The Triggers for Internationalization and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education of France

Abstract

The article analyzes the internationalization strategies and the quality assurance systems of France and Université de Lorraine. It has been found out that the goals, proposed in the national and institutional internationalization strategies, include strengthening policies to improve the reception of international students, young researchers and staff.
 It has been noted that Haut Conseil de l'évaluation de la recherche et de l'enseignement supérieur and Université de Lorraine are partners in the project «Implementation of Education Quality Assurance System via Cooperation of University-Business-Government in Higher Education Institutions» (EDUQAS Project), aiming at improving education quality assurance systems through the development of efficient internal quality standards leading to graduates’ better employability in partner countries.
 Haut Conseil de l'évaluation de la recherche et de l'enseignement supérieur and Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur are authorized to conduct international accreditations of study programs. Université de Lorraine Délégation à l’Aide au Pilotage et à la Qualité promotes a culture of continuous improvement and organizational development based on the tools of quality management and process control.
 It has been noted that participation in EDUQAS Project stimulates further development of QA systems at the national and institutional levels; wider participation of stakeholders in higher education quality enhancement and internationalization; higher education quality monitoring through stakeholders’ surveys; monitoring graduates’ career paths in partner countries.
 The legislative basis, internationalization strategies and quality assurance institutions at the national and institutional levels, networks of stakeholders involved in internationalization and quality assurance processes, participation in the international projects have been identified to be triggers for internationalization and quality enhancement in higher education of France.

Implementation of international project management at the educational establishment

“…Educational project management is the central topic of Cerezo-Narváez et al (2019), Mahfoud (2021). At the same time, a number of works are devoted to international project management in education (Debych, 2020).…”

Internationalization of quality assurance and the international quality of higher education in Taiwan

“…Higher education is similar to businesses in that it has a responsibility to provide services and meet certain standards and requirements. Higher education institutions around the world are striving for excellence and success in educational outcomes, and, to that end, quality assurance is indispensable (Cao and Li, 2014; Debych, 2020). Therefore, discussion and research on quality assurance in higher education are attracting attention, many countries have recently implemented major reforms of their higher education systems, and higher education sectors are expected to help promote quality assurance and efficiency (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2008).…”

“…An international perspective incorporates international higher education institutions toward implementing quality assurance standards at the international level (Gaalen, 2010). Some French universities have improved their quality assurance systems by developing effective internal quality standards to meet international standards, thereby increasing the employability of graduates in partner countries (Debych, 2020).…”