The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Set the stage for developing the internationalisation strategy!
Methodology
Results and resources
Statistics
3
questionnaires
785
responses collected in 2020
Institution = 4
Staff = 233
Students = 549
8
ONLINE TRAINING SESSIONS
4
internationalisation strategy drafts
4
monitoring and evaluation logs completed
1
questionnaire on the Twin partnerships and its results
HINTS AND TIPS
Embark on Staff Training Express and reach the international junction of knowledge and expertise, accelerating your teams' skills for building Internationalisation!
Methodology
Results and resources
Statistics
4
training sessions co-designed and co-delivered by the PK and EU partners
4
national trainings jointly delivered by the 4 PK partners
+250
PK academic and administrative Staff trained on internationalization key topics
HINTS AND TIPS
Accelerate your journey with online training towards a professional junction with newer possibilities!
Methodology
Results and resources
Statistics
8
HEIs involved, 4 from EU, 4 from PK
6
online modules
31
videos
800
people registered
630
people completed (as of December 2023)
4.6(out of 5)
Quality Control Satisfaction Questionnaire
HINTS AND TIPS
Create the environment for accessible international experience!
Methodology
Results and resources
Statistics
22
events organised
+2200
partecipants
92
external speakers
37
recipients of the award
HINTS AND TIPS
Set up a centre for internationalisation within your Institution!
Methodology
Results and resources
Statistics
4
Centres for Internationalisation have been established.
104
Provision of laptops
4
smartboards
40
Virtual Reality devices across the 4 partners.
Data gathered as part of Centre Manager report form (as of June 2023):
2252
Centre usage
90(2361 participants)
Number of activities
HINTS AND TIPS
Cardiff Metropolitan University
United Kingdom (Coordinator)
Ecole Centrale de Nantes
France
University of Bologna
Italy
University of Salamanca
Spain
COMSATS University Islamabad
Pakistan
Lahore University of Management Sciences
Pakistan
National University of Science and Technology
Pakistan
Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
Pakistan
Project Objectives
B-International is an Erasmus+ Key Action 2 Capacity Building in Higher Education project involving 4 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Europe along with 4 HEIs in Pakistan. It aims to provide staff at universities in Pakistan with a framework by which to implement international strategies and to provide staff with knowledge and practical tools to implement international activities that support the strategic aim of both the university and the wider Higher Education sector.
Project Summary
Based on the results of an extensive analysis of the needs and challenges of Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan in terms of internationalisation carried out by the partner universities, project activities were conceived and delivered collaboratively by the EU and Pakistani partners. Desk surveys targeting university governance, university staff and students were carried out; workshops, high-level meetings and twin Europe-Pakistan working groups on internationalisation policies and strategy development targeting first key people within the Pakistani partner HEIs were held both online and in presence in order to:
This is a virtual toolkit that makes use of a landscape drawing to present the main activities and results of the B-International project, symbolised by a typical Pakistani bus. This tool serves as a public dissemination product to be exploited by the stakeholders and all interested parties who operate in the internationalization of Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan. When you scroll over the image, different headings appear: click on each of it to retrieve the texts corresponding to a project work package. The related outputs and deliverables can be retrieved and/or downloaded freely clicking on the links.
The production of this handbook takes into account all the contributions, reports and tools implemented collaboratively by both the European and the Pakistani partners of the project throughout four years of activities (January 2020-January 2024).
Manal Ahmed
Student at Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
Be-International Award participant
"I am Manal Ahmed and I participated in the Be-International Award’s activities. The entire process incorporated of a number of tasks, each of which had its own purpose and aspect of reflective learning. I believe, internationalization of an education institute exposes it to different practices from around the globe, which can be adapted according to need and suitability. It not only aids in overall academia improvement but also boosts the level of confidence that the institute withholds. Such practices simultaneously tend to bring out the best in everyone, be it the students, colleagues or the staff. Ultimately, education is a basic fundamental need and practices such as internationalisation possess the push to empower institutes. Exposure leads to learning and learning is always beneficial."
Noor ul ain Baloch
Student at Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
Be-International Award participant
"Participating in the "Be International" program has been a transformative experience for me. This initiative provided me with a remarkable opportunity to delve deeper into my institute, granting me invaluable insights not only into the institution itself but also into my own personality and skill set. Throughout this journey, I was encouraged to push my boundaries and step out of my comfort zone. It was within the challenges and new experiences that I discovered my untapped potential. From engaging with diverse perspectives to tackling unfamiliar situations, this program allowed me to grow in ways I couldn't have imagined. As I reflect on the impact of "Be-International," I'm confident that the skills and self-discovery I've gained will be invaluable in the future corporate world too."
Faryeal Ejaz
Deputy Course Coordinator, Fashion Marketing and Merchandising Department, PIFD B-International Trainings participant
"I had an exceptionally rewarding and informative experience while attending the B-International training project in Pakistan. Through their comprehensive approach, they have empowered the staff with the knowledge and practical tools necessary for international initiatives, covering strategies, collaborations, and capacity building."
Fahim ur Rahman
Controller of Examinations, Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
"This project significantly supported higher education institutions internationalization in Pakistan by providing numerous benefits for enhancing academic quality, global recognition and the overall development of the country's education system and workforce."
