International Education Program Glossary

international student working on engineering project

This glossary is designed to assist UIC faculty and staff in understanding the operational terms used in the field of international education, particularly when considering or developing any international programs or collaborations.

The glossary and definitions are based on the work of professional organizations and UIC Office of Global Engagement personnel and, in some cases, were modified to suit UIC’s method of operating.

International Education is

  1. A field involved in facilitating and supporting the migration of students and scholars across geopolitical borders. Professionals involved in this field may be employees of educational institutions, government agencies, or independent program and service providers. This may include, but is not limited to (on U.S. campuses), support for matriculating and exchange students from countries outside the United States, instruction in English as a second language, international student recruitment, assessment of non-U.S. higher education credentials, student services for postgraduate research students and fellows, facilitation of education abroad for U.S. students, and (outside the U.S.) support and services for visiting U.S. students.
  2. The knowledge and skills resulting from conducting a portion of one’s education in another country. As a more general term, this definition applies to international activity that occurs at any level of education (K-12, undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate).
  3. A tool that can change the world.

Glossary of International Education Terminology Heading link