UNIVERSITY OF TABRIZ

SINCE 1947
Internationalization Strategies for
Academic Activities
Opportunities and Challenges

Dr. Saeid Shojaei

Director
International & Academic Cooperation
Directorate
University of Tabriz - Iran
 Background
• Science and technology
• Good potential and capability to provide
national interests in all circumstances.
• Soft power tool.
• Can be used as an alternative to international
communications.
• Science Diplomacy.
Internationalization of
Higher Education

Boosts

Science Diplomacy
 Internationalization of HE

Remarks
 Not an issue to happen on an occasional basis.
 It needs to measurable strategies.
 Solutions and requirements.
Mechanisms of internationalization
1-Fundamental changes in HE planning

2-Fundamental changes in HE management

3-Move towards decentralization

Mechanisms of internationalization
4- Changes in the Curriculum

5-Transformation and evolution in the use

of financial resources and services

6-Transformation in international
relations
7- Multi- Cultural atmosphere in University

8- Providing joint text for courses

(by bothside teachers)

9- Responsible persons in the city

 Fundamental changes in HE planning
 To hold training courses in international languages.
 Consistency with international assessment system
(lesson Units, marks…):
Joint training program,
Dual diploma program.
 Providing needed logistics.
 Holding host country language courses.
 Internships for academic staffs in foreign country.
 Internships for academic staffs in foreign countries.
Fundamental Changes in HE management

Internationalization of universities requires the

preparation at all levels of managements.
Attention to the university-centered
management is so essential.
The university is the center of all decisions.
 The administrative organizations of higher
education will not have any interference in
the administration of concerned affairs.
 Changes in the curriculum

 The curriculum can not be limited and confined to

national borders.
Just like that Education can not be limited within the
boundaries of a country.
 Reviewing academic curriculum.
 The provision of courses with the content of
recognition of the international community and
international issues.
 Planning of curricula for foreign students.
Transformation and evolution in the use
of financial resources and services
Allocating budget to prepare foundations
 For students: Logistics, scholarships, language training
courses…
for staffs: International researches, postdocs
Considering benefits in international activities in
financial planning.
 Transformation in international relations
The expansion of scientific cooperation with
other countries.
Establishing favorable political interactions.
Staff and student exchanges.
 Implementation of international research
projects.
The deepening of the economic ties among
countries.
Multi- Cultural atmosphere in University

• Holding workshops to make students family

with different cultures of foreigner students.
• Organizing Exhibitions inside the University
to introduce and present foreigner students
cultures elements.
 Providing joint texts for courses
(by bothside teachers)

• Essential courses for dual degree diploma

program:
 accepted in each universities.
 accepted in international assessment.
 Responsible persons in the city

• Urban planning for foreigner students living.

 Announcements
Logos
Achieving this will not be possible,
except by:
Supporting the stability.
Establishing stable security for all nations
of the region,
Developing tourism by removing visa
formalities .
 Opportunities

Considering Neighbor countries

Proximities:
Geographical, Linguistic, Cultural.
Example: Iran-Turkey scientific cooperation
 Especial example:
Northwestern Universities in Iran and
Turkish Universities.
Challenges!
Cultural
Structural
Diplomatic
Technological
Financial
Academic
Planing