Internationalization is an overarching strategy that aims to make the entire educational institution more globally engaged, whereas international education is a narrower term focusing on the movement of students and educational activities across international boundaries.

Internationalization integrates global perspectives into an institution's core functions. It includes incorporating global views into curriculum development, fostering cross-cultural experiences, engaging in global research, and establishing worldwide partnerships, aiming for a more interconnected and globally aware learning environment.

International education addresses global educational experiences, including student mobility, study abroad programs, and academic exchanges.

This will be the first time TRU creates an internationalization plan that encompasses and builds on the perspectives of the entire institution. The purpose of the plan is to embed TRU's internationalization initiatives into university operations, aligning with TRU’s vision statement and fostering a culture of integrated planning. This initiative aims to enhance the university's commitment to learners, student empowerment, inclusivity and global engagement.

The development of such a plan also reflects provincial government direction, emphasizing the importance of international education in cultivating global consciousness, fostering empathy, and preparing individuals as 21st-century citizens. Ultimately, the plan is crucial for shaping TRU's future by propelling positive change locally and globally, fostering cross-functional relationships, and addressing pressing issues like internationalization, Indigenization and climate change.

Until the engagement and discussions have occurred and the plan is complete, it’s too early to speak to specific benefits. It’s possible we may see expanded academic opportunities, increased cultural diversity on campus, collaborative research initiatives and a globally enriched learning curriculum. Ultimately, the plan will reinforce TRU's commitment to excellence, innovation and global citizenship.

Share your perspectives, insights, and ideas to help shape the internationalization plan. Your engagement ensures the plan reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of the TRU community. You can share your feedback, ideas, reflections and interest by email at sip@tru.ca.

In the fall of 2022, the Senate Intercultural Understanding Subcommittee (SIAC) formed a working group charged with drafting a proposal for the development of TRU’s inaugural internationalization plan. Comprising of a diverse mix of academic and administrative members from the TRU community, the working group created a proposal that included the structure of an advisory committee, potential planning processes/models, identified contributors and discussion areas, as well as detailed timeline and the various phases of the process. After additional discussions with SIAC and the integration of additional feedback into the proposal, the final document was approved in August 2023.

Phase 1, the planning and design phase, involves establishing and onboarding the Strategic Internationalization Planning Advisory Committee, assessing institutional context, creating a communication plan, designing and planning the consultation process, developing supporting materials for engagement and discussion, and onboarding facilitators.

Phase 2, the engagement and discussion phase, is where the engagements occur with students, staff, faculty and community, and where feedback is gathered and key themes are identified. Engagement with audience is ongoing throughout phase 2 and well into phase 3 as the consultation is set to persist during the drafting phase.

Phase 3, the final round of consultations and plan approval phase, Consultations are conducted regarding the draft plan, with adjustments being made based on the feedback received. Following these engagements and discussions, the drafted plan is presented for formal approval.

Phase 4, After the plan approval, indicators of success inform the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the plan’s progress and includes the improvement and adaptation of the plan as needed.

As the planning process evolves, members of our community will have multiple opportunities to contribute at various stages of the process, ensuring a robust and inclusive approach to planning. We aim to provide opportunities for feedback from every school, faculty, and unit on campus. Keep an eye out for additional details on how you can get involved in the near future.