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A Critical Review of Theoretical Models on Institutional Internationalization of Higher Education

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Title: A Critical Review of Theoretical Models on Institutional Internationalization of Higher Education
Language: English
Authors: Yiwei Qiu, Ella Ruth Anaya, Sergio Cepero Espinosa
Source: International Education Studies. 2025 18(2):150-165.
Availability: Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1595 Sixteenth Ave Suite 301, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3N9 Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606 Ext 206; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: ies@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ies
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Higher Education, International Education, Models, Literature Reviews, Global Approach, Educational Policy, School Policy, Educational Strategies
ISSN: 1913-9020
1913-9039
Abstract: This paper presents a critical review of theoretical models on institutional internationalization in higher education. Over the past three decades, scholars have proposed numerous frameworks to understand internationalization processes, yet gaps persist in their practical application and integration. Through a systematic and evaluative examination of the literature, this study identifies two main categories of models: "content-based models," which focus on institutional strategies and policies, and "process-oriented models," which emphasize internationalization as a dynamic, cyclical progression. The critical review highlights the strengths, limitations, and developmental trends of major existing frameworks, underscoring the need for a more integrated and actionable approach. To address these gaps, we propose "Qiu's blended evidence-based theoretical model," which combines Van Dijk and Meijer's internationalization cube with Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory. This integrative framework provides a structured yet adaptable pathway for institutions, aligned policy, support systems, and implementation strategies to facilitate purposeful and measurable internationalization efforts. By bridging theoretical insights with practical applications, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of internationalization as a process offering valuable guidance for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1464863
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: A Critical Review of Theoretical Models on Institutional Internationalization of Higher Education
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Yiwei+Qiu%22">Yiwei Qiu</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ella+Ruth+Anaya%22">Ella Ruth Anaya</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sergio+Cepero+Espinosa%22">Sergio Cepero Espinosa</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22International+Education+Studies%22"><i>International Education Studies</i></searchLink>. 2025 18(2):150-165.
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  Data: Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1595 Sixteenth Ave Suite 301, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3N9 Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606 Ext 206; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: ies@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ies
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  Data: 16
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  Data: 2025
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22International+Education%22">International Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Models%22">Models</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Literature+Reviews%22">Literature Reviews</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Global+Approach%22">Global Approach</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Policy%22">Educational Policy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22School+Policy%22">School Policy</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Strategies%22">Educational Strategies</searchLink>
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  Data: This paper presents a critical review of theoretical models on institutional internationalization in higher education. Over the past three decades, scholars have proposed numerous frameworks to understand internationalization processes, yet gaps persist in their practical application and integration. Through a systematic and evaluative examination of the literature, this study identifies two main categories of models: "content-based models," which focus on institutional strategies and policies, and "process-oriented models," which emphasize internationalization as a dynamic, cyclical progression. The critical review highlights the strengths, limitations, and developmental trends of major existing frameworks, underscoring the need for a more integrated and actionable approach. To address these gaps, we propose "Qiu's blended evidence-based theoretical model," which combines Van Dijk and Meijer's internationalization cube with Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory. This integrative framework provides a structured yet adaptable pathway for institutions, aligned policy, support systems, and implementation strategies to facilitate purposeful and measurable internationalization efforts. By bridging theoretical insights with practical applications, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of internationalization as a process offering valuable guidance for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 16
        StartPage: 150
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Higher Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: International Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Models
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Literature Reviews
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      – SubjectFull: Global Approach
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Policy
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      – SubjectFull: School Policy
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Strategies
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      – TitleFull: A Critical Review of Theoretical Models on Institutional Internationalization of Higher Education
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            NameFull: Sergio Cepero Espinosa
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              Y: 2025
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