Abstract

‘Cosmoportism’ comes from ‘cosmoport’. This neologism comes from the Greek word cosmos (κοσμος), meaning ‘universe’ or world, and from the second part of the word ‘passport’. ‘COSMOPORT’ is based on my belief that international education is the 21st-Century’s passport and global positioning system (GPS), so to speak, to comfortably navigate the global village. It is the key to global competitiveness. Therefore, nobody should be allowed to graduate from any university today without becoming globally competent. Cosmoportism is my Philosophy of Internationalization. It is based on the understanding of the logical and natural link between ‘universe-ity’ and ‘globality’. It can be summarized in three key points, i.e. (1) UNIVERSITY, WORLD-READINESS, AND ‘COSMOCITIZENSHIP’: Global citizenship must be the main goal of any authentic university education. University is a microcosm, where one learns to “think globally and act locally.” (2) GLOCAL INTEREST, SECURITY & LEADERSHIP: National interest, security, and global leadership require international competence, which consists of three key elements or attributes: knowledge, attitudes, and skills. (3) COSMOCITIZENSHIP must be taught theoretically through curricular activities and practically through global education projects entailing immersion and interaction between native and international students and faculties on and off-campus. COSMOPORTISM is a way of living in the global village. That way must be based on a vested interest in, and commitment to worldwide learning and understanding.