Global engagement in the post‐pandemic world: Challenges and responses. Perspective from the UK

Abstract

AbstractHigher education (HE), particularly its international mobility element, is one of the sectors that have suffered an immediate and substantial impact by the pandemic. The disruption in international travel and the local restrictions to physical contact has caused disruptions in the academic planning and delivery of higher education worldwide. Many argue that the recent pandemic and the move to online and blended learning delivery will define the future of HE. In this paper, we explore two main themes. Firstly, we explore the pre‐Covid trends in international higher education. Using national and international data from UNESCO, OECD and other sources, we analyse the global developments in international student mobility. Secondly, we focus on the UK to study the position, share and interplay between the international student and transnational education (TNE) markets. We reflect on the findings of our analysis and discuss the pivot to online education and its pedagogical and regulatory implications. The role of sustainability as a central strategic objective for HEIs is examined through the lenses of TNE in generating local impact and promoting the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).