• Medium-sized Public University
• 93 undergraduate, 50 graduate Programs
• 28,000 students, 720 faculty
• College of Engineering, Forestry, Natural Sciences
• 5600 Undergrads, 400 grad. students
• 215 Faculty, 13 departments, 25+ degree programs
• Engineering: CE, ME, EE, ENE, CS, CM
• Sciences: Bio, Geo, Chem, EnvSci, For, Math, Physics/Astro
Internationalization at Northern Arizona Univ.
Center for International Education Houses/coordinates all intl. operations
1100 international scholars; 600 outgoing
International House
Broad selection of international exposure Study abroad
Faculty-led, short-term programs
International Internships
Global Science and Engineering Program (GSEP)
Global Science and Engineering Program
Comprehensive STEM internationalization option Immersive five-year program 14 STEM majors, 5 languages 4th Year Abroad: Study + Internship Dual-degree: a second BA rewards investment Maximize attractiveness, minimize effort and risk
Emphasis on operational efficiency, program sustainability
Uniform model spanning all degree programs Extensive shared infrastructure, scalable funding
model Special curricular adjustments for smooth integration
How do we sell the value proposition?
Students (and parents) Cite globalization statistics Job fairs, invited speakers But…they’re basically sold already
Administrators (and legislators) New relevance to industrial constituency Competitive edge with attractive offerings Do the math: high benefit-cost ratio (see financing)
Faculty Credit towards workload, promotion, financial support Not so critical up front…they’ll follow along…
How do we finance internationalization?
Financing your program itself Nice: grants, foundations, donors Need efficient, scalable, sustainable financial model Best: recoup student tuitions while abroad
Financing for student participants Keep program costs low! Grants: local + external Make sure there are outcomes with tangible financial impact
Financing campus internationalization Ideally: university-level initiative, part of strategic plan Focus on small steps, clear criteria, accountability
What is the proper role of language?
Some foreign language study is critical More effective English communication with ESL collaborators At least six semesters to claim “global competence” Language + culture = global competence
Language does not come natural to many STEM majors Emphasize the practical:
Events that emphasize clear tangible benefit of language Specialized STEM-oriented curricula: relevant and engaging Strong peer support within same-language cohorts
Smart integration into curricular tracks Allow intensive abroad experiences only later maximize effect Place language to preclude “gaps” before leaving
Achieving internationalization at home
“Constellation” of integrated options
Plan for failure, “downshifting”
Many small elements = large combined effect
Onward…
