Internationalisation in higher education –an internationalist perspective

Purpose This paper aims to argue for the significance of internationalism for the internationalisation of higher education. It analyses some conceptualisations and definitions of internationalisation before explaining the concept of internationalism, and variations of it, to demonstrate that internationalism has a moral dimension which could, and the author argues, provide a normative value base for the processes of internationalisation. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a cross-disciplinary, conceptual exploration. Findings The argument concludes with a listing of principles which should give a moral direction to internationalisation. Research limitations/implications The approach proposed is the basis for evaluations of different aspects of internationalisation such as the design and implementation of curricula. Practical implications The approach taken here, if implemented, would lead to changes in curricula and processes of internationalisation. Social implications The impact of internationalisation, and particularly of student mobility as an aspect of it, is already significant, and the perspective presented here would lead to more coherent interactions in mobility situations. Originality/value Using the neglected concept of internationalism brings a new perspective and challenge to internationalisation.