Joan Subirats highlights the need to commit to the internationalization of Spanish education

At the Spanish Chamber of Commerce

The Minister of Universities closed the event “Promoting the internationalization of the Spanish university” in which the study prepared jointly by the Chamber of Spain, the Conference of Social Councils, and the CYD Foundation was presented; to diagnose the current situation, in terms of internationalization, of the Spanish University System.

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The Minister of Universities, Joan Subirats, recalled that the new Organic Law of the University System (LOSU) approved last March by the Congress dome, incorporates, for the first time, a title dedicated to Capabilities, “there is harmony in the need to move forward,” the minister assured while detailing the need to work with bilateral agreements, and the ease of doing so with nations with a “type of test similar to the ebau”. Subirats has also stressed the “will on the part of the European Union”, to continue betting on the internationalization of education: “the possibilities and the will exist.”

The minister made these statements during the presentation, in the Chamber of Spain, from the study “Internationalization of the Spanish University”. The report has been prepared by the Chamber of Spain, the Conference of Social Councils, and CYD Foundation, with the aim of carrying out a diagnosis of the current situation, in terms of internationalization, of the University System in Spain and launching twenty-four proposals that reinforce the presence of Spanish universities in the international sphere. A study whose preparation has included the collaboration of key actors of the Spanish University System, experts and people responsible for university internationalization. In addition, the successful experiences of higher education institutions that stand out on the international scene have been analyzed.

To José Luis Bonet, president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce: “We are facing a challenge that must be assumed jointly by institutions, governments and society in a strategic manner. It is essential and urgent to join and direct efforts, so that we can face and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the global context.” Antonio Abril, president of the University-Business Commission of the Chamber of Spain In addition to being president of the Conference of Social Councils of Universities and emeritus patron of the CYD Foundation, he has stressed that “the true engine of the country's economic and social development is our talent. “Universities are protagonists in the professional training of that talent, and then companies make that talent work.” For Antonio Abril, “the Spanish university system has undoubted quality in talent” but “it is behind in international student mobility, and we are also behind in research teaching staff.”

 

 

The report concludes with twenty-four proposals in which to advance to strengthen the presence of universities in the international sphere.

 

 

According to Francesc Solé Parellada, vice president of the CYD Foundation: “Improving the level of internationalization of the Spanish university must be a challenge shared by the academic community, different levels of administration, the productive fabric and employers in general. This objective requires coordination between all agents and greater flexibility so that universities can adopt the necessary measures. A more international university will result in higher quality teaching and preparation that is more appropriate to the needs of a global world.”

During the event, a round table moderated by Sònia Martínez, director of the CYD Foundation, and in which Segundo Píriz, rector of UNIE University; Beatriz Miguel, rector of the Polytechnic University of Cartagena; Markus González, Undersecretary of Universities of the Ministry of Universities, and Pilar Villacorta, Director of the Academic Sector at IBM, in which it has been pointed out that the internationalization of the University benefits the whole of society both economically and in attracting talent. and recognition of the 'country brand'.

Furthermore, the barriers that hinder convergence with the rest of the European countries in terms of university internationalization have been recalled. As the study points out, Spain must advance in aspects such as international mobility of students and teaching and research staff, or in degrees and subjects in foreign languages, as well as in international agreements.

Proposals to be developed from public bodies

The report divides the battery of proposals to be developed between the Administration and the universities themselves. Regarding public bodies, the need to establish a specific governance system that includes and coordinates all the agents involved, mainly Autonomous Communities, Central Government and the Conference of University Rectors (CRUE).

In addition, it suggests the need to improve coordination between educational, immigration and employment policies and align objectives between ministries and companies. In this sense, there is a commitment to evaluate the establishment of a state agency that officially represents the Spanish University System (SUE) and its universities abroad, to promote access to information and advice and promote the international exchange of students, teachers and researchers.

It is also committed to developing a strategy to promote the 'Spain brand' at the university education level; design and implement specific financial aid instruments for foreign students; promote mobility models and programs with regions of interest.

Success factors of universities

The success factors in the internationalization of universities have also been analyzed. These include having a comprehensive national strategy that allows taking advantage of interconnections and synergies; as well as the need for a connection between Autonomous Communities and the ministry, or digitalization as a tool for 'attracting' international students.

Among the “recommendations” for university institutions, the attraction of international experts is highlighted, betting on a solid network of 'alumni' as an instrument in brand promotion, or promoting inclusive internationalization.