Implementing internationalism into design education

This paper argues for an approach to internationalisation that goes beyond attracting international full fee paying students and conducting domestic programs off-shore, to also include the internationalisation of the design education curriculum. This approach is being incorporated in Industrial Design at the University of Canberra, and two examples are considered here. The first is a project/problem-based approach drawing upon the cultural diversity of heritage both of international students in the course and of Australian students. The second details the benefits of the vibrant international exchange program within the design course, including positive learning experiences and benefits to students and teaching staff alike. These two examples demonstrate a positive internationalisation of the design student experience and curriculum and the importance of maintaining such components within a design course. As is well recognised, Australia can ill afford to be an inward looking and isolated state, and internationalisation brings many benefits. However, in the context of budget reductions, the challenge is to ensure sufficient resources to maximise these benefits.