The AUCC believes that the university of the future will not merely be a place of higher learning for its own citizens, but an invaluable resource for the international community. It will be a place where researchers and scholars from around the world may meet, building new knowledge, sparking innovation and developing new solutions to common problems. The future of all nations is intertwined, and Canadian universities play a crucial role in international development assistance. Institutions of higher learning can build the capacity to help educate and train developing countries in their own paths to development. Universities can encourage new international trade and business connections by bringing people together in the global marketplace.
Students acquire many advantages from attending a university with a strong international character.
Increased internationalization, in the form of student and faculty exchanges, and collaborative research and international development projects, enriches the education experience significantly. Exposure to different cultures and environments provides a breadth of perspective and understanding important to operating in an international environment. Students who study abroad gain valuable personal and scholastic experiences that enable them to participate in the world community. In turn, international students on campus enhance the educational experience for everyone by bringing fresh perspectives and fostering cross-cultural awareness. Introducing students to international development work also gives them valuable experiences and insights into the challenges of the world, making them more informed citizens of the future.