The panel discussion was part of the Prioritize and Lead Symposium on Internationalization that is organized by Howard University. The symposium focuses on how Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCU’s) can strengthen internationalization in their programs.

Broadcast journalist Maureen Bunyan moderated the panel discussion to an audience of faculty and staff of HBCUs, representatives of the Department of State, and organizations contributing to international education.

Minister Plenipotentiary Joselin Croes of Aruba; Ambassador Luis Gilberto Murillo of Colombia; Minister, Economic and Diaspora Affairs,  Ninette Danquah Ivo of  the Ghana Embassy;  and Education Counselor Amy Rutherford of New Zealand shared the experiences of their countries in internationalization in higher education and highlighted virtual exchange, integration of international curriculum, as well as faculty and student mobility as methods used.

In welcoming remarks, Ambassador Tazelaar stated, “Education is not just a key; it is the very gate to a prosperous future.”

The panelists agreed on the benefits of internationalization, such as increased diversity, but also reflected on the challenges  of internationalization too.

Brain drain, when students who study abroad do not return to their home countries, was discussed by the representatives of Aruba, Ghana, and Colombia. This topic demonstrates the strong relationship between education and the economy.

Ms. Croes from Aruba underlined the importance of connecting education to the labor market in this respect.

Ghana’s approach to counter brain drain is to promote student mobility based on topics that are relevant to Ghana’s economy. As Ms. Ivo explained, the objective of Ghana is to facilitate exchange of students to universities that focus on business and politics so that students can “bring business home” upon return.

Ms. Croes also discussed how her country uses virtual education as a means of internationalization. In Aruba, the possibility for students to study virtually at international universities and colleges allows for students to benefit from internationalization within their home country.

Another topic on the radar of the countries represented at the panel is diversity. Engaging with students, faculty, and researchers of different backgrounds allows for a better understanding of various perspectives.

Ambassador Murillo expressed the need to increase diversity in higher education.  He stated, “Students and staff in higher education should reflect the diversity of  both countries involved in educational mobility. Therefore, it is important to look beyond the “usual suspects” to universities and colleges outside of the well-known cities. Consequently, different regions are better represented and are better connected to international educational programs.”

Ms. Rutherford discussed how her nation works to diversify the programming within universities and colleges as a way to advance diversity. New Zealand is a country of great cultural diversity. As Ms. Rutherford illustrated, offering indigenous-led education to incoming students is priority in order to reflect the diversity of the country. Diversity is, thus, a necessity both in incoming and outgoing mobility.

The event also included the perspective of Willemijn Keizer of the Netherland-America Foundation. Ms. Keizer discussed the programs the NAF organizes to facilitate student exchange through internships.