Research Snapshot: Nation-bounded internationalisation
Nation-bounded internationalisation of higher education: a comparative analysis of two periphery countries
Publication date: 11 August 2022
This research explores the effects of national boundaries on international higher education (IHE) through qualitative research conducted in Poland and Turkey, two net-exporting periphery countries. This study stems from the first author’s postdoctoral research, which was influenced by her previous experience as an International Office Professional (IP) in a peripheral country, shaping her interest in the topic. The second author, the postdoctoral advisor, is an experienced researcher focusing on inequalities in student mobility.
We conducted 36 semi-structured interviews with IPs in Poland and Turkey to identify key national-level barriers to IHE, using the concept of ‘nation-boundedness.’ IPs’ insights are valuable because they play a critical role in implementing internationalisation strategies and maintaining close contact with international students and prospective mobile students. By examining the perspectives of IPs, this research provides a deeper understanding of how national policies and structural barriers influence international student mobility and the broader internationalisation process.
Periphery countries in Europe cannot take advantage of the progressive values of internationalisation due to their national, political, legal, economic or socio-cultural contexts.
About the authors
Key findings from the research
- The results revealed that IHE in Poland and Turkey, as examples of peripheral countries in terms of IHE, are restricted by political instability, economic impotence and socio-cultural legacies. These factors lead to a nation-bound internationalisation experience for HEIs and individual stakeholders.
- Political instability: In peripheral nations, political events appear to have a substantial impact on institutional policies and practices (e.g., establishing partnerships and defining quotas for international students) as well as individual decisions and implementations (e.g., when incoming students withdraw due to specific events).
- Economic impotency: Regarding direct effects, the absence of national economic incentives for internationalisation makes universities highly dependent on limited EU funds. More indirectly, unstable economic conditions and periodic financial crises lead many students to abandon plans to study abroad or opt for more affordable countries.
- Socio-cultural norms and historical legacies: Society structure, cultural norms, language proficiency, and religion might adversely affect international students’ experiences.
- The country’s position as a periphery: The country’s reputation significantly impacts the results of its efforts at internationalisation. While establishing international partnerships, negative perceptions and prejudices make the IPs’ job difficult.
- The research also exposes inequalities in internationalisation, particularly the disadvantages faced by peripheral countries, calling attention to the need for more equitable and inclusive national and regional strategies.
