Supriya Mathew
Vice President- International Affairs
Inclusive internationalization in higher education is indeed about ensuring that everyone, whether they stay in their home country or study abroad, has the opportunity to experience the benefits of internationalization. It's about creating a welcoming and diverse learning environment that allows students from various backgrounds to come together and learn together, whether it's in their home country or in another country.
First, it's important to be respectful of each other's cultures. That means understanding and appreciating the different ways people do things and celebrating those differences. Language is also important. Imagine going to a college where you can't understand what's being taught. To make it fair for everyone, colleges should offer classes and help in different languages so that language doesn't stop someone from learning. Making sure that everyone can get around campus easily is part of it too. Creating a friendly and welcoming environment is key. Students and teachers should be kind and open to learning from each other, no matter where they're from. This helps make learning more interesting and fun.
Having a mix of students from different backgrounds is a good thing. It brings fresh ideas and experiences to the college community, making everyone's learning better. Inclusive internationalization is an ongoing effort. It means always trying to make college more welcoming and fair for everyone. It's not just about bringing in students from other countries, but also helping them succeed and feel at home while they learn.
By making higher education more inclusive, we make sure that everyone has the chance to learn and grow, no matter where they come from.