fewer than one per cent of full-time Canadian university students typically participate in international student exchange programs. "Canada is falling behind other countries in terms of scholarships to assist Canadians to study abroad and to attract foreign students here," notes Giroux "Canada invests 80 cents a year on a per capita basis in international scholarships and exchange programs, while Australia spends more than $9 per capita and the United States spends close to $5 per capita." Other challenges to internationalizing Canadian universities cited by survey respondents included finding ways to recognize the international achievements of professors and to increase efforts to internationalize the curriculum. The survey polled university presidents, vice-presidents, registrars, study abroad advisers and international liaison officers at AUCC member institutions. AUCC represents 90 Canadian universities and colleges.
For further information, visit the web site or contact communications@usask.ca
|
||
Next issue of On Campus News: Friday, May 19
Advertising |
