Centre for International Studies (CIS)

Empowering Global Connections. Advancing Knowledge. Shaping a Connected World.

The Centre for International Studies (CIS) of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU), Ahmedabad, serves as the University's strategic platform for internationalisation, global academic engagement and cross-border collaboration.

CIS is committed to building meaningful and sustainable partnerships with universities, higher education institutions, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions, online universities, research organisations, governments, international agencies, professional bodies and industry partners across the world.

Through international partnerships, collaborative research, academic exchange, global learning opportunities and innovative educational initiatives, CIS seeks to strengthen BAOU's global presence while creating meaningful opportunities for learners, faculty members and academic communities.

As an institution dedicated to accessible and inclusive education, BAOU seeks through CIS to extend the principles of quality, equity, innovation and lifelong learning beyond geographical boundaries.

Vision

A Globally Connected Centre for International Excellence

To establish the Centre for International Studies as a globally recognised centre of excellence in international education, research and collaboration, fostering intercultural understanding, global citizenship, innovation and sustainable socio-economic development.

Mission

The Centre for International Studies is committed to advancing the internationalisation of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University through strategic global partnerships, collaborative research, international academic programmes, intercultural learning and knowledge exchange.

CIS aims to empower learners, educators and researchers with the knowledge, competencies and global perspectives required to participate meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected world and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.

Our Strategic Priorities

CIS will focus its international engagement around the following strategic priorities:

Internationalisation of Education

Integrating international and intercultural perspectives across academic programmes, curriculum, teaching-learning practices and institutional initiatives.

Global Academic Partnerships

Developing strategic partnerships with universities, institutions, networks and organisations across different regions of the world.

International Research & Innovation

Promoting collaborative research, joint publications, research projects, international conferences, knowledge networks and innovation initiatives.

Global Learning & Student Engagement

Creating opportunities for learners to participate in international classrooms, virtual exchanges, collaborative projects, international lectures and global learning experiences.

Faculty & Academic Mobility

Facilitating academic mobility, visiting faculty programmes, international lectureships, faculty development initiatives and collaborative teaching opportunities.

Cross-Cultural & Intercultural Learning

Promoting intercultural competence, global citizenship, cross-cultural dialogue and understanding among diverse communities.

Internationalisation at Home

Bringing global perspectives and international learning experiences to BAOU learners who may not have opportunities for physical international mobility.

International Student Engagement

Supporting the University's efforts to engage international learners through accessible, flexible and technology-enabled academic opportunities.

Global Employability

Strengthening learners' global competencies, professional skills and employability for participation in international and multicultural workplaces.

Sustainable Global Development

Aligning international initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly quality education, reduced inequalities, decent work, partnerships and sustainable development.

What We Do

CIS acts as a facilitator, coordinator and catalyst for the internationalisation of BAOU.

International Partnerships

CIS facilitates strategic engagement with:

International Universities

Open and Distance Learning Institutions

Online Universities

Research Institutions

International Organisations

Government and Public Institutions

Professional and Academic Networks

Industry and Corporate Organisations

Non-Governmental Organisations

International Education Networks

The Centre seeks to develop partnerships that generate tangible academic value through joint programmes, research, mobility, capacity building and knowledge exchange.

Global Academic Collaboration

CIS promotes collaborative academic initiatives such as:

Joint academic programmes

Collaborative courses

International webinars and lecture series

Joint conferences and seminars

Faculty development programmes

Visiting faculty initiatives

International expert lectures

Virtual exchange programmes

Collaborative curriculum development

Joint teaching and learning initiatives

International academic networks

International Research & Knowledge Exchange

CIS supports the development of international research collaborations addressing emerging global challenges.

Priority areas may include:

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

Digital Education and ODL

Open and Online Learning

Educational Technology

Sustainable Development

Global Citizenship

Inclusive Education

Digital Transformation

Future of Work and Employability

Cross-Cultural Studies

International Development

Social Innovation

Emerging Global Challenges

CIS encourages faculty members and researchers to develop multilateral research collaborations, joint publications, international research projects, policy studies and knowledge-sharing platforms.

Global Learning Opportunities

Learn Beyond Boundaries

CIS seeks to create meaningful international learning experiences for BAOU students through technology-enabled and flexible approaches.

These may include:

Global Classrooms

Students connect with peers and faculty from partner institutions around the world.

Virtual Exchange

Learners participate in structured intercultural learning experiences without geographical mobility.

International Expert Series

Global academics, researchers, practitioners and industry leaders share their knowledge and experience.

Collaborative Projects

Students from different countries work together on real-world academic and social challenges.

International Competitions & Challenges

Students engage in global competitions, innovation challenges and academic activities.