I found the reading Global Strategy & Internationalization at Ohio University interesting because it is the first time in this class that we look more in depth to one particular U.S University. The Global Strategy & Internationalization at Ohio seems very well planned and thoughtful. This piece is of course better written and more well planned then Baruch’s global strategy/ strategic plan. The Ohio piece has more thoughtful insights for its framework, which I think, is important for the reader.
Baruch’s global strategy also lacked future direction. Ohio, however, presents future goals and data. Ohio’s global plan starts by explaining what the college has done thus far to become more involved in internationalization which in any well planned strategic plan is important for the reader and campus community. They also make a list of their three strategic partners, which are Germany, Japan and Malaysia, which shows their potential to reach a global community. The Middlesex reading on global education & planning was as lengthy as Ohio’s which to my surprise was also very well planned. In higher ed, we normally fall under the assumption that community colleges lack funding and/or lack quality but this piece shows that not all community colleges fall under that description. I also believe that because Middlesex is located in Boston there is this sense of competition in education and for Middlesex globalization of education will allow their campus to become unforgettable in their local community.
When I think if internationalization you usually think the goal of internationalization can only be achieved in wealthy and prestige universities. Ohio University endowment is approximately 3 billion. It is very important to look at all universities and colleges in this aspect because internationalization is very much influenced by the need of funding. This however is not a fact internationalization can also be achieved by planning out reach that can aide philanthropic actions similar to Middlesex mission. Middlesex, however, is a very wealthy community college with an endowment of 993 million per FTE Enrollment. (http://community-colleges.startclass.com/l/2601/Middlesex-County-College)
In conclusion, comparing Baruch’s global strategy to Middlesex and Ohio direction is very important. Carnoy’s reading emphasizes that in internationalization the level of autonomy is important when dealing with policies and the directions universities choose to take is very much dictated by governmental and state policies. This is primarily why the word “strategy” is used in internationalization.
I appreciate that you also mention the financial practicality of internationalization- it attracts students. Yes, yes, internationalization is beneficial and it makes the world a better place, but from a more realistic approach, it is a way to increase enrollment and improve reputation. The case of Middlesex is very interesting indeed. As you point out, it is located in Boston, a city known for its colleges. How can a community college compete with Harvard, Northeastern, Boston College, Boston University, MIT, and a bunch of other highly regarded institutions? It’s a community college! Well, one way is to show how connected it is to the global economy and show off the exciting possibilities it has for travel, networking, and job opportunities. A couple of my posts make it seem like I am against internationalization- I’m not- but I’m just not as caught up in the idealism of it.
Hey Zeline,
I loved that you pointed out the geographic location of Middlesex college as a factor that may differentitate the potential other community colleges from other areas may encounter. I highly doubt Kingsborough Community College, with its low retention rate can successfully develop a strategic plan for internationalization. Although we look at large endowments and assume that the institution can afford to send students overseas to learn easily, most of the money in endowments are tied up due to restrictions. What we really need to focus on is how much revenue the college receiving in tuition and the amount of unrestricted funds being donated to help pay for study abroad programming. I mentioned in my post the vast difference in Ohio’s strategic plan compared to Baruch’s and the major difference revolves around making realistic, detailed goals.
Adia
The OHIO strategy document contained some viewpoints on internationalization that I believe are universal for higher education institutions. OHIO notes that its current offerings of skills, knowledge and networks does not meet the demand of the global marketplace for talent. They also note that the demand for globally competent talent outweighs the supply, and to meet this demand competing educational services have emerged. Although the specific services are not named, I would guess that they are referring to for-profit institutions. Back in my structure of higher ed course, we discussed that while there is much to be wary of in regards to for-profits, they succeed in the area of innovation and adjusting their offering to meet current demands.
OHIO acknowledges the importance of a global focus in order for its graduates to be competitive and attain leadership roles. They best sum up their philosophy thusly: ‘The university strategy should be its global strategy and vice versa’.