ACDE outlines benefits, risks of internationalization in accord

The Association of Canadian Deans of Education has published an Accord on the Internationalization of Education. It notes that while internationalization has the potential to offer enriching educational experiences for all students, improve intercultural understanding, and foster integrated learning across curricula, it involves substantial risks. These include the potential for exploitation as a result of pursuing profit maximization, systemic exclusion of some groups, (neo)colonization, personal and social disruption, and personal risk to participants. The accord notes that deans, directors, and chairs of education are well positioned to influence internationalization and must take steps to benefit students while mitigating these risks. It calls for action grouped under 4 headings—promote inclusive experiences of mobility based on sustainability; promote ethical teaching and research partnerships based on equity and reciprocity, promote curricular internationalization based on economic, social, and global justice; and establish and secure long-term institutional commitment—to ensure that teacher education aligns with a commitment to social justice and a critically informed, accountable curriculum. Full Accord