Globalization Task Force

Anticipated trends

• Three million university students worldwide now study outside their home countries, a 57 percent increase in the past decade. That number is projected to increase to more than seven million by 2025, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.
• Globalization is accelerated by the rapid emergence of technology that has made international communication and transnational collaboration commonplace in business, government and education.
• Easier travel, labor migration, the global spread of research capacity, globalization of scholarship and the growth of the global higher education system reinforces an expansive multilateral exchange of ideas.

Reaffirmations

• The University will continue its global emphasis given that the Missouri State experience has been enhanced by the 1,622 international students currently enrolled – more than triple from a decade ago.
• Missouri State will continue to expand participation in Education Abroad, increase the number of global studies majors and international  area studies minors, grow the English Language Institute and develop the International Leadership and Training Center.
• The University will continue to seek and sign agreements to add to the more than 60 partner universities in 22 countries which promote student mobility, faculty collaboration and participation in special programs. 

Major issues

• The dual challenge for Missouri State University is to be globally engaged while remaining connected locally.
• There is a global battle for “smart talent,” defined as persons with excellent cognitive, professional and interpersonal skills, coupled with global experience and intercultural competence. Preparing students to be educated global citizens and to succeed in the international workforce will increasingly become a competitive advantage.
• Even though 89 countries are represented in the Missouri State student population, 78 percent come from six countries, with the People’s Republic of China accounting for more than half of all international students. This represents a potential challenge because economic and political issues in one country or region could have a magnified impact on international enrollment.