Skip to Content

What is Comprehensive Internationalization?

Comprehensive internationalization, as defined by the American Council on Education (ACE) is “a strategic, coordinated process that seeks to align and integrate policies, programs, and initiatives to position colleges and universities as more globally oriented and internally connected institutions.” ACE identifies six pillars, or target areas to be considered when engaging in strategic planning for international education.  The six areas are:

  • Articulated institutional commitment, including mission and strategy, funding and support, and visibility and messaging
  • Administrative leadership, structure and staffing, including units and roles, communication and institution-wide tracking and assessment
  • Curriculum, co-curriculum and learning outcomes, including student learning outcomes, course content and pedagogy, academic policies and requirements, curriculum, and student interest in global learning
  • Faculty policies and procedures, including hiring, tenure and promotion, and background, expertise and activities
  • Student mobility, including international students and education abroad
  • Collaboration and partnerships, including international relationships, and local, state and national engagement

Articulated Institutional Commitment…Administrative Leadership Structure, and Staff…Curriculum Co-Curriculum and Learning Outcomes…Faculty Policies and Practices…Student Mobility…Collaboration and Partnerships…Comprehensive Internationalization