The article examines the diverse responses of higher education institutions (HEIs) across 20 countries to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the initial challenges faced by HEIs, such as the transition to online learning due to flight restrictions and the impact on international student populations. The study uses a desktop analysis approach, leveraging university and government sources, to map the responses, which range from no response to social isolation strategies and rapid curriculum redevelopment for fully online offerings. The authors provide a typology of these responses and assess the agility of HEIs in preparing for the pandemic. They emphasize the importance of learning from pedagogical developments to strengthen collective responses to future crises. The paper includes detailed case studies from countries like Australia, China, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Republic of Ireland, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Chile, and Brazil, showcasing the varied approaches and challenges each country faced.The article examines the diverse responses of higher education institutions (HEIs) across 20 countries to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the initial challenges faced by HEIs, such as the transition to online learning due to flight restrictions and the impact on international student populations. The study uses a desktop analysis approach, leveraging university and government sources, to map the responses, which range from no response to social isolation strategies and rapid curriculum redevelopment for fully online offerings. The authors provide a typology of these responses and assess the agility of HEIs in preparing for the pandemic. They emphasize the importance of learning from pedagogical developments to strengthen collective responses to future crises. The paper includes detailed case studies from countries like Australia, China, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Republic of Ireland, South Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Chile, and Brazil, showcasing the varied approaches and challenges each country faced.