Achieving Domestic Internationalization and Global Competence Through On-Campus Activities and Globally Responsive Education

Abstract

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and educators are well known. However, there is a paucity of literature available on its impact on educational institutions in the context of their abilities to develop global competence in the middle of an ongoing pandemic. The virtual communication and remote delivery of educational content have been a popular trend for many universities to adapt to the pandemic challenges and re-think their internationalization strategies. The limited travel opportunities because of the pandemic have highlighted a big need for the domestic internationalization mechanism at educational institutions. In this paper, the authors discuss how the Globally Responsive Education and Teaching (GREAT) program at Missouri State University is promoting globally responsive and inclusive teaching and learning among faculty and internationalization of the curriculum. It provides an overview of the activities and program structure of the GREAT program. In addition, it covers how culturally responsive teaching and global learning are being promoted for global competence by increased domestic Internationalization efforts. The importance of exploring global teaching and learning models and the significance of faculty engagement are emphasized in this paper. It also discusses how international virtual exchange learning gained popularity because of COVID-19 and how the GREAT program plans to integrate it by offering a grant to support faculty with an aim to promote the internationalization of the curriculum and global learning for all. This paper also discusses how lessons learned from teaching abroad and international education are being incorporated for domestic internationalization to provide similar international learning experiences for both domestic and international students.