Internationalisation as a process

1. Weaving a patchwork rug – combining project-based, local, regional and alternative funding for study and research at a German university, Rome May, 23rd, 2011 Dr. Arnim Heinemann, University of Bayreuth

2. Internationalisation as a process • internationalisation - omnipresent topic within the discussions of university development as well as academic management • BUT not all HEI have already successfully managed to apply a structured thematic approach and implement it successfully • Why to internationalise – demographic development and beyond • Today’s presentation – attempt to describe possible procedures as well as point out main opportunities and obstacles with regard to: • special funding opportunities,

3. Fostering and development of international relations - key issues for a competitive university Central building block of the university’s future concept “Competition for the best brains/minds“ defines INT as a co-operative task which should be carried out fairly among partners Mobility: Incomings as important as outgoings

4. QM-based approach • INT should be based on academic research • Main issues:international co-operations, recruitment of foreign students and academics, studying abroad and support services • Due to the various demands of each department, the degree programmes and target groups, INT should aim for a nuanced focus regarding discipline as well as geographical regions • Main objective: increase the research and teaching quality and therefore the attraction of the university as an internationally outstanding setting of research and study

5. Activity spheres of internationalisation and exchange • Research Teaching • Co-operation Recruitment Studying abroad • Service including Fund(rais)ing

6. Partners (HE sector, industry and politics) Benchmark partners (in depth cooperation and exchange including central strategies and concepts, „open-cards approach“) Priviledged partners (intensive co-operation in research, teaching and administration) Standard partners (save with minimal effort) Sleeping / inactive partners (don‘t wake or let go)

7. Vision Research: co-operation with the best partners worldwide in each field and attractive living conditions for international students and researchers (incl. funding opportunities) Teaching: Increasing the proportion of excellent and particularly suited foreign full-time and programme students · Semesters and internships abroad as a desirable, where possible fixed part of the degree course · Visiting lecturer programmes (including colloquia, held by visiting lecturers) and foreign academics (20% foreign lecturers, internationally acclaimed academics), Joint Colleges and a Worldwide network of alumni Administration · Service orientation and intercultural competence · Foreign language competence · Transparent processes · Develop local, regional and private fundraising

8. Implementation of Agenda 2020 -Internal formation of structures • Internationalisation - task of the governing body of the university • To be realised by a Vice President for International Affairs • Presidential commission for International Relations and Contacts Abroad controls the process • International Office conceptualizing and driving force • Successful implementation - students and researchers are coming!

9. EU students: no financial prove needed • From beyond Europe: 650€/month (7.800€/year), i.e. applicant + university have to contextualize the process of studies financially at least for one year in advance • Advantage: search for a long-term solutions in advance when candidates would still be at home and therefore eligible for general public funding such as offered by the German Academic Exchange Service • General public funding not sufficient • Alternative funding has to be found • This concerns also EU students, especially from Eastern Europe • Problem: nobody notices until they are there, especially if they come through an ERASMUS cooperation and get enrolled without paying tuition fees

10. Project-based funding:- graduate level (student jobs), -post graduate level (part-time jobs); • need to include flexible funds in each project budget; • communicate opportunities online as a decisive argument in favour of the university • Funding provided by the university: - post-graduate level (research grants, 3-6 months) - bridge emergency gaps • Local funding:- fundraising in the local community (authorities, politics, industry, private associations or donors) • Regional funding:Bavarian fund for incomings • Size Budget based on mobility statistics • Handed over to universities as flexible fund

11. These funding instruments: • Flexible and individual • Support students and scholars in precarious situations • Shows, how much the university, the community and the region are interested in successfully educate them • Are establishing a bond between the person and the location/ institution • Result in long standing relationship as alumni, research partner abroad or even employee

12. Alternative funding example: • PhD fellow from Africa • Difficulties during the central field study period – delay • Funding period through general public research fund is about to lapse and there is no formal possibility to extend it

13. No sufficient funding - residence permit would lapse as well • Back to home country where circumstances would not allow to finish the research project in due time, if at all

14. Established blocked account monitored by a lawyer (alumni, no charges) in order to win the confidence of the different sources involved • PhD candidate was allowed to withdraw 650€ monthly to cover living expenses

15. Several cases annually • different regarding proportions & complexity • management through “weaving the patchwork-rug”

16. THANK YOU!

17. Towards a need-based effort-benefit ratio – conceptualizing and implementing a comprehensive internationalisation strategy at a German university, EURAXESS, Rome May, 23rd, 2011 Dr. Arnim Heinemann, University of Bayreuth