Principles of Internationalization

Western University strives to adhere to the set of Internationalization Principles for Canadian Educational Institutions, set forth by the The Internationalization Leaders Network (ILN), organized by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). These include the following key principles:

    1. Internationalization is a vital means to achieving global-level civic engagement, social justice and social responsibility, and ultimately is vital to the common good.

    1. Given its importance and central role in society, internationalization aims for the highest quality of learning experiences as a core element of education and ideally should be embedded in the mission statement of the institution.

    1. International students should be valued and recognized for all of their contributions, including enriching institutional life and the educational experiences of all students; providing direct economic and social benefits to local communities beyond the institution; and creating opportunities for long-lasting professional partnerships and relationships that can be of national, international and global benefit.

    1. Ideally, internationalization is inclusive, pervasive and comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of the work of the institution (teaching, research, service and community outreach) and the full range of institutional goals and actions, including: curriculum and program design; teaching and learning development; student, faculty and staff mobility; language education and training; research and innovation; projects and services; community outreach and local economic development.

    1. Internationalization is important to the financial sustainability of many institutions and should not be undertaken without adequate allocation of resources; however, the financial imperatives must not dictate the internationalization agenda.

    1. Internationalization that comprises capacity building across borders and cultures must benefit all parties involved; institutions should use a collegial, participatory and mutually beneficial approach to the establishment of international and global partnerships.

    1. Internationalization engages a wide range of community members (including students, faculty and staff) in the design and development of activities, and aims for equitable access to activities. Access need not be exactly the same for all, or to the same extent, but internationalization should engage all members of the education community.

These principles reflect the core values of Quality, Equity, Inclusion and Partnership that have been espoused by CBIE and expressed in its Code of Ethical Practice. This statement provides an overarching expression of a Canadian approach to internationalization which, combined with the Code of Ethical Practice, is designed to help educational institutions engage in expanded internationalization in a manner that is consistent with the highest values of Canadian education.

For full details on the principles, visit the CBIE website