University Group Warns of Internationalization’s ‘Potential Adverse Impacts’

As universities worldwide increase their efforts to internationalize, they run the risk of potential adverse effects, including harming developing nations, says the International Association of Universities. In a statement, “Affirming Academic Values in Internationalization of Higher Education: a Call for Action,” the association outlined several areas of concern. It warned that the growth of international branch campuses and partnerships may lead to “unevenly shared benefits,” with wealthier institutions getting more out of the collaborations. It also raised concerns about the spread of English as the predominant language for teaching, and said that “large-scale international student recruitment, at times using questionable and even unethical practices, may cause a variety of problems, such as brain drain.”

The association did not call for international efforts to cease, acknowledging their many benefits for all parties, but urged universities to pursue such activities ethically and center them around “academic fundamentals.”