Investing in Global Relationships:Ireland’s International Education Strategy

2010 - 2015Presentation to

Information Day on Irish International Education Strategy & European Programmes

22nd February 2011

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1. Introduction

2. Vision

3. Objectives and Targets

4. Ten strategic Actions

5. Statistics & Conclusion

OUTLINE

Introduction

• Ireland as a small, open European economy relies on international engagement

• An internationalised education system has a crucial role to play in our international profile and attractiveness

• In context of national strategy for economic renewal, the government established High level Group on international education in 2010 to:– Develop a national strategy – Co-ordinate a national approach

• Report Investing in Global Relationships: Ireland's International Education Strategy 2010-2015 published September 2010

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Vision

• The most compelling rationale for internationalisation is investment in future global relationships with– Students educated in Ireland – our future advocates overseas– Educational institutions – our teaching and research partners– Countries – our business and trading partners

• Internationalisation enhances the quality of learning, teaching and research

• And will contribute to Ireland ambition to become “a global innovation hub”

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Vision

• International students need high-quality education, integration with local students & a great experience– Within context of ambitious targets for local student access and

access for non-traditional learners – Demands collaboration between institutions and agencies &– Expansion of the education system

• A long-term & sustainable process, based on high-quality engagement with international partners

• Recognition that the European dimension is crucial to Irish education and commitment to active participation in the EU programmes

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Objectives

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Primary Objective:“Ireland will become internationally recognised and

ranked as a world leader in the delivery of high-quality international education by providing a unique experience and long-term value to students”

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Objectives and Targets to 2015• Increase:

– Total international HE students 50% by >12,000 to 38,000– Full-time int’l HE students 50% by 8,500 to 25,500– Int’l students doing advanced research by 50% to 3,800– Taught postgraduate int’l students from 13% to 20% to 5,100– Exchange and JYA from outside EEA to 6,000 from 3,600– English-language students by 25% to 120,000– Offshore students by 50% to 4,500– Economic impact by €300 m to €1.2 bn

• Strengthen institutional links with priority partner-countries• Increase outward staff and student mobility

Ten Strategic Actions (1)

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• Partnership and collaboration – greater collaboration within & between government, HE sector and English language sector, coordinated by High Level Group, with 4 Working Groups:– Implementation, market development & access (Chair: DES)– Sectoral Development (Chair: HEA)– Quality Assurance and Student Experience (Chair: NQAI/QQAI)– Branding and Promotion (Chair: Enterprise Ireland)Monitoring & Benchmarking – HEA & EI to develop database & Annual Report

• Renew Education Ireland Brand and strengthen marketing• Quality – Quals & QA Bill, Quality mark, Code of Practice• Strengthened immigration and visa regime• Comprehensive HEI internationalisation strategies• Develop relevant international education offerings, based on

HEI capacity and student needs

Ten Strategic Actions (2)

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• Consistent & supportive government policies and actions– High Level Group as key mechanism– Small Strategic Fund – Three new Scholarship programmes:

The Government of Ireland International ScholarshipsThe New Frontiers ProgrammeThe Government of Ireland English Language Educators Scholarship

• Strengthen networks of influence – alumni associations and contacts; HEI’s with embassy & EI support

• Outward mobility by staff and students – part of HEI’s strategic plans

• North-South and EU co-operation

International HE Students in Ireland 2009/10

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Country 2009/10 2006/7USA 4467 4408China (+HK) 3355 3573France 2068 1536UK & Northern Ireland 1512 1992Germany 1450 1431Spain 1187 1395Malaysia 1094 1289India 1125 1094Canada 710 500Italy 674 1253Nigeria 618 482Poland 512 539……. … …Sweden 143 126Not Specified 1033 984Other countries 3408 2955

25781 26295

International Students in Ireland 2009/10

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Chart 3: International Students ~ Subject Choices

Humanities & related, 30%

Business & related, 28%

Source: Education Ireland 2010. Off-shore students not included

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Outgoing vs. Incoming Erasmus Teacher Mobility for Ireland2000/01 to 2008/09

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Conclusion

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•Strategy on International Education comes as part of wider response to need for economic renewal in Ireland•Focus is on Ireland's international relationships, particularly on international student mobility and on educational links with future long-term trading partners

Nevertheless•There is recognition of the wider perspectives of the internationalisation process, including collaborative institutional and research links, internationalisation of curricula and engagement in multilateral initiatives, such as the Bologna process.•There is also recognition that the European dimension is crucial to the Irish education system and an active ongoing commitment to the EU programmes.

Investing in Global Relationships:Ireland’s International Education Strategy

2010 - 2015Presentation to

Information Day on Irish International Education Strategy & European Programmes

22nd February 2011