A Case Study of Emerging Challenges and Reflections on Internationalization of Higher Education

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine challenges and issues of higher education (HE) internationalization in the quest to reflect on HE internationalization. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research is conducted in a UK university. The total of 20 interviewees from the case study university participate in this research. Content analysis, critical discourse analysis and categorization of meaning are adopted as data analysis strategies. Findings – This study identifies critical issues that challenge HE internationalization within an institutional context, and provides reflection of the development of HE internationalization. These critical issues include resource and investment, workload, agent and partnership management, communication, integration and cooperation, motivation and incentives, programmes contextualization, and staff attitude and development. Research limitation/implications – This research contributes to rich understands of issues and challenges stem from the present case study. Therefore, further research in this area is encouraged to test the generalizability of these highlighted challenges through quantitative research. Practical implications – Research findings provide different understanding of critical challenges and issues of HE internationalization at the present university. These issues are empirical and creditable to international operation at the case study. This study encourages an internal cohesion and reflection of internationalization across different key departments. Originality/value – This research suggests that prior attention should be given to these practical issues and challenges that stem from the empirical investigation of HE internationalization. Compared to the extent discussion of risks and challenges, these factors are more operational and relevant to an institution’s daily function of internationalization. Research findings can guide institutions to precisely address and resolve these issues. These issues are also transferrable and applicable to other similar cases. Keywords -- Internationalization, higher education, issues, challenges, risks and reflection of higher education internationalization