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 Carla Helena HENRIQUES CANDEIAS De TELES RAVASCO NOBRE Vice Rector for Internationalisation Polytechnic Institute of Guarda

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

Welcome to the UNITA Recipes Handbook for Internationalisation!

Internationalisation supports Universities’ broader mission

How can we prepare students for jobs that do not yet exist, to face challenges in society that are still unknown, and to work with technologies that have yet to be developed? How can we ensure they are ready to thrive in a globalised world, where they must understand and respect diverse viewpoints, engage with others in a respectful manner, and take responsible action towards sustainability and collective well-being?.

Internationalisation is a major challenge for higher education institutions. By bringing diverse perspectives into teaching and fostering global networks, internationalisation enriches learning, prepares students for the global workforce, and advances research. Its purpose is to enhance the educational experience, research, and global engagement. The ultimate goal is to improve teaching quality, drive innovation, and create global citizens who can solve global challenges.

To achieve this, it acknowledges that all members of the university community - students, teaching and administrative staff - are learners and essential to the institution’s equitable and intercultural transformation. It should be a strategic, coordinated framework that integrates policies, programmes, initiatives, and individuals. Internationalisation should be seen as a comprehensive, continuous process which embraces your whole organisational growth mindset, rather than a static goal.

In today's interconnected world, the demand for global skills has reached unprecedented levels. A recent report by the World Economic Forum indicates that more than half of all employees worldwide will need to upskill or reskill by 2025 to adapt to new responsibilities driven by automation and emerging technologies. Additionally, their "Future of Jobs Report 2025" highlights that, on average, 39% of workers' core skills are expected to change by 2025, emphasizing the necessity for continuous learning and adaptation. A study by the British Council found that 79% of employers consider intercultural skills essential for the workplace, as they enhance teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Furthermore, research by McKinsey & Company reveals that companies with diverse and internationally skilled teams are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors. These statistics highlight the increasing value employers place on global competencies, not only for organizational success but also for individual personal development.

UNITA Recipes for internationalisation: an Erasmus+ Project

Our mission?

Born from the collaborative efforts of the UNITA European University Alliance, this Erasmus+ project aims to foster the internationalisation of degree programmes across our partner institutions, and possibly beyond. Recognising the urgent need to adapt our education systems, by considering what we could call ‘competencies for the future’ (knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values) that students and teachers will need to thrive in the future, the aim of UNITA Recipes Project is to promote internationalisation of university degree programmes for All, and in every possible ways.

Our added values?

We know that internationalising higher education isn't always a piece of cake. Heads of degree programmes and professors often face numerous challenges:

• Rigid curriculum structures
• Language barriers
• Lack of international partnerships
• Time constraints
• Limited resources and funding

Our handbook is designed to help you navigate these obstacles and find creative solutions that work for your specific context. We provide concrete, practical solutions to internationalise curricula, staff and students’ profiles.
Through this initiative, we aim to provide inclusive, flexible, and innovative approaches that allow the whole academic community (students, teaching staff and administrative staff), regardless of their background, to benefit from international experiences. The project is rooted in the belief that internationalisation should be for everyone. Internationalisation for All in its “internationalisation at home” dimension, also implies greener practices. In this book, we also promote sustainable mobility solutions and digital collaboration to reduce the environmental footprint of international activities. This inclusive approach is baked into every recipe we offer in this book.

Who is this Handbook for ?

This Handbook is primarily designed for Heads of Degree Programmes, as they play a crucial role in shaping the international dimension of study programmes. However, we've ensured that our recipes are accessible and valuable to all academic staff. Professors looking to add an international= twist to their courses will find plenty of inspiration within these pages. Are you ready to spice up your degree programmes with a dash of international flavor?

Look no further!

The UNITA Recipes Handbook for Internationalisation is your guide to creating a more globally-oriented educational experience!

How to use this Handbook ?

1. Start by using our self-assessment tool (SAT) to identify areas where your programme could use a pinch more international seasoning. This SAT is another tool developed with the Project to allow users to evaluate the current level of internationalisation of degree programmes, and identify relevant strategies.
2. Then, browse our carefully curated recipes to find the perfect blend of activities and strategies to suit your needs. Think of this handbook as your personal internationalisation cookbook. The 25 recipes presented in this Handbook are structured as easy-to-follow guides, to help integrate internationalisation into degree programmes. Each recipe offers practical steps, tested methods, and real-life examples to inspire action. These recipes align with the Internationalisation Self Assessment Tool.
3. And we don't stop there! Coming soon, we'll be offering a series of training sessions to help Heads of degree programmes to master these recipes and further support their internationalisation efforts.

An open and accessible resource

In line with UNITA’s commitment to knowledge sharing, the Handbook will be available in two formats:

• A downloadable PDF for those who prefer their recipes in a traditional format
• An interactive digital version, available through the UNITA Virtual Campus

It is open-source and translated into all UNITA languages, plus English. It will be referenced on the UNITA website, ensuring easy access for institutions beyond the project’s immediate partners.
This Handbook is more than just a collection of recipes. It is a living tool designed to evolve through collaboration, feedback, and shared experiences. We invite you to explore, experiment, and contribute to improve this Handbook and making internationalisation a reality for all students.

Beyond this Handbook: tailored support and training

Internationalisation is not a one-size-fits-all process. That's why each partner university has appointed an Advisor in Internationalisation to provide personalized support. Whether you need coaching, training, or just a brainstorming session, they're here to guide and assist you in selecting and adapting recipes that best fit your specific institutional and disciplinary contexts.

Now, let’s get cooking!

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Recipes presentation

Welcome to the heart of this guide: our collection of 25 carefully crafted "recipes" designed to help you infuse internationalisation into your programmes and degrees. Just like in cooking, successful internationalisation requires the right ingredients, a clear method, and a touch of creativity.
Each recipe in this chapter follows a step-by-step approach, guiding you through practical and tested methods to integrate international dimensions into your curriculum. Whether you are looking to develop joint degrees, implement virtual mobility, or enhance intercultural learning, these recipes will provide you with concrete actions, essential tools, and inspiring ideas. When we could, we've included useful resources such as videos or practical examples. In order to simplify your search, the recipes have been classified by categories:
■Internationalisation Strategy

• these recipes highlight internationalisation strategies

■Internationalisation through national and international students

• these recipes focus on local and international students as key vectors of internationalisation, and enable your degree programme to be internationalisedthrough student mobility (IN and OUT).

■Internationalisation through partnerships

• these recipes focus on partnerships, allowing you to approach internationalisation from a partnership perspective and to get inspired from best practices

■Internationalisation through pedagogical activities and development of international skills (curriculum)

• these recipes focus on teaching methods and practices, and how you can internationalise student curricula, often in a very accessible way!

■Internationalisation through development of international skills for staff members

• these recipes address the development of international skills for academic and/or administrative staff members

Think of this as your internationalisation cookbook—choose the recipes that best suit your needs, adapt them to your context, and experiment to find the perfect blend. If you need help to implement a recipe, don’t hesitate to contact your International Relations' office or Advisor in internationalisation (see Section "Contacts & Resources")
Ready to get cooking?
Let’s begin!

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?