Internationalization in Higher Education Institutions in the Asian Countries: Towards a Framework

Abstract

Internationalization is one of the core priorities for achieving international excellence in education.  However, internationalization aspect of higher education is becoming increasingly important yet challenging. The study determined the degree of importance and degree of implementation of internationalization of higher education institutions in the Asian countries as basis of a framework. This study further determined the perceived effects of internationalization and barriers in the implementation. This descriptive study was conducted among 92 Higher Education Institutions in Asia. Of the 92 participating higher education institutions, 72 were from the Philippines and 13 were from other Asian countries. The 54.5% of the respondents were the school heads and administrators and 45.5% were faculty and staff representing their respective institutions. Questionnaires were used as the main data gathering tool with open-ended questions to determine the experiences and barriers of the implementation of internationalization. Using descriptive statistical tools and content analysis, the study revealed that the importance of internationalization was perceived as moderate, however, the degree of implementation of internationalization was low among higher education institutions in the Asian countries.  Learning other culture, increasing international students’ enrolment, exposing students to research, and having international linkages were some of the positive effects of internationalization. However, lack of training in cultural sensitivity, communication barriers, understanding of other culture, and funding were the barriers identified in the implementation of internationalization. Based on these results, an internationalization framework was developed.