The future of internationalism for the US and higher education

By Talia Bank ’23

Macalester’s Big Questions series brings together faculty, alumni, and President Rivera to discuss issues and ideas that shape our world on and beyond campus. In March, President Rivera talked with Dr. Ernesto Capello, professor of history and Latin American studies, and Dr. David Wick ’91, associate professor and program chair of international education management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

“Why should international students come [to US colleges], and are we really the best place for those minds to flourish and thrive?”
—David Wick ’91

Five takeaways from their discussion:

1. Internationalism has been and continues to be a core part of the Macalester ethos. Building on a history of programming, the college’s curriculum has come to focus on the ethical and moral dimensions of internationalism. The intersection between ethics and international education and exchange should and will inform Macalester’s approach to fostering global citizenship.
2. One ethical question: How can we ensure that travel-based programming is a meaningful and collaborative experience, rather than an extended vacation? Demonstrating trustworthiness and a willingness to learn and engage prepares students to contribute meaningfully to a new community, and international education should orient students to do so.
3. “Why should international students come [to Macalester and to other US colleges], and are we really the best place for those minds to flourish and thrive? “I don’t believe we currently are because we don’t yet prepare ourselves well enough to see the tremendous strengths and potentials and qualities that others offer,” Wick says. “I think that’s work we have to do, and we have to teach to it.”
4. The internet can offer opportunities to increase access to international education and prepare students to study abroad. With virtual orientation and programming, students can be “more ready to engage and challenge themselves to behave ethically and learn from and with others rather than consuming the experience,” Wick says.
5. US colleges and universities should encourage internationalism and global citizenship on campus and across the country. One way to do so is engaging with international communities locally and cultivating relationships based on trust and cooperation. Global citizenship at home and abroad is an ongoing practice that involves “not only being an active listener, but also an active questioner and being curious and wanting to learn,” Capello says.