Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions: An Overview of the Spanish Context

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34630/e-rei.vi12.5788

Keywords:

Internationalization of higher education, internationalization of the curriculum, higher education, intercultural pedagogy, intercultural education, Spain

Abstract

This paper examines the current state of the internationalization of higher education institutions in Spain. Specifically, it explores how academic staff with international students in their classes approach their courses and employ teaching methodologies, and
how international students perceive these different approaches and methodologies. A qualitative methodology was used to collect data. Semi structured personal interviews were conducted with 17 participants (academic staff and international students). The tools
used were document analysis and semi-structured personal interviews conducted at San Jorge University (Zaragoza, Spain). Results show that, in this context, the process of internationalization still faces some challenges, including the proficiency level of English
among lecturers, and a lack of resources to enhance services and teacher training to facilitate the integration of international students and a more intercultural pedagogy based on the internationalization of the curriculum.

Author Biographies

Maria Luisa Sierra-Huedo, San Jorge University (Spain)

Maria Luisa Sierra-Huedo holds a Ph.D. in International Higher Education by the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, (USA). Master of Arts in Comparative International Development Education from the University of Minnesota. Degree in English Linguistics by Zaragoza University. She is a lecturer and researcher at San Jorge University (Spain) and a member of the research group Migrations, Interculturalism and Human Development (MIDH).

Marina Aguareles, San Jorge University (Spain)

Marina Aguareles  is a lecturer and researcher at San Jorge University (Spain) and a member of the research group Migrations, Interculturalism and Human Development (MIDH). She holds a bachelor's degree in Translation and Intercultural Communication, a Master’s degree in Leadership and Administration (San Jorge University), and a Master’s degree in Human Resources management (Camilo José Cela University & IMF Business School). Currently, she is a Ph.D. senior student at the University of Vic. In the past, she also worked for more than 10 years in management positions in the field of international education.

Ana C. Romea, San Jorge University (Spain)

Ana C. Romea holds a Ph.D. in Sociology of Public and Social Policies, by the University of Zaragoza and is a member of the research group Migrations, Interculturalism and Human Development (MIDH) at San Jorge University (Spain). She is a lecturer and a researcher at the Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences of San Jorge University and her main areas of research are focused on Sociology.

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Published

2024-06-05

How to Cite

Sierra-Huedo, M. L., Aguareles, M., & Romea, A. C. (2024). Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions: An Overview of the Spanish Context. E-Journal of Intercultural Studies, (12). https://doi.org/10.34630/e-rei.vi12.5788

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No. 12 (2024)

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Articles

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