Internationalization: An Authentic Model for Global Mobility
Founder of Global Education Skills Alliance
The William and Mary Higher Education Student Association (HESA) in cooperation with the Reves Center organized a presentation by Mark Harris entitled, Internationalization: An Authentic Model for Global Mobility at the School of Education. Mr. Harris is director and owner of Global Education & HR Consultancy Services. He is also the founder, President and CEO of Global Education Skills Alliance (GESA).
In his presentation, Mr. Harris described the development and implementation of a global education consortium, consisting of eight 2-3 year colleges/institutions from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. These colleges include:
Australia
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Queensland
Metropolitan Institute of TAFE, Queensland
Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE, Victoria
New Zealand
Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Christchurch
United States of America
Cayuga Community College, New York
Genesee Community College, New York
Onondaga Community College, New York
Richard Bland College of the College of William & Mary, Virginia.
Mr. Harris elaborated on the benefits of the consortium for students, institutions, and employers. He analyzed the "why," "how," and "what" of the alliance focusing on aspects of global mobility, international education, and connecting education with industry and business. He also outlined the challenges inherent in such an enterprise including conflicting priorities, language barriers, lack of shared vision, and internal cultures of institutions.
The presentation attracted a large audience including students and some recent higher education program alumni. The presentation was followed by a brief but vigorous question and answer session. Mr. Harris ended the presentation with a parting thought:
"Global education is not only about global themes, world challenges and how to find solutions all together. It is also about how to envision a common future with better life conditions for all, connecting local and global perspectives, and how to make this vision real and possible, starting from any small spot in the world."
