Internationalizing the Curriculum: Strategies for Enhancing Long-Term International Design Education Experience

Globalization has brought irreversible changes to our lives, touching every aspect of society. These changes are reframing our behavior and reshaping how we experience the world. Higher education systems find themselves now navigating the complexities of this global landscape, with the dynamics of labor markets undergoing a dramatic change, which also calls for the systems to adapt. Authentic methods, tested over time, must adjust to tackle the new difficulties. Along with these shifting trends, there has been an increasing discussion about the necessity of internationalization in higher education. The growing interest in cultivating global talent has made it necessary to develop more established systems. Though the significance of internationalization is quite apparent, the literature provides few tools for its development and implementation in specific disciplines, such as design. Considering the abovementioned factors, this paper aims to explore curriculum internationalization within the context of the design discipline. Integrating international perspectives into the design curriculum becomes the central inquiry, which involves identifying effective strategies. Drawing from years of practical experience, the authors have identified an inter-iterative gap as a significant obstacle to the sustainability of long-term international design educational programs. Potential solutions are proposed in the paper to bridge the gap between iterations and enhance a cohesive study experience for all involved parties. The authors hope that the insights shared in this paper will offer valuable guidance to fellow researchers navigating similar academic realms, illuminating pathways for further exploration and development in the field.