Perspectives of public higher education institutions regarding internationalisation of tourism and hospitality qualifications

Abstract : According to Ng (2017) the necessity to understand intercultural workplaces, particularly within the hospitality and tourism industry is very important, however managers still experience problems when addressing intercultural issues. Scholars such as Stier (2006), Caruana (2010), Leask (2010) suggest that internationalisation of the curriculum may be one of the solutions to solving this problem. “Internationalisation of a curriculum is the process of integrating an international, intercultural, or global dimension in the purpose, functions or delivery of higher education at the institutional and national levels” (Knight; 2003, pg. 1). South Africa was ranked as the 11th most popular international study destination in 2014 with an estimated number of 70 428 international students studying in South African higher education institutions (Guardian, 2014). The study aims to provide an insight into the progress of the internationalisation of public HEIs in the Gauteng province (Traditional Universities, Universities of Technology, and Comprehensive Universities), as well as the perceived activities, challenges, benefits, and obstacles faced by these institutions. A qualitative approach was used for this study in the form of semi-structured interviews based on existing frameworks and previous literature on internationalisation. The researcher employed three data analysis approaches to analyse the interview transcripts namely: grounded theory, narrative analysis, interim analysis. The interviews addressed six fundamental areas around internationalisation within tourism and hospitality disciplines (1) general understanding of internationalisation, (2) rationales for internationalisation, (3) internationalisation activities and resources, (4) significant benefits of internationalisation, (5) internal obstacles to advancing internationalisation, and (6) qualification features that advance internationalisation. The findings generally pointed towards the sample population having a moderate awareness of what internationalisation entails. The study revealed the prevalence of a positive perspective of internationalisation within HEIs, specifically in the tourism and hospitality programmes. Contradicting opinions emerged on the real benefits of internationalisation in these programmes. Some of the highlights within tourism and hospitality programmes are in contradictions with this study as the current socio-cultural and political climate of South Africa and the increasing discussion about the Africanisation of HE which is top on the priority of the aforementioned institutions than internationalisation.M.Com. (Tourism and Hospitality