Globalization in Higher Education
par Andrea Piercy
1. Globalization: Within higher education this looks like international education. In a broader sense it is the process by which business, organizations, institutions, and individuals develop international influence and operations.
2. Internationalization: Within higher education this can be seen as "the process of integrating international, intercultural, or global dimensions to the purpose, functions or delivery of post secondary education” (Knight, 2003). Internationalization happens in response to globalization.
3. Impacts of Globalization: Political-political integrate and alliance; spread of nationalism Economic-may create deep economic divide between rich and poor countries; raises the standard of living for citizens in many developing nations Cultural-promotes a loss of local traditions and indigenous cultures; strengthens universal ethics and human rights
4. English as a Medium of instruction (EMI): The use of English to teach academic subjects in countries where the first language is not English.
5. Institutions adopt an EMI model for various reasons. The assumption is that it will create more opportunities.
6. Benefits of EMI: It can allow access to a broader world, empowering students and allows institutions to become more global Challenges of EMI: May have negative impact on student learning, instructional challenges, may create a loss of cultural identity.
7. Globalization Efforts in the USA: The US Dept of State Education and Cultural Affairs Bureau-"To increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations."
7.1. Fulbright Program: International exchange program sponsored by the US government to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
7.2. Education USA: Promotes US higher education to students around the world with over 425 international student advising centers in 178 countries.
8. Theories
8.1. World Polity Theory: This is an analytical frame for interpreting global relations, structures, and practices. The theory views the primary component of the world society as "world polity", which provides a set of cultural norms or directions in which actors of the world society follow.
8.2. World Systems Theory: There is a world economic system in which some countries benefit while others are exploited. The theory explains there is a three level hierachy consisting of core, periphery and semi periphery areas.
8.3. World Culture Theory: This theory suggests that the world is gradually becoming one larger culture with most of the influence coming from Western cultures.
8.4. Neo liberal Theory of Globalization: This theory is about freeing up trade between countries so that countries can operate under free market principles. It seeks to open up world as a marketplace.
9. Comparative Education: The study of education phenomena. This is typically a comparison in two or more settings or factors/dimensions of education. Comparative education brings in global perspectives related to policy and practice.
10. Universalism stems from westernization, americanization and eurocentrism. These concepts all generally contribute to the process where Western ideas, customs, values, images, social patterns, etc. impact the normative standard.
11. Culture Shock: The experience had by individuals when they enter a new country and lose familiar people, signs, symbols, norms and customs. Oberg developed a four state "U-curve" to explain the experience. This includes the honeymoon stage where students are excited about their experience, the second stage is disintegration where students may develop more challenges in their new country feeling confused or disoriented. The third stage is reintegration where students begin to resolve the challenges. Finally, independence is when the student has overcome the negative emotions associated with their adjustment challenges.
12. Third Culture Kids (TCK): "a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years in a culture outside the parents' culture. The TCK frequently builds relationship to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership of any." (Pollack & Van Reken, 2009).
13. Careers in International Education: Professional practice areas-Comprehensive Internationalization; Education Abroad; International Enrollment Management; International Student & Scholar Services
13.1. Additional higher education functional areas: Academic Advising; Athletics; Business Affairs; Grad school; Library; Orientation; Residence Life; Scholarship Admin; Spiritual Life; Student Health; Student Conduct; Student Leadership; Student Success; Student Health
13.1.1. NAFSA required competencies: -Advocacy -Communication -Financial stewardship -Human Resources - Information technology -Intercultural communication -Leadership -Strategic planning