CHELPS Dialogue: What Does It Mean for the University To Be "International", and Does it Matter?

This Policy Dialogue took place at the EdUHK on June 11, 2024. The panel was chaired by Professor Bruce Macfarlane and included Prof. Ka Ho Mok (Lingnan University and Hanseng University of Hong Kong), Prof. Anatoly Oleksiyenko (EduHK) and Dr. Han Xiao (EdUHK).

Abstract

What does it mean for the university to be ‘international’, and does it matter?

Since times immemorial #scholars have travelled far and wide to learn new methods and ideas from their counterparts abroad. In the 21st century, #internationalization has emerged as a marketized university strategy. The ideal of internationalization promotes #crosscultural understanding, fosters learning opportunities, and cultivates research partnerships to meet the needs of a globalized world. More pragmatically being ‘#international’ aids the recruitment of high-fee-paying international #students, promotes the #university as a brand and helps it to climb global rankings. Internationalization has led to unintended consequences intensifying rivalry for #prestige and #financial gains, exacerbating disparities and anxieties in institutional status, and triggering concerns related to discriminatory practices in faculty and student #recruitment. International students can be perceived as ‘cash cows’, and face restrictions in pursuing #migration and #employment opportunities in host countries. The headlong pursuit of international recognition has also led to accusations that universities have lost touch with their local and #regional responsibilities. In light of these challenges, this dialogue examines the dilemmas of internationalization by asking why internationalisation is crucial for universities. Can the pursuit of internationalization be aligned with principles of inclusivity and ethical conduct while promoting cross-border #mobility, #research #excellence, and #quality #teaching?