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V. Foreign Higher Education and Education Systems, International Relations, Bilateral Relations
B. Essays, Commentaries, Statements
Author SCHARTNER, Alina (CHO, Yoonjoo)
Title Empty signifiers and dreamy ideals : perceptions of the ‘international university among higher education students and staff at a British university / Aliona Schartner ; Yoonjoo Cho
Publication year 2017
Source/Footnote In: Higher education. - 74 (2017) 3, S. 455 - 472
Inventory number 45864
Keywords Ausland : Großbritannien : Studium, Studenten, Lehre ; Ausland : Großbritannien : einzelne Hochschulen ; Internationalität
Abstract This paper reports on a mixed-methods case study investigating how higher education staff and students understand, experience and envision the ‘international university’. As it is becoming clear that international student mobility is not in itself a panacea for universities seeking to internationalise, ‘internationalisation at home’ and ‘global citizenship’ are increasingly permeating university policy documents and mission statements. However, little is known about how students and staff on the ground perceive and experience these concepts. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected at one British university through focus groups (N = 19) and through an online survey (n = 148). Findings revealed a conventional mobility-focused understanding of the international university among students and staff, and a great deal of cynicism as regards ‘internationalisation at home’ and ‘global citizenship’. We discuss implications for practice and a research agenda. (HRK / Abstract übernommen) Schartner, Alina, E-Mail: alina. schartner@ncl.ac.uk