Indianapolis, Indiana – International collaboration took center stage this year at the University of Salzburg, Austria, as Dr. Jyotika Saksena, a professor of international relations and president of the Faculty Senate, served as the keynote speaker during International Education Week. The annual celebration gathered scholars, students, and education leaders from around the globe to exchange ideas and strengthen the mission of cross-border academic partnerships.
Dr. Saksena, an expert in international education and policy, used her platform to emphasize the need for a more global approach in higher education. Her keynote address was built around the central idea of why higher education must be international—an argument she also contributes to in a co-authored book with Dr. Kyoko Shinozaki, a professor of sociology at the University of Salzburg.
The book, presented at the event, explores the evolving landscape of international education and the need for institutions to embrace cultural diversity and academic inclusivity. Following the presentation, Dr. Saksena joined a panel alongside Austrian academic and government officials to expand on these themes.
“It was an honor to be included in the celebration of International Education Week and the opportunity to share my own experiences,” Dr. Saksena said. “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.”
The week’s events did not stop at the book discussion. Dr. Saksena also participated in a second panel, where she provided insights into the key developments and current challenges facing the United States higher education system. Her remarks explored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and political shifts during and after the Trump administration, and how these events have shaped the way institutions engage with global education.
A recurring theme in her presentations was the importance of strategic and inclusive planning when it comes to integrating international education. “It is important to understand that internationalization of education has to be intentional,” she said. “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.”
Dr. Saksena’s involvement in International Education Week not only underscored the urgency of fostering global perspectives in higher education, but also demonstrated the critical role faculty play in shaping meaningful dialogue and institutional change. Her message was clear—true internationalization is not just about student exchange programs or institutional partnerships. It’s about rethinking how we teach, learn, and connect in a world that is becoming more interconnected every day.
Her time in Salzburg added an important voice to the global conversation and offered a roadmap for how universities can move forward with purpose, compassion, and commitment to shared learning.
