Dr. Jennifer Engel, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs at CIS Abroad, will present at the AIEA (Association of International Education Administrators) Annual Conference taking place February 16-19, 2020 in Washington, DC, USA. The conference theme is “Rethinking Comprehensive Internationalization for a Global Generation.” Dr. Engel will be presenting a session called “Megatrends in International Higher Education: Impact on Policy & Practice.” Co-presenters include Belkys Torres, Ph.D., Executive Director of Global Engagement, University Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh, and John Molony, Pro Vice Chancellor (International), Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. The session will be presented on Wednesday, February 19 from 10:30 – 11:30.
AIEA Conference Session Abstract
Considering generational shifts, and framed by recent reports on megatrends in education and the global travel industry, this presentation explores how international education is evolving in relation to specific changes within higher education, mobility and travel, and makes the case that understanding these trends can inform policy and practice. The discussion identifies emergent trends in training globally capable students; explores applications of these trends in varied contexts, and considers the changing role of the international educator.
AIEA Conference Full Session Description
An increasing number of colleges and universities are recognizing the need to develop global competence among students across all disciplines to prepare them to thrive in a globalized workforce and contribute to the nation’s economic competitiveness and security. In light of the growing trend toward institutions developing global credentials that incorporate curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular learning experiences into the student’s formal education requirements, there is a need for new research in this area. This need is further justified by the national imperative to ensure that college graduates are globally ready to navigate, work, and lead in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Likewise, educational shifts tied to political movements, achieving and/or maintaining global relevance, and increasing competitiveness in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and elsewhere indicate similar needs are manifesting within higher education spaces around the world.
Considering generational shifts, and framed by recent reports and data on megatrends in higher education, the global travel industry and international education, this presentation explores how international education is evolving in direct relation to specific changes within higher education, mobility and travel, and makes the case that understanding these trends can inform policy and practice. Discussion identifies emergent trends in training globally capable students; explores possible applications of these trends in varied contexts; and debates how the roles of international educators will be similar and different in the next three to five years.
To facilitate conversations on these broad topics, presenters will offer a comparative analysis of innovations in personalized, globalized learning as advanced by an international education provider, a U.S. R-1 institution, and a research-intensive Australian university. Featuring integrative models of global learning that adopt a competency-based approach to student learning and merges students’ online and offline experiences (i.e. advising, curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular experiences) to educate and train the whole student will illustrate megatrends in action. This presentation will consider the challenges and opportunities in (1) gamification of learning, (2) micro-credentialing, (3) development, implementation and evaluation of new program models for 21stcentury global learners; and (4) the changing role of international educators.
Throughout the presentation, participants will be challenged to rethink comprehensive internationalization, as well as student, faculty, and staff engagement in the global, given current trends within and outside of the higher education space.
Dr. Jennifer Engel, Vice President of Academic Affairs
In her role as Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Engel provides leadership in the areas of student learning and assessment; curriculum, program and partnership development; and innovation in education abroad. Read more about academics at CIS Abroad and our affordable engaged learning model.