BOSTON, MA — GlobalEd’s new online, self-paced course, Foundations of the International Education Profession, has already enrolled 32 students, including 20 staff members at James Madison University’s Center for Global Engagement.
The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the international education profession and its key concepts and principles. It covers topics such as the history and evolution of the profession, the role of intercultural communication in international education, and the importance of ethical and responsible practices.
“JMU’s Center for Global Engagement was in a situation that many universities can probably relate to post pandemic: high turnover, new leadership, budget challenges, and a desire to rebuild in a purposeful and deliberate manner. With over 60% of our staff newly hired, and in light of the new conversations emerging in the field, it was important for us to make sure we were all on the same page…This course seemed like a great way to refresh some, to introduce others to the field, to hear from a new crop of thought leaders, and to consider what we as a unit want to be moving forward,” said Carol Stax Brown, Ed.D., Interim Executive Director of JMU’s Center.
“Foundations” is a self-paced course that can be started and completed at any time, and takes around 10 hours to complete. The course is ideal for offices or individuals, as it can be completed in small increments or in one sitting. Upon completion, students receive a digital badge issued by Hyperstack Credential Cloud, a leading provider of micro-credentials. Offices that complete the program together also receive certification from GlobalEd.
One of the unique features of the course is the inclusion of case studies and scenarios that highlight real-world challenges faced by international education professionals. Participants will be presented with scenarios and asked to consider how they would respond in various situations. They also complete graded reflections, knowledge checks, and a final reflection. Participants can also connect with the instructor for additional support and guidance. This hands-on approach helps participants develop critical thinking skills and prepares them to navigate complex situations.
“Part of our challenge is educating the rest of the campus on the role CGE plays in leading and facilitating campus internationalization, particularly as we were making some operational and programmatic changes,” continued Stax Brown. “For us to be effective in this, I wanted to make sure that we were using the same language, echoing the same elevator pitch, and clearly articulating the scope and limits of our leadership and support functions. While some staff have been in the field for decades, others are brand new, and others come from backgrounds such as immigration law and finance.”
Another unique feature of the course is lifetime access for participants. As knowledge rapidly changes and professional practices evolve, the course evolves with those changes and any updates to the course will be available to participants to re-engage with over their career. They can return to the course to view new or updated lectures, readings, and resources, or engage with discussion or case studies.
Foundations of the International Education Profession is an important resource for anyone involved in international education. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the course offers valuable insights into the field and prepares you to provide students with the best possible educational experiences. Enroll today as an individual or inquire about office-wide enrollment.
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