From a teaching and learning perspective, internationalization is all about infusing intercultural elements into course content, delivery, and support. Like Indigenization, it is a process – a way of designing courses that considers how students’ unique cultural experiences can impact and enhance their learning.
Internationalized courses draw students’ attention to underrepresented perspectives and historical injustices. They prepare them to thrive in an increasingly diverse and multilingual job market. They provide a culturally inclusive learning environment where students of all backgrounds can learn from each other. Thoughtfully internationalized courses benefit all students, not just students coming from abroad.
Internationalization of teaching and learning can include:
- teaching techniques that support success for international, racialized, and/or multilingual learners
- diversifying the perspectives in readings and materials
- incorporating intercultural skills in learning outcomes
- developing projects or courses with international or multicultural partners
- addressing and confronting racism and historical injustices