/ 31 January 2025

The future of international education is brighter than ever

Page 11

The Covid-19 pandemic, while initially a source of great disruption, catalysed a transformative shift in international learning and engagement. It spurred the adoption of new modalities, technologies and partnerships, fundamentally expanding the scope and purpose of global learning. 

Today, our collective work is arguably not only stronger but also more fully integrated into the fabric of higher education.

We are embracing a future where international education is more inclusive, innovative and effective than ever before.

The pandemic disrupted international education in unprecedented ways. Programmes were suspended, students were sent home and universities worked urgently to adapt. Yet, amid the challenges, new opportunities emerged, reshaping the landscape of international learning and engagement.

Institutions quickly pivoted to alternative modalities, such as virtual internships and collaborative online international learning (Coil). Virtual internships gave students the chance to gain international work experience without leaving their homes. Similarly, Coil evolved from a niche initiative into a widely adopted modality, connecting students across continents through shared coursework and cultural exchange.

Such modalities allowed students to remain engaged during a time of immense uncertainty. More importantly, they democratised access, creating opportunities for learners previously excluded due to financial or geographical barriers.

Today, virtual learning is no longer viewed as a mere substitute. Instead, it has become a distinct and valuable modality that complements traditional mobility programmes. By meeting specific educational objectives and expanding access, virtual learning has firmly established its place in the future of international education.

New stakeholders and technologies

The transformation of international education brought new stakeholders and technologies into focus.

Technological advancements played a crucial role in enabling collaboration and cultural exchange on a global scale. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Slack became essential tools in classrooms, seamlessly connecting students and educators across borders.

Innovations in virtual reality and augmented reality also introduced immersive experiences, offering students dynamic ways to explore cultures and environments interactively.

Companies such as Virtual Internships and Podium Education partnered with universities to provide scalable, remote learning experiences, tailored to global work opportunities. Coursera collaborated with universities worldwide to provide online courses and certifications, helping students gain globally recognised skills.

Organisations like The PIE and GoAbroad began to recognise innovative initiatives in annual awards and consulting firms like Gateway International Group emerged to support the transition.

These developments reshaped the international education ecosystem, demonstrating the transformative potential of public-private partnerships. Today, the widespread involvement of diverse stakeholders underscores the potential for international education to continue evolving. With the benefit of more sophisticated technology, international learning and engagement has become more viable and accessible than ever before.

An expansion of learning modalities and goals

For decades, international student mobility was essential for  international learning. Today, the landscape has evolved dramatically.

Institutions have embraced a broader repertoire of modalities, including virtual programmes, hybrid learning models and collaborative online initiatives. These innovations provide flexible and inclusive pathways for students to engage with the world, regardless of physical location.

Equally significant is the shift in purpose. While traditional goals like cultural immersion, language acquisition and intercultural competency remain important, there is now a growing emphasis on career readiness.

The focus has shifted to equipping students with globally relevant soft skills, such as adaptability and problem-solving in diverse settings. These skills align with the demands of an interconnected workforce and prepare students for meaningful contributions in their professional lives.

This evolution reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that international education is not only accessible but also deeply relevant to the challenges and opportunities of a globalised world.

Sustainability as a central focus

The changes brought by the pandemic are here to stay. Institutions are embedding expanded modalities, new technologies and innovative partnerships in long-term strategies, ensuring they remain central to global engagement.

Sustainability is now emerging as a central focus, highlighted by the growing emphasis on the UN sustainable development goals. The international education community has shown a stronger commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, guided by frameworks like the CANIE Accord. These efforts reflect a unified determination to align international education practices with broader environmental responsibilities.

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are also poised to further transform the field. AI-driven tools facilitate smoother cross-language collaboration, enhancing global communication, while blockchain ensures secure and transparent credentialing for international learning achievements.

The pandemic permanently altered international education. What began as a crisis-driven pivot has grown into a more inclusive, sustainable and effective model. With the integration of new technologies, expanded partnerships and innovative approaches, global learning continues to adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing world.

As we move forward into this new year, we must continue to innovate and expand access. There is no going back: the future of international education is here and it is brighter than ever.


This article was first published in University World News. Dr Anthony C Ogden is the founder and managing director of Gateway International Group, a global consultancy seeking to accelerate international learning and engagement by assisting institutions and organisations in a new era of higher education. These are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of University World News.