IAU. Internationalization of Higher Education: Growing expectations, fundamental values. April 2014.

The 4th Global Survey by the International Association of Universities (IAU) analyses the survey data on internationalisation of Higher Education collected from the 1 336 higher education institutions in 131 countries. It represents the largest and most geographically comprehensive collection of primary data on internationalisation of higher education ever undertaken. 

By assessing internationalisation trends over time and comparing developments across regions, this study provides unique insights on the internationalisation process, its benefits, drivers and also the underlying values and concerns.  Below are some of the results of the survey:

• 53% of the respondents report that their institution has an internationalisation policy/strategy and 22% report that one is in preparation. 16% indicate that internationalisation forms part of the overall institutional strategy. 
• Student knowledge of international issues is the most significant expected benefit of internationalisation, noted by 32% percent of respondents.
• Student mobility and international research collaboration are the highest-priority internationalisation activities, cited by 29% and 24% percent of respondents respectively, as their top priority.  
• The most significant potential risk of internationalisation for institutions identified by respondents (31%) is that international opportunities are mostly available to better-off students. The most significant societal risk is commodification/commercialisation of education (19%). 
• Limited  funding is the major internal and external obstacle to advancing internationalisation. 

The IAU 4th Global Survey was supported by the European Commission, British Council, NAFSA (Association of International Educators), and the European Association for International Education (EAIE). The report includes approximately 100 figures and tables presenting, comparing and analysing aggregate and regional results and thus represents a valuable resource for anyone working on or interested in internationalisation of higher education. 

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