What Is Integration and Why Is It Important for Internationalization? A Multidisciplinary Review

Abstract

Integration is a concept that is referred to very widely in relation internationalization, yet its meaning is rarely explored and its benefits are often assumed. In this article, we start by reviewing the conceptualization of integration across different fields, notably education and the internationalization of education, intercultural communication, health psychology, and organizational studies. We propose that the varying interpretations within and across these fields can be synthesized by considering the different levels at which integration can be analyzed—individual level, community level, and institutional level. We then review the multiple benefits that integration can bring at these different levels, while acknowledging their interconnections, and noting the potential risks from ignoring integration. We end by proposing a framework to help universities and all of their members (staff and students) develop their own strategies and priorities for enhancing integration.

Enhancing the recruitment of postgraduate researchers from diverse countries: managing the application process

“…There have been numerous studies of the experiences of international students in higher education, including issues of integration (e.g. Spencer-Oatey & Dauber 2019a , b ), effective group work (e.g. Montgomery, 2009 ; Spencer-Oatey & Dauber, 2017 ), expectations around teaching and learning (e.g.…”

Integration of international competencies into systems engineering graduate programs

“…Engineers working on international projects should understand how to work with all stakeholders, many with different worldviews 38 . Systems engineers who understand how to establish intercultural relationships help their organizations create long‐term relationships with customers across the international landscape 39 . Culture awareness is a transformational learning process during which the student's perspectives change as an understanding of cultural difference is built and their responses reflect a more appropriate cultural response 38,40 …”

“…The process for the culture awareness development starts by facilitating situations for students during learning activities that create “out‐of‐comfort zones” which include thinking critically about oneself 36,39 . This does not normally happen automatically and so students must be motivated to engage with experiences that highlight differences 39 .…”

“…These learning activities also support cyclic experiential learning through observation, reflection and accommodation, as well as multiple iterations of learning activities for proficiency 41 . To build intercultural competencies, it has been suggested that the learning activities must be integrated across dimensions, as the human is not separated from the system within it operates 39 . Spencer‐Oatey and Dauber 39 also highlighted that integration should be considered across examples of the individual, the community, and institutional dimensions.…”

Shared Vision?

“…Yet without careful forethought, internationalization can lead to pushback and tension. Integration at the individual, community, and institutional level remains a challenge (Spencer-Oatey & Dauber, 2019).…”