Key role of international development

Keywords Globalization, Universities, Development

International development is the "absolute priority" of 41 per cent of universities, according to a survey of the international strategy of 150 universities in 47 countries.

Some 52 per cent consider that international development is "important", 7 per cent quantify it as "somewhat important" and none considers it "not important". The survey, carried out by Paris-based Noir sur Blanc, highlights the main barriers to internationalization as lack of resources (32 per cent),apathy among staff or students (20 per cent), administrative problems for students (18 per cent) and language (16 per cent).

The main goals of international development are: student development (35 per cent), research development (23 per cent) and staff development (18 per cent). More specifically, the aims include to prepare students for the international job market, to internationalize the curriculum and to attract top students. Some 16 per cent of the universities questioned have "seriously considered" opening one or more campuses abroad. Among the respondents were the University of Derby,the University of Durham and Teesside Business School.

Complete copies of the survey are available from Noir sur Blanc. Tel: +33 1 42 86 07 10; Fax: +33 1 42 86 08 90.