What is internationalization?
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Understanding Internationalization: Definitions, Motivations, and Practices
Defining Internationalization in Higher Education
Internationalization in higher education is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various activities, policies, and practices aimed at integrating an international, intercultural, or global dimension into the purpose, functions, and delivery of postsecondary education. Leading higher education professional associations such as NAFSA, the International Association of Universities, and the European Association of International Education define internationalization by emphasizing international students, student and scholarly mobility, and curricular changes. These definitions, however, often overlook the ethical implications and power dynamics involved in international engagement.
Motivations Behind Internationalization
The motivations for internationalization in higher education are diverse and include commercial advantages, knowledge and language acquisition, and the enhancement of curricula with international content. Institutions implement various initiatives such as branch campuses, cross-border collaborations, and English-medium programs to achieve these goals. These efforts are driven by the need to adapt to the global academic environment and to ensure the quality of international initiatives.
Practical Approaches and Sectoral Differences
A study conducted at Dutch higher education institutions identified 14 elements that constitute the concept of internationalization, highlighting the practical differences in how research universities and universities of applied sciences pursue internationalization. This study underscores the importance of recognizing actual practices and sectoral differences to develop meaningful and feasible models for internationalization.
Internationalization as an Entrepreneurial Process
In the context of business, internationalization is often seen as a by-product of a firm's efforts to improve its position within its network or as a result of entrepreneurial actions. Theoretical models such as Johanson and Vahlne’s business network internationalization process model emphasize the entrepreneurial aspects of internationalization, suggesting that firms incrementally increase their commitments to foreign markets based on acquired knowledge and experience .
The Multifaceted Nature of Internationalization
Internationalization is a complex and amorphous concept with multiple interpretations and purposes. It serves as a symbol of quality, a criterion for academic excellence, and a means for transcultural communication . Different models of internationalization, such as the 'internationalist,' 'translocalist,' and 'globalist,' capture the varying realities and contexts in which internationalization occurs. These models reflect the importance of international, national, and institutional contexts in shaping internationalization strategies.
Comprehensive Internationalization
For internationalization to be successful, it must be integrated into the core mission of universities and encompass a wide range of activities beyond mere student mobility and international publications. Comprehensive internationalization involves harmonizing academic curricula, sharing quality systems globally, and forming university alliances to facilitate the production of new knowledge and transcultural communication.
Conclusion
Internationalization in higher education is a dynamic and evolving concept that involves a wide range of activities, motivations, and practices. While definitions and approaches may vary, the overarching goal is to integrate an international dimension into higher education to enhance academic quality, foster global understanding, and address global challenges. Recognizing the ethical responsibilities and power dynamics involved in internationalization is crucial for developing more inclusive and equitable practices.
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