International Education and Higher Education's Revised Role in a Global Society

Abstract

The end goal of international education’s revised role in higher education is to provide a greater good to the global society. During the past several years, globalization has emerged as a trend that supports a move on the part of higher education to provide students with an education that extends beyond their native country (Brodin, 2010). Formidable global challenges contribute to necessary changes to the components of higher education so as to enhance overall societal good. Multi-cultural experiences that enhance career opportunities and components making up higher education’s revised role in international education include: international programs and curriculums, study abroad experiences, international tourism and sport, and international education’s potential economic impact on the university, local community, and world. Factors driving higher education’s revised role in international education include: technological progress in communication, international business and social needs, competitive job markets, and the global economy. In particular evidence continues to build in support of the notion that students who are immersed in foreign cultures will return home wiser and a more well rounded global citizen (Gumbel, 2011). International education in the form of experiences embedded into higher education curriculums is rapidly becoming the norm.