The Addis Ababa University Office for External Relations, Partnerships and Communications (OERPC) has held a two days training on university internationalization from March 12-13, 2015 at Senate Hall, Main Campus, Addis Ababa University. The training was jointly held as part of the efforts in expanding the multiple academic and research partnerships with the Ohio State University. The training was attended by 48 people, with participants from Hawassa and Unity Universities.

 The training was aimed at introducing the various staff of the Addis Ababa University to university internationalization. The training session has featured presentations by Mrs. Grace Johnson, Director, Study Abroad Program, Ohio State University on issues pertinent to the rationale and benefits of internationalization, guiding principles and priorities, different models of internationalization in higher education. Besides, Ohio State University’s internationalization strategies and key capacity building needs to develop, implement and sustain internationalization were shared with Addis Ababa University staff.

Mrs. Grace has emphasized on the need to focus on internationalization in higher learning institutions and on the importance of having internationalized curricula; running study aboard program and launching an office that will be mandated to handle international students and scholars. Recently, the Ohio State University was honored with the “2014 Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization”. The award was in recognition of the institution’s overall excellence in internationalization efforts as evidenced through best practices in engagement, programming, curriculum/faculty development and outreach. Internationalization of higher education institutions is seen as the process of integrating international and intercultural experiences, perspectives and dimensions into the teaching -learning, research and community service activities of the institution.

 Satishkumar Belithathan (PhD), A/Director, Office of External Relations, Partnerships and Communications in his opening remark  has underlined on the needs to have better implementation of comprehensive  internationalization at all levels in higher education institutions. He has further indicated that the Office of External Relations Partnerships and Communications is in the pipeline to officially launch an office of International Students and Scholars to help the university’s effort towards comprehensive internationalization.

 The session has further entertained group discussions and presentations on issues pertinent to the University’s effort towards Internationalization.