Comprehensive Internationalization & Career Readiness at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

Executive Summary

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University (CSB/SJU)—two Benedictine liberal arts institutions in rural Minnesota—offer a powerful case study in how global learning can be intentionally integrated into career development. Despite their small size and remote location, CSB/SJU have a long-standing global identity, with study abroad participation historically exceeding 50%. Through the American Council on Education (ACE) Internationalization Laboratory, the institutions undertook an 18–24 month process to reimagine internationalization as a coordinated, campus-wide strategy that directly supports student success.

What is Comprehensive Internationalization?

ACE defines comprehensive internationalization as a strategic, institution-wide framework that embeds global learning into curriculum, co-curriculum, policies, partnerships, and campus culture. It requires collaboration across departments, intentional leadership structures, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

The CSB/SJU Approach

During the ACE Lab process, a cross-functional steering committee conducted a deep analysis of institutional strengths, gaps, and opportunities. Their work included campus consultations, data review, systems mapping, and assessment of global learning resources. This led to four key recommendation areas:

1. Curriculum & Co-Curriculum

Expand global learning–designated courses, support international clubs, increase embedded and short-term programs, and grow COIL initiatives.

2. International Student Support

Improve holiday housing, transportation access, and wraparound services to ensure international students thrive and contribute fully to campus life.

3. Study Abroad Access

Reduce financial barriers, diversify program lengths and locations, and create domestic “study away” options to support students with varied needs.

4. Leadership & Vision

Establish clear governance, accountability, and sustained funding to move from planning to implementation.

The True North Journey: Linking Global Experience to Career Success

One of CSB/SJU’s most compelling innovations is the True North Journey, a four-year developmental framework that explicitly connects international learning to career readiness:

1. CHART (Year 1): Building foundations—introducing global learning and early career exploration.

2. TEST (Year 2): Experimentation—using study abroad and intercultural experiences to explore academic and career interests.

3. BUILD (Year 3): Professional development—internships, research, networking, and articulating global skills.

4. LAUNCH (Year 4): Integration—translating global experiences into résumés, interviews, and graduate school applications.

This model reframes global learning as a catalyst for developing competencies employers consistently value: adaptability, resilience, problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, collaboration, curiosity, and self-awareness.

Why This Matters for Liberal Arts Institutions

CSB/SJU’s journey demonstrates that comprehensive internationalization can be both attainable and transformative—even for institutions without large budgets or metropolitan locations. Key lessons include:

• Build from existing strengths and historic partnerships
• Treat internationalization as more than study abroad
• Remove barriers so all students can access global learning
• Create intentional structures that help students articulate global competencies
• Ensure leadership, funding, and collaboration are in place for long-term success

Bottom Line

The ACE Internationalization Laboratory gave CSB/SJU the clarity, structure, and momentum to embed global learning into the student experience in ways that directly support career readiness. Their message, “The Future is NOW”, underscores the urgency for institutions to make global engagement accessible, equitable, and connected to the outcomes students and employers care about most.

This executive summary provides context for the accompanying presentation and notes, which outline CSB/SJU’s process, recommendations, and implementation strategies in depth.

Additional Resources

• ACE Internationalization Laboratory: American Council on Education
• True North Journey: CSB/SJU Website
• COIL Resources: SUNY COIL Center
• Global Education as a Career Success Imperative – DA Global Access Network