Globalization of Internationalization: Thematic and Regional Reflections on a Traditional Concept

Internationalization has become a mainstream notion in higher education around the world and has evolved thematically and regionally from the concept as it was developed in the 1990s. As the international dimensions of higher education have developed their own momentum and become a global topic of interest, the "globalization of internationalization" requires a more nuanced approach to its interpretation and delivery. We continue to talk as though we share the same understanding, but in fact there are many different interpretations of "internationalization." It is timely to consider whether this variety of interpretation is a barrier or a benefit and to question whether we are learning sufficiently from other global contexts. Twenty-five years from now the goalposts are likely to have changed but can we converge our discourse to deliver more effective practice now and in the future?

This essay will address some thematic and regional contributions to the internationalization debate, and offer observations on the consequences and directions of this diversity. The authors build on previous publications, and seek to align their views in order to suggest future directions.