Recipes

RECIPES FOR INTERNATIONALISATION UNITA HANDBOOK

Preface

Welcome to the UNITA Recipes Handbook for Internationalisation! This handbook is designed as a practical guide to help higher education institutions embrace the opportunities of internationalisation. As the global landscape evolves, universities must adapt to ensure their students and staff are prepared to engage meaningfully in an interconnected world.
Internationalisation is not just about mobility or partnerships—it is about embedding a global perspective into every aspect of higher education. It fosters innovation, enhances the quality of teaching and research, and equips students with the skills they need to thrive in diverse professional and cultural settings. However, achieving this goal is often challenging. Institutions face numerous barriers, including rigid curricula, language constraints, resource limitations, and logistical hurdles.

The UNITA Recipes Handbook for Internationalisation, developed within the framework of an Erasmus+ project, is designed to provide practical solutions for overcoming these challenges. Inspired by the concept of a cookbook, this handbook offers 25 carefully structured “recipes”, each providing step-by-step guidance on integrating international elements into university degree programmes. It was initially intended for Heads of degree programmes. However, whether you are a Head of a Degree Programme, a professor, or an administrative staff member, you will find strategies that can be tailored to your institutional needs. This resource is open, flexible, and inclusive, ensuring that internationalization is accessible to all—regardless of background or discipline. By promoting both physical and digital international experiences, we also encourage sustainable mobility solutions, reinforcing our commitment to environmentally responsible education.

We invite you to explore, experiment, and contribute to this living resource. Let’s embrace internationalisation together and create a more globally engaged academic community.

Nicolas MEGER Vice President for International Relations Savoie Mont Blanc University Roberto RANZI Vice Rector for International Affairs University of Brescia Manuel SALGADO

Jorge ELSO TORRALBA Vice Rector for Internationalisation and Cooperation Public University of Navarre Simona LACHE Vice Rector for Internationalisation Quality Evaluation Transilvania University of Brasov René GRAF Vice Rector Eiseignement Haute Ecole Spécialisée de Suisse occidentale

Target Audience

The primary target audience for the "UNITA RECIPE Handbook" is the heads of degree programs. These individuals play a critical role in internationalizing curricula, facilitating international experiences, and driving strategic initiatives within their institutions. The handbook is designed to be accessible and relevant to program heads across different geographic and socio-economic contexts, ensuring that the proposed strategies align with the unique needs and strategic goals of each institution.

Why Do We Need Internationalisation?

Improving the internationalization of a university degree program is crucial for enhancing the academic quality, global competence, and employability of students. It strengthens the university's global reputation, attracts a diverse student body, and fosters both innovation and collaboration. In a rapidly globalizing world, internationalization is not just an advantage but a necessity for universities aiming to remain relevant and impactful.

Improving the internationalization of a university degree program is essential for several reasons:

Global Competence for Students

As the world becomes more interconnected, graduates need to be prepared to work in diverse, multicultural environments. Internationalized programs expose students to different perspectives, cultures, and global issues, making them more adaptable and competitive in the global job market. Engaging with international content and peers helps students develop strong language and communication skills, which are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Enhanced Academic Quality

Incorporating global perspectives and international case studies into the curriculum enriches the learning experience, broadening students' understanding and critical thinking skills. Collaboration with international partners can lead to joint research projects, access to cutting-edge knowledge, and opportunities to learn from leading experts worldwide.

Attracting International Students

A program with strong international components is more attractive to students from around the world, leading to increased enrollment and diversity on campus. International students bring diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching the academic environment for all students and fostering cultural exchange.

Building Institutional Reputation

A well-internationalized program enhances the university’s reputation on the global stage, making it more appealing to top students, faculty, and partners internationally. Many global accreditations and ranking systems consider internationalization a key factor. Improving this aspect can boost the university's standing in these rankings.

Promoting Innovation and Best Practices

Collaborations with international institutions can lead to innovative teaching methods, joint degree programs, and the sharing of best practices in education. Internationalization helps programs address global challenges such as climate change, public health, and sustainability by incorporating these issues into the curriculum and research.

Economic and Strategic Benefits

Building strong international partnerships can lead to joint research grants, student exchange programs, and collaborative projects that benefit both the university and its partners. Attracting international students can provide additional revenue streams for the university, contributing to its financial sustainability.

Contributing to Societal Impact

An internationalized curriculum fosters global citizenship, encouraging students to think beyond their local context and contribute positively to the global community. By integrating global challenges into the curriculum, universities prepare graduates who can contribute solutions to pressing international issues such as inequality, environmental sustainability, and human rights.

