Jönköping University highly ranked in new index for internationalization

Stint, the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education, recently launched an index for measuring the level of internationalization in Swedish universities. Jönköping University gets 4 out of 5 stars, and holds the same position as, among others, Karolinska Institutet, Chalmers University of Technology and the universities of Lund and Uppsala.

Internationalization is an important tool for the development of Swedish universities, and STINT calls on all actors in higher education and research to intensify their work towards internationalization.

STINT launches its internationalization index in order to measure the degree of internationalization in higher education in Sweden. The index describes the development of six key aspects of the internationalization of research, training, and staff and management. It covers the years 2011 - 2014 and 28 Swedish universities.

Jönköping University has a focus on internationalization in various forms written into the university's long-term strategies.

“The international profile is strategic for the university and useful for our students, teachers, researchers and partners. We must be able to respond to external demands for international competitiveness”, says Principal Anita Hansbo.

Internationalization means that the recruitment base for both students and researchers is widened, and revenues from fee-paying students helps the university to grow and evolve. Students become prepared for an international professional life, and get intercultural skills useful for working life in Sweden and abroad. Teachers and researchers are given access to international networks and the ability to follow international research and development.

“The internationalization of higher education is important in a wider perspective as well. More than ever, we see the significance of building bridges through international education, providing new knowledge and create global citizens who solve challenges across borders”, says Anita Hansbo.