Internationalization Rationales and Strategies of Private Higher Education Institutions in Indonesia and the Philippines

Abstract

The internationalization of higher education is a complex concept with various rationales, strategies, and outcomes. Its unstructured nature is captured in this multi-site case study of the internationalization of two private Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) institutions from Indonesia and the Philippines. The study identified the rationales on why the selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) internationalize their campuses. It also documented and analyzed their existing strategies and their intended outcomes. Moreover, the research process was guided by within-case and cross-case analyses towards framework building. Based upon the framework of internationalization rationales and the institutional level program and organizational strategies of Knight (2004), the researcher utilized qualitative evidence from case studies, interviews, and document analysis. Anchored on the identified variables, a framework for internationalization at the selected private HEIs in the ASEAN context was established. The study revealed that academic rationales are prominently the major motivations on why the selected HEIs internationalize their institutions. In the study, the participants gave high priority on rationales that can produce academic quality outcomes and consequently provide positive results and benefits from internationalizing their campuses. Given the results, the study proposed a framework in the creation of a global campus applicable to ASEAN private HEIs, especially in Indonesia and the Philippines. A space that will facilitate active interaction between external factors, the national government, and the HEI as an active participant in the international arena. Utilizing this framework as a benchmark, academic leaders can determine their trajectory when judging their institution’s position towards internationalization. While this study primarily focused on internationalization at the institutional level, the recommendations alluded to the significant roles of key people at the ASEAN and its networks, and the national government. Further studies include an in-depth investigation of the rationales and strategies on the national level and the identification of the rationales and strategies of private HEIs in all ASEAN member states.