Rethinking Global Education in the Era of Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) Times

Guest Editors:

Nimisha Beri, Professor, School of Education, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. Email: nimisha.16084@lpu.co.in
Vijay Chechi, Professor, School of Education, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India, email: vijay.chechi@lpu.co.in

Advisors for this publication

Pavitar Parkash Singh, Senior Dean, School of Liberal and Creative Arts, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara. email: pavitar.19476@lpu.co.in
Amit Kauts, Professor, Department of Education, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Email: amitkauts@gndu.ac.in
Manoj Saxena, Professor, Department of Education, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala. Email: drmanojksaxena@gmail.com
Anita Rastogi, Professor, Department of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Email: arastogi@jmi.ac.in
Sharad Sinha, Professor, Department of Education, National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi. Email: drsharadsinha@gmail.com
Gaurav Singh, Professor, Department of Education, Central Institute of Educational Technology, National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi. Email: gaurav.singh@ciet.nic.in
Sampurna Guha, Assistant Professor, Amity Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences (AIRS), Amity University, Noida, email: sampurnaguha@gmail.com
Sorabh Chaudhary, Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Education, Manipal Global Next University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Email: souravchdhry@yahoo.com
Dalwinder Kaur, Assistant Professor, Programme Coordinator, School of Education, Manipal Global Next University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Email: dalwinder.kaur@globalnxt.edu.my

Rethinking Global Education in the Era of Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) Times
Description:
This volume of the Journal of International Students, guest edited by Dr. Nimisha Beri and Dr. Vijay Chechi, explores the shifting paradigms of international education in the age of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). In an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable world, international students and educators face multifaceted challenges related to identity, technology, sustainability, and cultural integration. This issue advances scholarly discourse by examining justice-oriented, inclusive, and technology-driven approaches to teaching and learning across borders. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, it highlights innovative research on multilingualism, cross-cultural well-being, AI-enhanced pedagogy, and global partnerships. The volume is intended to support institutional transformation, foster resilience, and empower global learners to navigate complexity with clarity, competence, and compassion. Contributions are welcome from diverse contexts, particularly those bridging Global South and Global North experiences in the VUCA world.

Key Topics of Interest:

Intersection of Culture and Language in Learning
Studies exploring how international students navigate and negotiate cultural identity and linguistic diversity in multicultural academic settings.
Promotion of Multilingualism and Preservation of Linguistic Diversity and Cross-Cultural Well-being
Research on inclusive pedagogies that support language preservation, intercultural empathy, and student well-being across borders.
Opportunities for Global Partnerships in Research, Technology, Social Mobility, and Multinational Careers
Investigations into transnational collaborations that enhance academic mobility, innovation, and career readiness in global contexts.
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Education in a VUCA World
Theoretical and empirical work drawing from multiple disciplines (e.g., education, sociology, international relations) to address uncertainty and complexity in global learning environments.
Digital Literacy and Digital Citizenship Skills for Sustaining in the VUCA World
Studies examining the development of critical digital competencies among international students, particularly in online and hybrid academic ecosystems.
Psychological Scale Validation of Disruptive Academic Variables in the VUCA World
Quantitative research focused on the development and validation of instruments that assess psychological, academic, and social challenges faced by globally mobile students.
Integration of AI, VR, AR, and Other Emerging Technologies in Education
Explorations of how immersive and intelligent technologies reshape teaching, learning, and academic support for international and comparative education.
Emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Education
Global and comparative analyses of how STEAM education contributes to inclusive excellence, innovation, and international student success.
Sustainable Practices in Education
Research aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting how education systems foster environmental awareness, global citizenship, and sustainability in international learning contexts.

Manuscript Types

Research Articles, Reviews (English): Research Articles (4,500-7,500 words) submissions use quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research to make significant advancements in under-researched aspects of the field related to topics outlined in the journal's Aims & Scope.

Research in Briefs (English): The "Research in Brief" section of the Journal of International Students is designed for concise analyses of specific topics or questions, using new or existing data sources. Articles should include a brief introduction, a discussion of the data, up to two figures/tables, a maximum of 10 references, and be within 2,000 words. Titles should be under 10 words, and an abstract of 120 words or less is required and manuscripts undergo standard peer review.

Abstract Submission Portal (120 words)

For inquiries about this Special Issue, please contact the editors:
Dr. Nimisha Beri, Email: nimisha.16084@lpu.co.in
Mobile no. +91 9815276844

Proposed Timeline:
Abstract Submission Deadline: August 30 (2026)
Full Manuscript Submission Deadline: Nov 30 (2026)

Target Audience: This special issue will be relevant to:

Researchers across the disciplines such as education, sociology, and leadership studies
International educators and university administrators
Policy-makers and think tanks
Graduate students in education-related disciplines
Stakeholders working on global education reforms