Comprehensive Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions

Jane Knight (2003) is credited with providing the intellectual groundwork for the comprehensive nature of internationalization, which situates tertiary-level education, more broadly, in the context of national policies and priorities. Knight defined internationalization in higher education as: “The process of integrating an international, intercultural, or global dimension into the purpose, functions, or delivery of postsecondary education” (p. 11). Comprehensive internationalization is commonly defined as a “commitment confirmed through action to influence international and comparative perspectives throughout the teaching, research, and service missions of higher education. It shapes institutional ethos and values and touches the entire higher education enterprise” (Hudzik, 2011, p. 6).

The addition of the word comprehensive to discussions of internationalization was popularized by the use of comprehensive internationalization by the American Council on Education ...