Internationalisation without international students? Internationalising the curriculum and student experience during the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the research into a teaching innovation in the Bachelor's level course of Pedagogical Communication at Comenius University Bratislava in Slovakia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the innovation was to raise interest in internationalisation among K-12 pre-service teachers and develop their skills necessary to succeed in an international environment through a comprehensive internationalisation of the teaching and learning process. We show that the innovation increased students’ motivation and interest in teaching international pupils and for internationalising their future teaching practice. At the same time, students also improved their competencies in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Findings suggest that even when international students are not enrolled in a course, home students can reap the benefits of internationalisation. Thus, internationalisation of the formal curriculum at home can prepare students to thrive in today’s globalised world, which is most encouraging for universities that are unlikely to attract international students in large numbers.