Does international collaboration enhance internationalization of higher education for a non-native English environment ? A comparative analysis of NBUIs, China?

Abstract

PurposeA significant number of studies suggest that both international cooperation (IC) and English proficiency (EP) greatly assist internationalization of higher education (IHE). Yet, more evidence is required to confirm their relationship. Hence, this paper intends to investigate whether any association prevails between IC and EP, and if so, how both domains facilitate IHE.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a qualitative approach to examine how IC and EP potentially influence each other, as well as the way they shape IHE.FindingsThe main key finding reported in this study is that IC plays a significant role in internationalization efforts, with English serving as a critical medium.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that although IC can positively influence EP and the overall level of IHE, the newly built undergraduate institutions (NBUIs) in China should be careful not to fall into the dual traps of number-crunching and income-generation instruments. NBUIs in China may consider changing their IC strategies and seek to join some authoritative or high-reputation networks in other developing countries to expand their horizons.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on IHE by exploring the connections between IC and EP and how they affect IHE, thus providing insights into advancing institutional internationalization. It is achieved through expanding institutions' IC or joining international networks while overcoming linguistic barriers.