Dr. Jyotika Saksena serves as keynote speaker for International Education Week in Salzburg, Austria

Dr. Jyotika Saksena, professor of international relations and president of the Faculty Senate, traveled to Salzburg, Austria, to serve as the keynote speaker for International Education Week, an annual event held at the University of Salzburg.

Dr. Saksena discussed why higher education must be international—the focus of a book she  contributed to along with Dr. Kyoko Shinozaki, a professor of sociology at the University of Salzburg, also known as the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg. Following the book presentation, she took part in a panel discussion based on the topic, along with several other Austrian officials.

“It was an honor to be included in the celebration of International Education Week and the opportunity to share my own experiences,” said Dr. Saksena. “I was fortunate to interact with students, faculty and other stakeholders involved in internationalization of higher education. This is a challenging time for not just international education but higher education as well and I am grateful for the chance to participate in a meaningful and open conversation.”

Dr. Saksena also offered her insight and expertise for another panel discussion on the key developments in the United States higher education system in the post-COVID and Trump era.

“It is important to understand that internationalization of education has to be intentional. What is needed is an ongoing conversation about international education at the university designed to evaluate, assess and revise the goals and strategies for becoming more inclusive and faculty have to be at the center of this conversation.”