Engaging the World
York has created a strategy to engage the world by uniting around global challenges and opening new doors for students, partners, educators and researchers.
In a world facing a convergence of unprecedented trials from climate change, a global pandemic, poverty, systemic inequality and political polarization, this new phase of internationalization and global engagement will see York:
- Develop new partnerships
- Embrace emerging technologies
- Devise strategies to ensure our ideas and discoveries reach global audiences
- Do more to engage diverse populations in the pursuit of knowledge
- Test new modalities for student learning
Four strategic priorities will guide the work of York’s faculties and departments, and provide the flexibility needed to set goals depending on individual contexts and objectives:

Expand Inclusive Global and Intercultural Learning

Enhance the Experience of International Students

Engage in Global Research and Innovation

Elevate Global Stewardship, Partnerships, Profile and Impact
Putting the plan into action
The strategy complements and supports the University Academic Plan, the Strategic Research Plan, Sustainability Strategy, and other key university strategies. It will guide the development of operational plans that will be incorporated in divisional and faculty Integrated Resource Plans, including actions with an appreciation for engaging academic units, staff, and faculty members.
Global Engagement by the Numbers
300+
Partnerships in 60+ countries
10k+
International students from over 180 countries
3
York degree and non-degrees programs offered on 3 continents (North America, Asia, Africa)
4
Partners to support refugees and students requiring financial support
34+
Years of work with refugees at York at the Centre for Refugee Studies
15+
Years providing free education in the global south for refugees
300+
Global experiential learning partners
2
Global campuses in Costa Rica and India
Funding, Awards, and Engagement




Global Initiative
York U EcoCampus
Las Nubes, Costa Rica
The Las Nubes Project aims to contribute to community well-being in ways that are compatible and conducive to environmental conservation.