The MED2IaH initiative stems from the necessity of cover an important aspect of internationalization in Mediterranean countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan) higher education system that has not been tackled adequately until now – Internationalisation at Home (IaH). Within EU funded projects, internationalization at large has been covered by different projects embracing European concepts like Bologna system, ECTS, internationalization of curriculum and cross-cultural issues within a multi-diversity paradigm. Though IaH is a relatively recent concept, it has already been embraced widely, particularly in northern and western Europe. IaH aims to bring internationalisation to all students through the home curriculum. It is therefore primarily about teaching and learning, which implies that lecturers are increasingly becoming prominent players in internationalisation. After all, they are the ones who create learning environments with international and intercultural dimensions. The project thus attempts to develop University Strategy on IoHE and Research and individual Action plans for IaH in 12 PCHEIs after exploring the different EU models available for IaH. A common terminology around the concept of IaH will be needed as well. As a way to reinforce IaH strategies partners will establish specific guidelines and protocols for foreign student services - including those related to safety and security for instance. Other mechanisms like social integration schemes will be developed as well. A particular activity to enhance IaH will be the organisation and delivery of virtual webinars in PC HEI. The project will support the development of a strategic framework for HE and IaH specificially and the enhancement of structured regulations and procedures that facilitate incoming exchange mobilities, creation of support schemes for foreign students coming to PC HEIs and complementing other measures that have been previously put in place through other CBHE projects.
1) To outline PC HEIs’ internationalization landscapes, to identify levels of integration of international and intercultural dimensions into formal and informal curriculum 2) To improve PC HEIs’ capabilities for internationalization (staff training) and by translating awareness of the IaH concept into institutional strategies and action plans 3) To build students’ sensitivity to cultural diversity by transforming PC HEIs’ International Relations Offices (IRO) into vibrant multicultural points
The MED2IaH initiative stems from the necessity of covering an important aspect of internationalization in Mediterranean countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan) HE system that has not been tackled adequately until now – Internationalisation at Home (IaH). IaH is a relatively recent concept and will complement already implemented EU-funded projects, internationalization at large, ECTS, internationalization of curriculum, and cross-cultural issues within a multi-diversity paradigm.
<< Background >> The MED2IaH initiative stems from the necessity of covering an important aspect of internationalization in Mediterranean countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan) HE system that has not been tackled adequately until now – Internationalisation at Home (IaH). IaH is a relatively recent concept and will complement already implemented EU-funded projects, internationalization at large, ECTS, internationalization of curriculum, and cross-cultural issues within a multi-diversity paradigm. << Objectives >> 1) To outline PC HEIs’ internationalization landscapes, to identify levels of integration of international and intercultural dimensions into formal and informal curriculum 2) To improve PC HEIs’ capabilities for internationalization (staff training) and by translating awareness of the IaH concept into institutional strategies and action plans 3) To build students’ sensitivity to cultural diversity by transforming PC HEIs’ International Relations Offices (IRO) into vibrant multicultural points << Implementation >> PC HEIs developed a University Strategy on IoHE and Research and Action plans. A particular activity to enhance IaH was organized and delivered: virtual webinars, round tables and training in PC HEI, and study visits in EU HEI for exchange best practices. Students were involved through a digital storytelling contest and a student boot was organized in Slovenia. Equipment fit the purpose of infrastructure for the project office and IRO, language labs, and Friends Tea Houses. << Results >> 5 PC country reports, PC HEI implemented the self-evaluation tool twice - 12 infographics on the progress. 4 webinars (1290 pax), 5 study visits (108 pax), PC HEI 21 roundtables (2280 pax), and 21 workshops (app 900 pax) with topics on strategy and action plans for internationalization and IaH and developing the international and project offices. 12 FriendsTea Houses, 64 intercultural activities, and 11 festivals were organized (app 5000 students, 500 staff), 147 storytelling videos.