Türkiye'de Yükseköğretimin Uluslararasılaşmasının Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the internationalization of higher education in Turkey. In this qualitative inquiry, descriptive case study method is used. The data were collected through document review and interviews. The study group consists of policy documents; international relations office executives and staff; and the people with academic studies or responsibilities on internationalization of higher education. The content analysis technique was used to analyse the data. The first research question revealed that according to policy documents, internationalization is perceived in four dimensions: academic, cultural, political, and economic. The policy documents present five dimensions (recognition and visibility, mobility, being international, strategic planning and student facilities) regarding internationalization policy actions in Turkey. The second research question helped to discover that universities declare their internationalization activities and goals in mission-vision documents or strategic plans, and universities subject their internationalization efforts to internal or external evaluation. Internationalization activities are taken into consideration and owned by senate level. The internal conflicts experienced in Turkey's neighbouring countries stand out as a factor damaging the image of Turkey. Universities carry out their internationalization activities consciously and purposefully towards the countries with historical and cultural heritage. It is concluded that the internationalization status of universities in the context of cooperation and partnerships is expanding to cover the whole world. The third research question stated factors that hinder the internationalization of higher education in Turkey, emerging as administrative, academic and political. Hence, there is no doubt that internationalization activities will increase the institutional capacity of higher education.