As the global workforce evolves, international education must adapt to bridge the gap between academic preparation and labour market demands. While higher education institutions play a critical role in developing globally competent talent, existing models often fail to align with workforce realities. For example: internationally educated health professionals (IEPs) frequently encounter barriers to credential recognition, employer skepticism, and a lack of structured pathways into regulated and high-demand industries. Despite holding valuable skills and qualifications, many struggle to gain meaningful employment due to rigid regulatory frameworks and a disconnect between their education and local workforce expectations.

This session explores how internationalization can be a driving force in solving these challenges by fostering global learning ecosystems that prepare students for the international job market. We will examine the misalignment between academic credentials and employer needs, discuss innovative approaches to competency-based assessment and foreign credential recognition, and highlight the role of industry-academic collaboration in developing workforce-ready graduates.

Bow Valley College has actively engaged in re-defining international education through a globally responsive model that prioritizes competency-driven learning, industry partnerships, and inclusive credentialing frameworks. Through this session, we will share insights on how institutions can embed internationalization into their curricula, create adaptable recognition pathways, and develop strategic partnerships that facilitate smoother transitions from education to employment for international learners. Participants will be challenged to think critically about how their own institutions can evolve to meet the growing demand for globally mobile, workforce-ready graduates.