Internationalization of Higher Education: Towards a Conceptual Framework

Abstract

Higher education has now become a real part of the globalization process: the cross-border matching of supply and demand. Consequently, higher education can no longer be viewed in a strictly national context. This calls for a broader definition of internationalization, which embraces the entire functioning of higher education and not merely a dimension or aspect of it, or the actions of some individuals who are part of it. This article provides a conceptual and organizational framework of internationalization of higher education, which includes a discussion on the meaning and definition of the term, a description of the various rationales for and approaches to internationalization, and an analysis of strategies of integrating international dimensions in a higher education institution.

Higher education reforms in Romania. Between the Bologna process and national challenges

“…Internationalisation is not an aim in and of itself; it is a mechanism for improving the overall quality of education (de Wit 2011(de Wit , 2013Qiang 2013). Institutions are required to tap into all of the different policy levers of internationalisation, not simply growing mobility and partnerships and/or teaching in English.…”

Effective strategies in internationalization of higher education in the United States

“…According to Qiang (2003), internationalization is a response of a nation to the effect of globalization and it is "any systematic, sustained efforts aimed at making higher education responsive to the requirements and challenges related to the globalization of societies, economy and labor markets" (p. 250). There is a common distinction between globalization and internationalization in higher education scholarship.…”

“…Zha Qiang (2003) stressed the need for a more explicit definition of internationalization to overarch the complete functioning of higher education and provided a conceptual and organizational framework. He identified four key approaches to internationalization: …”

“…For "The activity approach includes activities such as curriculum, student and faculty exchange, technical assistance and international students" (Qiang, 2003, p. 250). From 1970 to 1980, the activity approach became the norm and symbol of international education (Qiang, 2003). Activity approach includes higher education institutions designing curriculum to prepare faculty and students for global citizenship (Bresciani, 2008), providing study abroad opportunities for students, faculty development programs, international curricula expansion, international study and research, international faculty exchange programs, and international student recruitment.…”

“…The survey questions were derived from Qiang's (2003) approaches for internationalization of higher education:…”