Definitions

Internationalization

Internationalization of higher education is described as the process of integrating an international, intercultural, and global dimension into the purpose, functions (teaching, research, and service), and the delivery of higher education at the institutional and national levels (Knight, 2006b). From: International Encyclopaedia of Education (Third Edition), 2010

Recipe

A recipe is a set of detailed instructions that explain how to prepare a specific dish. It usually includes a list of necessary ingredients along with the steps to combine, cook and assemble them correctly. Recipes can vary in complexity, from simple instructions for basic dishes to more elaborate recipes with advanced culinary techniques. They serve as a guide for cooks to reproduce a dish successfully. All recipes should be written keeping in mind that its target will be Heads of Degree programs.

Ingredient

An ingredient is a “ready to use” resource (human, financial, admin, template, basic recipe…). You don’t need instructions to find/have it.

Basic recipe

A basic recipe is more than an ingredient, it implies a process to be implemented in a shorter time than advanced recipes. A basic recipe can become an ingredient of an advanced recipe.

Advanced recipe

An advanced recipe can combine several basic recipes and/or ingredients.

Steps to Create Internationalization "Recipes"

Creating internationalization "recipes" for a university study program involves a series of structured steps aimed at adapting the program to meet the needs and expectations of an international audience.

Program Audit and Research

Review the current curriculum to assess its global relevance and identify areas that may need adjustment to appeal to international students. Conduct simple inquiries and research to understand educational preferences, cultural contexts, and regulatory requirements of different regions.

Curriculum Adaptation

Incorporate international case studies, perspectives, and examples into course materials. Ensure that the curriculum reflects diverse viewpoints and global trends. Translate course materials into multiple languages and use neutral, clear language to accommodate non-native speakers.

Academic Support and Resources

Provide academic resources in multiple languages, including textbooks, online materials, and software. Collaborate with international faculty and establish partnerships with universities abroad to offer joint programs and exchange opportunities.

Student Services and Support

Develop orientation sessions tailored for international students, addressing cultural adjustment, academic expectations, and practical needs. Provide guidance on legal requirements for international students and set up dedicated support services.

Marketing and Recruitment

Create marketing campaigns that resonate with different cultures and regions. Promotional materials should be translated, and scholarships specifically aimed at international students should be offered to make the program more attractive.

Quality Assurance

Seek accreditation from international bodies to increase global credibility. Regularly gather feedback from international students and faculty to refine and improve the program.

Technology and Infrastructure

Implement a robust online platform that supports multiple languages and time zones for distance learning and international collaborations. Schedule classes and activities at times accessible to students in different time zones.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Ensure the program complies with educational standards, data protection laws, and regulations in target countries. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program.

Impact Assessment and Evaluation

Track the success of international students and assess the impact of the internationalization strategy on enrollment, diversity, and academic success. Regularly review internationalization efforts based on feedback and outcomes.

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Recipe Template

Reminders:

Each recipe will be offered in a ‘general’ format, the aim being that each institution will then be able to adapt it to its own specific needs.

You can also create your own new recipe if you believe that it is relevant, using the “Recipe to create a recipe” available in the Handbook.

Legend for Unitapedia

Free text

Dynamic list

Fixed list

Examples of contents, or explanations on the item.

Mandatory Items:

• Name of the recipe: Free text
• Category of recipe: Internationalisation through national and international students, Internationalisation through partnerships, Internationalisation through development of international skills for staff members, Internationalisation through pedagogical activities and development of international skills, Internationalisation through Research activities, Other / transversal ways to internationalise.
• Objective: Developing global competence / employability skills; Inclusion; Improving academic Quality / offer; Attracting International students; Academic, professional and personal growth, etc.
• Short description: Free text
• Academic recognition (ECTS, certificate of attendance…): Free text
• Level of difficulty (for the teachers who will lead the development of the recipe): basic, medium or advanced
• Calendar and time needed: Free text
• Cost summary: € or €€ or €€€ or €€€€
• Budget description: Free text
• Cost for the organising institution: Free text
• Business model of the activity: Free text
• Budget type / sources of revenues (subsidized or unsubsidized costs, call for proposals, grants available etc.):
  Dynamic list
• Cost per participant, if relevant: Free text
• Language and level required: Free text
• Roles and Responsibilities (explains who is doing what, the service/department to contact for concrete support, etc.): Free text
• Ingredients: Free text
• Steps: Free text
• Step 1: …
• Step 2: …
• Etc.

Non-Mandatory Items:

• Name of the author of the recipe, if relevant (this is just to valorise the work done by persons and/or institutions): Free text
• Illustration
• Resource:(tutorial / template documents / videos / Flash-learns, international skills framework, etc.) Free text
• Tips and tricks: Free text
• Key dates
• Person to contact for further information
• Questions / comments
• Users review list(cf. quality approach)
• FAQ
• Successful examples of this recipe(already implemented and proven to be easily replicable)


Glossary for the Recipe Book

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Typology of recipes, by categories
• Internationalisation through national and international students
• Internationalisation through partnerships
• Internationalisation through development of international skills for staff members
• Internationalisation through pedagogical activities and development of international skills
• Internationalisation through Research activities
• Other / transversal ways to internationalise




