Internationalization of Higher Education in the Global South: Voices from Students in International Programs

• In Event: Advancing Higher Education: International Perspectives

Abstract

Research on higher education internationalization mainly focuses on the Global North and student mobility, leaving a significant gap in understanding internationalization at home (IaH) in the Global South. As transnational campuses grow in Asia, examining how IaH is experienced and understood in this context is vital. This study looked at students' experiences in international programs in two Southeast Asian countries, focusing on their motivation, challenges, and strategies for navigating academic and cultural obstacles. Results show a gap between institutional goals and student experiences, raising concerns about IaH's readiness and its underlying purpose. We argue that true internationalization needs redefinition and efforts beyond marketing, aiming for campus-wide student success.

Authors

• Neng Priyanti, University of Houston

• Summer Danielle Crawley, University of Houston