Waasay Ahmad Khan
Assistant Director (International Collaboration) at National University of Science and Technology
"“The centre has been a great asset for the university. As a hub of internationalisation, it has become an attractive location for students and staff alike to hold any discussions regarding this matter. The room is regularly used to disseminate various international higher education opportunities for students and staff while also being the venue to host international delegations and student attractions. As an additional added advantage, this room is also being utilised by the university to hold various human development trainings and conferences. We at NUST are very grateful to the B-International project which helped us develop this room into a well utilised asset.”"
Zainab Masood
Associate Director Office of International Affairs at Lahore University of Management Sciences
"The Centre for Internationalisation has been instrumental in promoting global awareness and enhancing diversity and inclusion at LUMS campus. It has also increased the university's competitiveness and reputation as a global institution, attracting international partnerships which include student exchange, faculty exchange and research collaboration. The Centre for Internationalisation plays an important role in preparing LUMS students to be successful in an increasingly interconnected world. Additionally, the centre has become a hub for various events and meetings, with students, faculty, and staff using it for group discussions, assignments, meetings with foreign delegates and representatives from foreign universities."
Fazal ur Rehman
Centre Manager / Dy. CoEHead of Digital Content Dept at COMSATS University Islamabad
"As the Manager of the Centre for Internationalisation at COMSATS University Islamabad, I am thrilled to report that our Centre has achieved remarkable success in advancing internationalisation both at home and abroad over the past year. Through our various initiatives and collaborations, we have reached and benefitted a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, staff, and external partners, providing them with invaluable opportunities to broaden their perspectives and enhance their global competencies. From facilitating student exchanges and study abroad programs to organizing intercultural events and workshops, our Centre has been instrumental in promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering a vibrant international community on our campus. It has been a personal highlight to witness the positive impact of our work and to see our Centre play a key role in shaping a more interconnected and inclusive world."
Imran Mahmood
Centre Manager / Associate Professor/Course Coordinator Department of Fashion Design at Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design
"The establishment of the Centre for Internationalisation at PIFD has provided the institution with an opportunity to enhance its reputation as a global player. The Centre has been used by both the academic and non-academic departments for various research and networking purposes. It has helped the academic departments by providing a facility where conferences, seminars, and webinars can be hosted; thus, bringing together people from different parts of the world to share ideas and build relationships. Research trainings and workshops were also organized for the faculty and students; thus, helping in advancing the institution's research agenda and providing opportunities for faculty and researchers to work on various issues. This has also led to an increase in partnerships and collaborations with local and international institutions. The Centre is a great addition to the facilities and infrastructure of PIFD. Nearly 160 students, 26 staff members and 81 others from the community have directly or indirectly benefited from this Centre."
Muhammad Abdul Majeed Ahmed
Students at COMSATS University Islamabad — Be-International Award Recipient
"I am M. Abdul Majeed Ahmed, last year's winner of the B-International award from Comsats University Islamabad. The process of participating was a path, having checkpoints to complete. Each checkpoint was a task designed to trigger and stimulate a different thought process and required a certain skill and planning to complete. I completed my way one task at a time and after the whole journey, I was happy to see the outcome. I developed a deep insight into activities being held at my university. Taking an interview with one of my favorite teachers taught me a lot of new things about him and much more happened in between. I loved the vision of Erasmus and the B-International movement. They are taking a proactive and solution-based approach to uplift and enable the people who are the best talent but are a little short on resources. This is why I resonated with them and participated in it and won. It was worth every single effort!"
Hassan Javed
Students at COMSATS University Islamabad — Be-International Award Recipient
"I am Hasan Javed, and my engagement in the Be-International Award's activities was a multifaceted experience. The diverse tasks within the process served distinct purposes, fostering reflective learning. I firmly believe that the internationalization of educational institutions exposes them to global practices adaptable to specific needs. This not only enhances overall academic standards but also instills a heightened sense of confidence in the institution. Such practices catalyze excellence among students, colleagues, and staff, emphasizing that education, as a fundamental need, thrives on initiatives like internationalization. Exposure fuels learning, and the pursuit of knowledge is inherently beneficial."
Aftab Ahmad
Students at COMSATS University Islamabad — Be-International Award Recipient
"I am Aftab Ahmad, a student at COMSATS University, and my engagement with the Be-International Award was a transformative experience. Each part of the program was a new opportunity to reflect on how we can integrate global perspectives into our learning. I've come to understand the power of internationalization in education — it's about taking the best from around the world and making it our own. My journey through this program has not only enriched my academic pursuits but has also strengthened my confidence. And I am a testament to the benefits that come from it—knowledge grows, and so do we."
Laiba Shahid
Be-International Award recipient from LUMS University
"From international film festivals to interviews with professors and introducing my university internationally, it’s been quite a journey. Be-International Award helped me connect with people, learn about taking responsibility, plan international events, be more aware of my biases against people from other countries, and improve my networking skills. It exposed me to different perspectives in the world and helped me be more open to different opinions. Overall, the best part was meeting all the amazing people during the process, having fun, and connecting with them on a deeper level. It has been a fantastic journey."