Unit introduction

Given the differences in the higher education systems in the United States and India, it is important to establish a shared understanding of what and how terminology is used when talking about international education concepts. This unit introduces a range of definitions, key terminology, and concepts in the field of international education, ensuring participants have a foundation of understanding for starting the course. This unit will also introduce where and how internationalization efforts are housed among higher education institutions in both the United States and India to highlight the range of possibilities and the often-complex roles and responsibilities when it comes to implementation. This unit will also touch on the reality that campus-specific, local, national, and international factors can play in internationalization efforts. By the end of the unit, participants will have a basic understanding of terminology, will appreciate the wide range of international office models, and will understand the range of influences that can impact internationalization efforts. A robust list of United States and India-based organizations, associations, and conferences will be included to further build knowledge and insights.

Facilitator bios

Krista Northup is Director of Global Partnerships at UNC-Chapel Hill. She has responsibility for continuing to support and grow Carolina’s international partnerships around the world. She has a unique mix of university and organizational experiences from previous roles in the international education field, most recently at Sannam S4, a higher education consultancy organization specializing in global operations. Northup holds an MBA from Charles Sturt University in Australia and a BA from Washington College.

Dr. Diya Dutt has a doctoral degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. She has more than 26 years of work experience in both the United States and India across diverse organizations and institutions. She worked for 14 years at the Fulbright Commission in India where she was responsible for supervising the administration of the Fulbright-Nehru fellowship for Indian citizens, managing the U.S.-India 21st Century Knowledge Initiative partnership grant and provided oversight of four regional offices in Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

After her retirement from USIEF, she became a consultant in higher education. She is on the TOEFL Board and is an adviser with the Association of Indian Universities, India.

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