Preparing Global Citizens through Internationalisation at Home (IaH) in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, the concept of Internationalisation at Home (IaH) has emerged as a transformative force, fostering inclusivity and preparing global citizens. This research navigates the Irish higher education context, unravelling the layers of IaH, from comprehension to implementation through the curriculum and exploring its profound implications. The abstract provides a glimpse into the research, encapsulated in a visually engaging poster that metaphorically illustrates the growth and impact of the study.

The poster envisions the researcher as a cultivator, using a jar to symbolise the research journey. The jar embodies critical elements of the research process, such as critical self-reflection, Equity and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) considerations, relevant training and career development plans, best-suited methodologies and methods, project and budget management, networking for success, and dissemination to a lay audience.

Water droplets emanating from the jar represent the researcher's aspirations and the knowledge sought through the research. Key elements include understanding IaH in the Irish Higher Education (HE) context, exploring top-down and bottom-up implementation of IaH, proposing a new approach to curriculum design in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), particularly Technological Universities (TUs) and Institutes of Technology (IoTs). The droplets aim to cultivate a program portfolio that transcends regional and national educational outcomes, embedding concepts addressing internationalisation.

As these water droplets touch the soil, Irish Shamrock flowers begin to grow and blossom. Each flower symbolises a facet of why this research matters in the Irish higher education context. The research introduces a novel approach to IaH, aligning with global citizenship ideals, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and promoting an inclusive curriculum. It addresses the environmental impact by reducing the carbon footprint associated with international mobility. Furthermore, it fosters EDI, imparting transversal skills and transformational competencies. The research not only enhances employability prospects but also provides a competitive advantage to Irish HEIs, attracting a diverse cohort of national and international students Ultimately, its overarching goal is to prepare students to become global citizens or citizens of the world, enabling them not only to thrive in the world they live in but also to contribute meaningfully to it.

The visual narrative portrays the researcher's impact as akin to cultivating a vibrant garden of multiculturalism in Irish society, where each element of the research contributes to the flourishing growth of beneficial outcomes for students, institutions, and the broader community in Ireland.