The IHEC’s report shows the importance of Internationalization at Home, a concept designed to cultivate an international and intercultural academic environment domestically, as an essential component of the UK’s future higher education strategies.
The IHEC’s report shows the importance of Internationalization at Home, a concept designed to cultivate an international and intercultural academic environment domestically, as an essential component of the UK’s future higher education strategies.
The recent analysis from the International Higher Education Commission (IHEC) brought to light a pressing issue in the UK’s higher education landscape: the diminution of international diversity on university campuses.
This worrying trend is partially attributed to the reduced influx of Erasmus+ exchange students, a flagship European Union student exchange program that previously facilitated a vibrant exchange of culture and knowledge among its member countries.
The IHEC’s report shows the importance of “Internationalization at Home” (IaH), a concept designed to cultivate an international and intercultural academic environment domestically, as an essential component of the UK’s future higher education strategies. The IaH approach enables students to develop global competencies within their home institutions, circumventing the financial and logistical barriers of studying abroad.
Alternative strategy
Chris Skidmore, former universities minister and chairman of the IHEC, highlighted the evidence of the past year, stating that the UK’s international education strategy cannot solely hinge on recruiting international students.
“We need to ensure that campuses are international with attractive international-based curriculums, exchange programmes and inclusive facilities that ensure international students want to study in the UK because we offer the best courses compared to competitor countries,” Skidmore said.
Instead, Skidmore calls for a comprehensive internationalization of university campuses, including enriched international curriculums, exchange programs, and inclusive facilities that enhance the appeal of UK institutions on a global scale.
Skidmore explained that a key reason for launching the Commission was their recognition that a simple focus on overseas student numbers and revenue generation wouldn’t ensure the financial sustainability of the sector. They emphasized the need for recognition of the importance of other forms of capital, such as intellectual and social capital, and the return on investment they generate for all stakeholders.
Skidmore’s stance is reinforced by the fact that international students have made significant economic contributions, injecting £58 million into the UK economy during the 2021-2022 academic year, equating to £560 per UK resident. This economic aspect, while important, should not overshadow the intellectual and social capital that international students bring, which are integral to the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Decline in diversity
However, a concerning decline in foreign language course enrollment signals a potential erosion of international capacity and capabilities within UK institutions, an aspect that could undermine the nation’s educational and cultural fabric.
The Commission recommends further research into the impacts and benefits of IaH. It aims to create resources to support staff and students in recognizing and harnessing these benefits, contributing to a more holistic and globally engaged educational environment.
With 679,970 international students in the UK for the 2021-2022 academic year, including 120,140 from EU countries, the need for a robust international strategy is clear. Despite the issuance of 98,398 Graduate route visas and 498,626 sponsored visas by June 2023, the decline in international diversity presents a challenge that requires immediate and strategic action.
The UK must reinvigorate its commitment to internationalization, not merely as a financial imperative but as a cornerstone of its educational excellence. Fostering an environment that is globally inclusive and intellectually diverse will not only reinforce the financial sustainability of the higher education sector but will also ensure the UK remains a preferred destination for international scholars and maintains its prestigious position in the global academic community.
