CMU Strengthens Global Engagement through Internationalization Training in Indonesia

CMU strengthens global engagement through Internationalization Training in Indonesia
Central Mindanao University (CMU) took a significant step towards enhancing its global
engagement by participating in the Global Internationalization Training and Workshop held at
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya, Indonesia. Dr. Bienvenido M. Butanas
Jr., Director of the Office of Quality Assurance, represented CMU at the three-day event from
July 9 to 11, 2024.

The workshop brought together academic professionals from various institutions to exchange
ideas and strategies for advancing internationalization in higher education.
Exploring Internationalization Strategies
The workshop commenced with an opening meeting led by Dr. Maria Anityasari, Director of the
ITS International Office. She provided an overview of ITS’s internationalization journey, which
provided valuable insights into the challenges and successes encountered by the institution as
it expanded its global footprint. The first day also included a hands-on workshop where
participants discussed the unique internationalization challenges their institutions face.
In the afternoon, discussions centered on global university ranking systems such as QS, THE,
Webometrics, UI GreenMetric, and WURI. These rankings play a crucial role in measuring a
university’s global standing. The day concluded with a session on strategies to enhance global
reputation and increase institutional visibility.
Strengthening International Partnerships
On the second day, the focus shifted to managing international partnerships, emphasizing the
importance of building and maintaining strong global relationships. Participants then explored
the role of information technology in managing international offices, examining how digital tools
can streamline operations and facilitate global collaborations.
The afternoon sessions highlighted the perspectives of lecturers and non-academic staff on
internationalization, stressing the importance of an inclusive approach. A networking dinner
followed, providing opportunities for participants to connect and explore potential future
collaborations.

Building Global Connections at Home
The final day of the workshop emphasized “internationalization at home,” focusing on creating
a global environment within institutions. Participants visited various departments at ITS to see
how international perspectives are integrated into curricula and operations.
Afternoon sessions showcased innovative approaches to engaging students in
internationalization efforts, including developing short programs and utilizing ITS student
volunteers. The event concluded with a closing meeting and a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) signing ceremony, marking the beginning of collaborative initiatives among the
participants.
Dr. Butanas noted that the workshop provided CMU with valuable insights and practical
strategies to enhance its global engagement and international reputation. This experience is
expected to pave the way for future international collaborations, further strengthening CMU’s
presence on the global stage (Iyren D. Neri with reports from Dr. Bienvenido Butanas, Office of
Quality Assurance, Director).