Embracing internationalization is the reality in Malaysian tertiary education in this century. Various endeavors and research collaborations have been and are still carried out to achieve the government’s vision to position Malaysia as a tertiary education hub in the region. Using phenomenological approach, this study attempts to highlight challenges and strategies towards achieving internationalization of Malaysian higher education. Twelve lecturers from public and private universities were purposively sampled to discuss issues on internationalization of Malaysian tertiary education. Focus Group Discussions using semi structured interview protocol were undertaken. Data analysis and interpretation were carried out through thematic development. The findings revealed all participants are aware of the pedagogical approaches to be in practice to embrace the dynamics of global cultures convening in Malaysian lecture rooms. They highlighted the advantages of having international students from academic and social perspectives. Also included are ways how local students benefit with the presence of international students. These benefits emerged as participants discussed the consequences of Malaysian campus bereft of international students. In-class challenges and strategies to overcome them were deliberated. The findings also informed lecturers, administrators, and policy makers of relevant aspects to consider when dealing with international students at the tertiary level in Malaysia. Keywords: global education, internationalization, international students, tertiary education, phenomenology
This research explored the local students’ interaction with their international peers and investigated whether they consider the inclusion of international students has positively or negatively affected their education experiences. This study found that the local students were somewhat comfortable as they did not mind having international students on campus. They value the interactions that they had with the international students as they got to learn about different cultures and broaden their worldview. The local students revealed that they do face challenges in working in group activities or assignments with international students due to differences in English language abilities and attitudes towards the quality of work and time management. They also expressed interest and willingness to participate in university events or programmes that would enable them to socialise with the international students. They believe that universities should organize more events that would encourage interaction between local and international so they could form a stronger bond. It is recommended that strategies be put into place by both private and public universities to organize meaningful events or programmes that would foster greater understanding and appreciation of diversity on campus and promote a harmonious environment for a conducive multinational campus.
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