Internationalising study programmes has become indispensable for higher education institutions worldwide. However, this intricate process involves multiple dimensions, stakeholders, levels, and domains, and requires individual and organisational changes that often lead to tensions. Given the significance of internationalisation for teaching, learning, and society, understanding these tensions within increasingly diverse higher education institutions is essential. This keynote will address how organisational change theory can be used to improve the internationalisation of teaching and learning. Drawing on extensive PhD research and 30 years of experience in higher education, findings from four study programs across different disciplines will be presented, along with the implications for strategy and policy development, engaging staff and students, and providing adequate support.

Franka van den Hende has recently completed her PhD research on Curriculum Internationalisation: A Dynamic Organizational Change Process https://ap.lc/KoUDU. She has worked on internationalisation, diversity, and inclusion in higher education for 32 years, in academic and professional roles in various contexts, as a lecturer, researcher, policy advisor, and project manager. Franka currently works in the Central Department of Strategy and Education at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.