Ready for the World

The University of Tennessee has embarked on an ambitious plan to help students gain the international and intercultural knowledge they need to succeed in today's world.

"Ready for the World: The International and Intercultural Awareness Initiative" is part of a long-range plan to transform the campus into a culture of diversity that best prepares students for working and competing in the 21st century.

"'Ready for the World' will prepare our students, faculty and staff for success in an ever-changing global society," UT Chancellor Loren Crabtree said. "The world is changing every day in complexity. This effort is not just a lofty academic goal; it is an absolute necessity to provide our students the education and experiences they need to thrive." [ read more ]

Ready for the World and the CIE

The Center for International Education and its subsidiary units figure prominently in Ready for the World. As a first step, the Center for International Education was reorganized to become a part of Academic Affairs rather than Student Affairs. The move allows for better coordination of existing programs as various units across the campus begin to implement the recommendations of Ready for the World.

After investigating UT Knoxville's "global competence," the task force found "substantial international and intercultural programs in place" but acknowledged that the efforts are "scattered and uncoordinated." The Center for International Education was singled out as being one of the University's strengths. We at the CIE look forward to the challenges that lie ahead and to the exciting opportunities that await us as we play our part in helping to internationalize the campus.