There is no uniform approach to developing an internationalization strategy. What works for one higher education institution might not be suitable for another. Brewer et al. (2015, 10) state that “strategic planning must be tailored to the missions, cultures, and resources of institutions.” This refers to any kind of strategic planning, including, of course, strategic planning for the purpose of internationalization. Accordingly, there are also different paths towards internationalization depending on “the differing missions, values, and priorities of a specific institution” (Hudzik and McCarthy 2012, 1). However, there are some elements which have to be taken into account whatever approach is taken. This article describes a typical approach.
Developing an internationalization strategy
The context
An internationalization strategy can be defined as a plan to bring about a desired future, to achieve the goals and ambitions of the university with respect to international aspects. The different possible ways of realizing these ambitions, however, are very much dependent on the external environment of the university. It is therefore crucial to have a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the conditions, developments and trends in the environment of the university (both national and international). Relevant factors might be, for example, the political and/or economic situation (e.g. Brexit) and changes in the delivery of education due to the Internet and advances in technology. In another article , this issue of influences and trends is introduced in more detail. Equally important is the ‘internal environment’ within the university itself: the current state of affairs, the culture, overall mission and current strategies.
Mission and vision
An internationalization policy is not a stand-alone strategy but interwoven with the overall ambitions of the university (see also the article on comprehensive internationalization). It is therefore crucial to develop the internationalization strategy in line with the overall mission. We might formulate a mission and vision specifically for the internationalization strategy, but these should be consistent with the institutional ones and preferably refer to them explicitly. A mission statement is a description of the values and purpose of the university. A vision is a description of what the university aspires to achieve in the long term – the high-level goals for the future. A strategy is the plan for achieving these goals in the longer term.
SWOT analysis
A typical way to start developing a strategy is the SWOT analysis, but this is only possible if you have in-depth knowledge of the internal environment and a clear understanding of the university’s mission and vision. During a SWOT analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of the university and the opportunities and threats in the environment with regard to the goals in the vision are listed and assessed. This exercise should be done by representatives of different stakeholders in the university, since they bring in different perspectives. A SWOT analysis, if done correctly, promotes the use of an institution’s strengths in a constructive and effective way given the trends and influences in its environment. In another article, the SWOT analysis is introduced in more detail.
Priorities, work plan and actions
Once you have performed a proper SWOT analysis, it is time to translate the findings into concrete prioritized actions which are combined into a work plan. This plan should include the resources needed, the envisaged outcomes and roles and responsibilities. This can be done for a long-term period or on a yearly basis. For information on how to develop a work plan, read this article.
References
• Strategic Planning for Internationalization in Higher Education
Elizabeth Brewer, Harvey Charles, and Adelaide Ferguson; contributions from Susan Carvalho and Joanna Regulska
AIEA OCCASIONAL PAPERS, February 2015
https://aiea.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/Issue_Briefs/aiea_issuebrief_2013sept-%20op.pdf (accessed 12.04.2018)
• Leading Comprehensive Internationalization: Strategy and Tactics for Action
John K. Hudzik and JoAnn S. McCarthy
NAFSA, 2012
http://www.nafsa.org/uploadedFiles/Chez_NAFSA/Resource_Library_Assets/Publications_Library/Leading%20CIZN.pdf (accessed 19.04.2018)