INTERNATIONALIZING THE CURRICULUM

The process of internationalizing the curriculum is a high priority for universities all over the world that aspire to a comprehensive approach to internationalization. This chapter clarifies what it means to internationalize the curriculum, explores the role of the senior international officer (SIO) in advancing this agenda on the campus, and discusses leadership implications for SIOs. At the heart of the international education endeavor is the curriculum. The intentionality associated with curriculum internationalization means that it has to be orchestrated by someone. The role of the SIO in most US institutions is to pursue the internationalization of the campus in all respects. While the SIO, as a university administrator, cannot lead a curricula effort within the domain of the faculty, it is clearly the responsibility of the SIO to drive the strategic approach to internationalization across the institution. The way internationalizing the curriculum is defined determines the extent to which faculty engage in the process.