Internationalisation of higher education

‘Internationalisation of Higher Education’ provides an overview of the main global and European trends and related strategies at European, national and institutional level, as well as the underlying gist of what internationalisation is and should be aiming for. The overall objective of this study was to scrutinise internationalisation strategies in higher education, with a particular focus on Europe.

Internationalisation of higher education (IoHE) is a relatively new phenomenon but, as a concept, it is one that is both broad and varied. Over the last 30 years, the European programmes for research and education, in particular the ERASMUS programme but also research programmes like the Marie Curie Fellowships, have been the motor for a broader and more strategic approach to internationalisation in higher education in Europe and have been an example for institutions, nations and regions in other parts of the world. The internationalisation of higher education has been influenced by the globalisation of our economies and societies and the increased importance of knowledge. It is driven by a dynamic and constantly evolving combination of political, economic, socio-cultural and academic rationales. These motives take different forms and dimensions in the different regions and countries, and in institutions and their programmes. There is no one model that fits all. Regional and national differences are varied and constantly evolving, and the same is true within the institutions themselves.