Final objective(s) of the recipe

Internationalising training programs in universities serves several key objectives:

Enhancing institutional attractivity and elevating its reputation

1. Developing global competence / employability skills: Preparing students to thrive in a globalized world by improving learning outcomes through developed intercultural communication skills and international perspectives. Equipping students with international experience makes them more attractive to employers in a global job market.
2. Improving academic quality / offer: Incorporating diverse teaching methods and research perspectives can enhance the overall quality of education.
3. Attracting international students: Broadening the appeal of programs can increase enrolment and diversify the student body.
4. Fostering collaboration: Encouraging partnerships with foreign institutions can lead to joint research initiatives and shared resources.
5. Promoting Research opportunities: Facilitating international research collaborations can lead to innovation and increased funding. A strong international presence can improve a university's global standing and appeal.
For educational success adapted to contemporary challenges:
6. Inclusion: Allow students and staff from all profiles to access internationalisation, in all its dimensions, whatever their socio-economic background.
7. Cultural exchange: Encouraging cultural exchange enriches the university environment and promotes mutual understanding among students from different backgrounds.
8. Contributing to sustainable development: Engaging in international education can help address global challenges, such as climate change and social inequality.
9. Adapting to global trends: Keeping curricula relevant by incorporating global issues and practices ensures that programs remain competitive and applicable.

By focusing on these objectives, universities can create a more dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational environment.

The difference between an international strategy and an internationalisation strategy of a university lies in their scope, objectives, and implementation. Here’s a detailed explanation:




International Strategy
• Definition: An international strategy focuses on the university’s external relations with other institutions, countries, or regions. Its goal is to position the university on a global scale.
• Objectives
  • Develop partnerships with foreign universities.
  • Participate in international academic networks.
  • Enhance the university’s global visibility and reputation.
• Examples of actions:
• Organizing joint programs (e.g., dual degrees).
• Participating in international conferences or projects.
• Representing the university in global forums.

Internationalisation Strategy

• Definition: The internationalisation strategy is broader and aims to integrate an international dimension into all activities of the university, including programs, research, and administration.
• Objectives:
  • Incorporate international perspectives into curricula (e.g., courses in foreign languages, global content).
  • Promote the mobility of students, faculty, and researchers.
  • Create a multicultural environment on campus.
• Examples of actions:
  • Recruiting international students and faculty.
  • Including mandatory international internships or experiences in programs.
  • Offering courses or programs in foreign languages.

In summary:

• International strategy: focuses on external cooperation and global outreach.
• Internationalisation strategy: focuses on the internal integration of international elements within the university’s activities.

Both strategies are complementary, but the internationalisation strategy tends to be more holistic, directly impacting the experience of students and staff.

“What Is Comprehensive Internationalization?

ACE defines comprehensive internationalization as a strategic, coordinated framework that integrates policies, programs, initiatives, and individuals to make colleges and universities more globally oriented and internationally connected. In order to foster sustainable and just global engagement, the comprehensive internationalization model embraces an organizational growth mindset. It frames internationalization as an ongoing process rather than a static goal. To that end, it recognizes that all constituents at a college or university—students, faculty, and staff—are learners and central to the institution's equitable, intercultural transformation. Intentional comprehensive internationalization is not an ancillary enterprise, but a means to advance an institution's distinct teaching-research-service mission. In short, effective internationalization cannot happen in a few siloed offices, confined to certain disciplines, or reserved for a limited number of students. Internationalization is a collaborative, integrated ethos, the meaning of which must be discerned by each institution in the context of its unique mission and culture.”

What is internationalization and how is it related to globalization?

Globalization is a pervasive and contemporary reality. It is defined as the movement and interdependency of ideas, people, goods, capital, services, and organizations as well as threats that cross borders, such as environmental and health challenges. Internationalization is higher education's intentional engagement with that reality. It not only impacts an individual institution, but the way an organization and its people relate to their local, national, and global community. Anchored by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), internationalization is a means for understanding and advancing human and technical connectivity; fostering local and global interdisciplinary research and teaching; supporting social, economic, and civic development; and propelling higher education forward as an equitable and agile public good.

Based on scholarship, work with a variety of institutional types in and outside the US, and collaboration with colleges and universities through the ACE Internationalization Laboratory, ACE has identified six interconnected target areas that require strategic attention and resources in order to achieve truly comprehensive internationalization and advance higher education's teaching, research, and service missions. Together, these areas compose the ACE Model for Comprehensive Internationalization, focused by three critical strategic lenses in the outer ring.

International / cross-cultural skills

Draw-up a typology of incoming international students:

• Feeemovers: As far as I'm concerned, a freemover is an outgoing student at an institution that does not have a partnership with the student's university. In this case, the mobile student is responsible for his or her own tuition fees (no grant).
• We should talk about "degree seeking students" instead of the current wording. Ok for everyone?