The Pedagogical Implications of Diverse Conceptualizations of Internationalization: A U.S. Based Case Study

This study investigated the impact of a university-wide mission to internationalize on the everyday educational experiences of faculty members and students in two departments of a major research institution. Of specific interest to this study was how the concept of internationalization was understood and implemented by diverse organizational members, and their perceptions of the role (actual or potential) of international students in such a process. The findings, based on interviews with administrators, faculty members, and students as well as analysis of archival data pertinent to internationalization efforts at the university school, and departments indicated that (a) internationalization was understood and implemented in diverse ways; (b)participants' perspectives were linked to their perceptions of the relevance of internationalization to their field; and (c) international students were underutilized as educational resources. A key outcome of this study was the development of a conceptual definition of internationalization, which is offered as a means for extending the dialogue among educators about the conceptualization and implementation of internationalization on our campuses.