TANZIE Deepens Focus on Intercultural Competence and Internationalization Systems

On 16th June 2026, participants in the Tanzania Internationalisation Strategies for Higher Education (TANZIE) Project Training of Trainers (TOT II) programme continued their capacity-development sessions on internationalisation at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania. The training 3-day training is running from 15th  to 17th June 2026.

On Day 2,the training featured discussions on the development of International Relations Office (IRO) Service Charters, with participants exploring frameworks for enhancing the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of services offered to international students, researchers, academic staff, and institutional partners. Facilitated by Dr. Mario Guilló, senior project manager and lecturer of the University of Alicante, the session also provided practical insights into strengthening institutional support systems that underpin successful internationalisation efforts.

Participants further engaged in collaborative exercises that enabled them to develop and assess service charter models aligned with their respective institutional contexts, promoting the exchange of experiences and best practices among participating universities.

The programme also examined the role of intercultural competences in fostering effective international engagement. Facilitated by Carolina Madeleine, Director of the Institutional Project Management Office (OGPI) of the University of Alicante, the discussions highlighted the importance of understanding cultural diversity and its influence on communication, leadership, decision-making, and collaboration within international academic environments.

Participants reflected on approaches for integrating intercultural competences into teaching, learning, student services, and institutional operations, recognizing their importance in preparing universities to operate effectively in increasingly diverse and globally connected settings.

The training forms part of TANZIE's broader efforts to support higher education institutions in strengthening internationalisation strategies, enhancing global engagement, and building inclusive academic environments that respond to the demands of contemporary higher education.