Faculty and International Engagement: Has Internationalization Changed Academic Work?

Abstract

Internationalization is increasingly seen as comprehensive, with international strategies now touching on all aspects of a higher education institution’s activity. In this light, it is assumed that faculty play a key role in the internationalization of their institution. Yet, little is known about the extent to which faculty consider international activities or international engagement an important aspect of their work, and whether internationalization has changed understandings of what it means to be an academic in higher education today.

Internationalization of Research: Key Considerations and Concerns

“…A recent study from Australia highlights that faculty are aware of the greater publication and citation rates for research carried out with international coauthors, as shown by Rostan et al (2014) in relation to the Changing Academic Profession (CAP) survey. Accordingly, faculty seek to engage internationally in their research, as they consider it to be a prerequisite to success in their academic career, as well as to building their personal academic reputation (Proctor, 2016).…”

“…Examples from an Australian case study highlight that the internationalization of research is normalized in departments which employ researchers from different countries. Similarly, in departments where international research collaboration is common, it is likely that graduate researchers will be encouraged to attend international conferences and to seek international collaborators for their publications (Proctor, 2016). As such, the graduate education of academic staff plays an important role in establishing a framework for their future involvement in international research.…”

Transnational Diaspora Engagements in HIgher Education:

“…Consistent with the literature (Leask, 2013;Proctor, 2015;Rumbley and De Wit, 2019), RP10 said that his international engagement enriches his teaching: "It is also very useful for your teaching and for your students. You will be able to bring them your diverse experiences, not just what you read, but also what you know practically.…”

International mobility and cultural perceptions among senior teacher educators in Israel: ‘I have learned to suspend judgment’

“…The main purpose of engaging with different cultures is to assist institutions and their faculty members to situate and examine local academic knowledge within the context of broader agendas and cultures, thereby obtaining an innovative and up-to-date perspective on an international scale. According to some studies (Proctor 2015;Rumbley & Wit, 2017), the contribution of this group to global research is undeniable, despite the fact that their numbers remain small. Nonetheless, the international mobility of Israeli teacher educators remains sporadic and controversial (Yemini et al 2017).…”