Dr Jooste · 1 August 2018
Universities are often perceived by many as ivory towers disconnected from the communities and the rest of society. It can be argued that internationalisation is a bubble within the higher education ivory tower, often even further distanced from the 'real world'.
Are we engaging, connecting and integrating with the societies we are part of? How do we break out of the bubbles and silos? How do we think differently about higher education and internationalisation and their roles in making the world a better place while being immersed and engaged with the 'real world' around us? How to link the local and the global in practice? How to link the academia, policy makers and society?
This colloquium critically debated higher education's role in the society — the immediate surrounding, the country where the university is located, as well as the region and the world. The colloquium also discussed the future roadmap for higher education and higher education internationalisation in a world full of polarization, uncertainty and division.
The 2018 Family Week Colloquium signals the end of an era for Nelson Mandela University's internationalisation journey. When Dr Jooste was appointed the founding Director of the International Office in 2000, one of the goals set by the university council was to integrate an international dimension into the core business of the university.
May this colloquium be a memorable event that will provide the necessary vision and guidance to those that will be tasked to continue the internationalisation journey, here and elsewhere.
Dr Nico Jooste Senior Director: Office for International Education, Nelson Mandela University