Suggestions from the field: top reads of 2017

This blog post highlights several valuable contributions to our field in 2017. They have helped us frame the current environment in which we work, allowing us to modify our own practices by drawing from others’ experiences. We asked some thought-leaders and an early-career researcher in the field to share knowledge pieces they feel significantly added to the international higher education conversation and at the same time might be of interest to European practitioners.

Reads that got us thinking

In the current climate, international students are often the recipients of racist and xenophobic sentiments. This Journal of Studies in International Education article, Neo-racism and neo-nationalism within East Asia: the experiences of international students in South Korea, written by Jenny Lee, Jae-Eun Jon, and Kiyong Byun, further develops the theoretical framework of neo-racism and neo-nationalism as experienced by international students in the global economy. The analytical power of this theory draws attention to troubling international student experiences that are vital for international higher education practitioners to be aware of and respond to.
 
As the global political landscape continues to change, how do political phenomena impact higher education internationalisation? A report, Do political events in host countries affect international engagement?, written by Janet Ilieva and commissioned by IDP Education and the International Education Association of Australia, explores policy responses to 9/11, the global financial crisis, and early indications of the Trump travel ban and Brexit. For practitioners, this report illuminates how political events have the ability to impact policy responses that trickle down to the everyday practice of international education.

Recommended reads from your peers

Robert Coelen, PhD, Professor of Applied Sciences, Stenden University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands

“A publication that stands out for me most is an issue of the Journal of Studies in International (JSIE) Education, Vol 21(1), 2017, which was dedicated to dissecting different perspectives on the concept of global citizenship. At a time when border fences go up and nationalistic fervour is gaining ground, we need young graduates who are capable of more than the previous generation to solve global issues. We need graduates capable of working together with others regardless of nationality, creed or race. Since this was so well exposed in the JSIE issue, it was for 2017, one of the more valuable contributions to international education.”
 
Rahul Choudaha, PhD, Executive Vice President of Global Engagement and Research, StudyPortals

“International higher education is operating in an increasingly volatile and competitive environment. In the absence of proper context and data, the cost of misguided choices is significant in terms of reputation and resources. Institutions must become more informed and strategic in their choices. Producing timely and credible research that advances and informs internationalisation of higher education is critical for infusing rigor and relevance in our practice.
 
The American Council of Education Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement (ACE-CIGE) report, Mapping internationalization on U.S. campuses, is one of the most comprehensive reports on the state of internationalisation of American universities and college campuses. It is conducted every five years and provides useful information for European professionals to understand the trends and practices in the USA. The free-to-download EAIE/StudyPortals report, English-taught bachelor’s programmes: Internationalising European higher education, offers an overview of the growth directions, challenges and opportunities with English-taught bachelor’s programmes. It helps us move beyond anecdotes and defines a baseline of scope of these programmes and emerging opportunities.”
 
Douglas Proctor, PhD, Director of International Affairs at University College Dublin, Ireland

“Published in July 2017, the latest research from the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) focuses on the experiences of international research students. As universities in Europe continue to attract a growing pool of international research candidates, researchers and practitioners will be interested to compare and contrast their own understandings with the Australian experience. Fortunately, the IEAA publications provide something for scholars and practitioners alike. As such, a Research Digest looks in depth at reciprocal intercultural supervision and how this can enhance the experiences and outcomes of international research students. In addition, a series of three practical guides – for international research students, for their supervisors, and for research training managers – provides advice tailored to each of these communities.”
 
Adriana Perez-Encinas, PhD, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Business Organisations, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain

“An important read for European practitioners is a 2017 Studies in Higher Education journal article, Problematising and reimagining the notion of ‘international student experience’ written by Emerita Professor Elspeth Jones. While it’s normal practice to distinguish the international and domestic student experience differently, it may not be the best approach when developing institutional administrative and service structures. Jones argues that the traditional distinction between international and domestic students may be increasingly difficult to sustain. In the current times, as we are faced with growing diversity in our student body, this article addresses important questions and reflections about the ‘international student experience’ and offers an approach to serve the needs of all.”
 
Adriana received the 2017 EAIE Rising Star Award. As an early-career researcher, one of her research topics explores international student services. 
 
With another year, comes new research and knowledge. Hopefully this list inspires you to take a closer look at some of these publications and look forward to what is to come in 2018.