Dr. Ainhoa Uribe Otalora
Dr. Ainhoa Uribe Otalora
Vice-Rector for Internationalisation
Professor in Politics,
CEU San Pablo University, Spain
Keynote Speech: Internationalization Pathways for Global Citizenship: Practical Strategies to Enhance the Global Profile of Your Academic Community
Biography:
Dr. Ainhoa Uribe Otalora is Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Professor of Political Science at CEU San Pablo University in Madrid, the flagship institution of CEU San Pablo Foundation, the largest private educational group in Spain. She holds a PhD in Political Science and a PhD in Law, as well as a Erasmus Mundus Master in International Humanitarian Aid and a Master in Equality of opportunities among men and women. She has over 15 years of academic experience, including international research stays at institutions such as Georgetown University and Oxford University. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing CEU’s global engagement through international academic joint ventures with several universities and innovative virtual education models in higher education.
Abstract:
This presentation will explore how universities can empower students to become true global citizens through comprehensive internationalization strategies. Moving beyond traditional mobility programs, the session will highlight best practices in three key areas: internal internationalization (or “internationalization at home”), which fosters diverse campuses and comparative, globally oriented learning environments; external internationalization, which includes mobility agreements, international academic cooperation projects of varying duration, and a firm commitment to internationally recognized standards of quality through accreditations, certifications, and global rankings; and the promotion of multicultural values, integrating the vision of global citizenship into academic life. By combining inclusive academic practices with global learning objectives and internationally recognized quality standards, universities can provide students with the skills, mindset, and opportunities needed to contribute meaningfully to an interconnected and sustainable world.