Page 38 - AEI Insights 2020 - Vol. 6, Issue 1

AEI Insights, Vol 6, Issue 1, 2020

All these definitions in the early 1990s and late 1990s focussed on international activities or
programmes in higher education institutions and showed the importance of higher education
development. It is arguable whether the institutions of higher learning could achieve the goal
of internationalisation without the involvement of stakeholders outside campus, especially the
government and its agencies and departments. Beerkens (2004) has identified that the
internationalisation of higher education is a regular policy issue that involves many parties
from inside and outside campus in developed and developing countries. The argument concurs
with the importance of integration and networks between all relevant stakeholders of higher
education to internationalise higher education for mutual benefit. Knight (2015) came up with
a comprehensive definition of internationalisation of higher education covering all parties
including government, stakeholders and institutions. She defines internationalisation as “the
process of integrating an international, intercultural, or global dimension into the purpose,
functions or delivery of postsecondary education” Knight (2015, p. 3). As internationalisation
requires a connection or networks between nations and various activities, therefore the term
“process” underline the continuing efforts of internationalisation. “International” refers to
inter-state or countries’ relationships while “intercultural” deliberates on the existence of
various cultures in the nations, communities and higher learning institutions. Lastly, to cover
the wide range of higher education activities worldwide, the term “global dimension” is also
used. Knight (2015) opines that the three terms complement each other and together depict the
richness in the breadth and depth of internationalisation. The definition proposed by Knight
(2015) on higher education internationalisation is broadly accepted for scholarly work. The
evolution of this definition highlights quite significantly the importance of local and
international elements’ integration, which leads to the creation of relationships or networking
in higher education. Knight (2013) emphasises that the term “networks” has described the
international dimension and integration in higher education since the 1980s. Thus, networking
and internationalisation can be refined for higher education internationalisation. However, the
operation of the definition and creation of relationships as well as integration through
networking needs approaches, strategies and an adequate rationale for internationalisation as
the internationalisation process cannot stand on its own.

Approaches to Internationalisation

The vision to achieve the desired internationalisation of higher education varies according to
the aims and objectives of nations, higher education institutions and stakeholders (Knight,
2008). The concept of internationalisation itself also consists of numerous techniques and
approaches (Ramanathan, et al. (2012). The principles, significance and actions carried out
during implementation of internationalisation are known as approaches and may vary
according to the period of development stages (Knight, 2004). Besides that, approaches also
provide a clear explanation of how internationalisation is recognised and executed. The four
main approaches implemented to conceptualise internationalisation are the activity approach,
competency approach, ethos approach and process approach (Qiang, 2003). These four
approaches are only pertinent to higher learning institutions; therefore, assessment at the
national government is necessary (Knight,1999). Nevertheless, five types of approaches which
are applicable at national and institutions levels have been introduced by Knight (2008a). These
are the programme, rationale, ad hoc, policy and strategy approaches. Each of these approaches
is vital in developing policies and plans to execute an international dimension in higher
education and to achieve the aim and mission of internationalisation.

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