Higher education strategies focusing on either internationalization or
community–university partnerships are often regarded as distinct from
each other and dichotomous. The former usually are concerned with
international knowledge, the latter, with local knowledge.
This article presents a case study to argue that the two approaches can intersect,
presenting an opportunity to improve the process of learning and
teaching in higher education. As part of its strategy to internationalize,
Lurio University, Mozambique, is part of a partnership through the
Consortium of New Southern African Medical Schools (CONSAMS).
Lurio University also has an established community engagement program,
One Student One Family. Drawing on relevant literature, we argue that
universities can benefit from viewing these strategies as interconnected
and complementary approaches that bolster knowledge processes and
advance learning. When both approaches are used to inform curricula
and improve pedagogy, synergetic and much improved higher education
systems can be achieved.
Authors
