Our Mission Defined

Internationalization

Internationalization is the process of integrating an international, intercultural or global dimension into the purpose, functions or delivery of higher education at the institutional level and national levels. Internationalization helps build relationships between and among nations, local cultures, and countries. It is also about relating to the diversity of cultures that exist within countries, communities, institutions, and classrooms. It is the incorporation of an intercultural and international dimension into the content of a curriculum, as well as teaching and learning processes to the support and service to students. An internationalized curriculum will help engage students with internationally informed research and cultural and linguistic diversity. 

In that sense, the Office of International Engagement is the facilitator that helps the different UNI departments, programs, service units and local organizations to provide global opportunities to interact, connect, study, research but also have fun. 

We facilitate the building of relationships between our international students and domestic students, faculty, staff and the community by providing opportunities that allow the exchange of intercultural skills and experiences. Meanwhile, the international students establish the role of an ambassador/representative for their country. 

Localization

Localization exposes international students to the realities of America through participating in community programs. Local events and programs provided by the department, such as visiting public schools and nonprofit organizations, allows international students to participate in different forms of communication with local community members. In exchange, residents also learn about a variety of cultures from the international students. Through CIEP and Academic Coaching, we also support newcomers who are learning English or the American academic culture to seek better professional opportunities in the community.

Globalization

Globalization has radically transformed the world in every aspect. But it has especially transformed the world economy which has become increasingly interconnected and interdependent. But it also made the world economy increasingly competitive and more knowledge based, especially in the developed western countries. Global education interconnects methods of teaching from worldwide systems to encourage the international development of environmental sustainability, as well as contribution toward fortifying global industries. These educational initiatives prioritize global access to school from the primary to the university levels, instigating learning experiences that prepare students for multinational leadership roles. As education serves as foundational to global stability, the development of multicultural awareness from an early age may integrate ideologies sourced from various societies in order to arrive at well-balanced conclusions regarding issues that surround the world as a whole. Globalization and education then come to affect one another through mutual goals of preparing young people for successful futures during which their nations will grow increasingly connected and become more internationalized.