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Senior High School Students’ Perceptions of Internationalization of Higher Education



Author(s)

Tsung-Ming Liu

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DOI:10.17265/2161-623X/2015.08A.001

National Chi Nan University, Nantao, Taiwan

Due to the dramatic increase of higher education institutions during the past decades, senior high school students in Taiwan have enjoyed easier access to higher education than never before. On the other hand, colleges and universities are facing unprecedented competition on recruitment of students with the tendency of fewer children worsening year after year. To cope with this challenge, internationalization has become an important strategy to attract students both from abroad and domestically. Because domestic students still constitute the main part of the student body in each college and university so far, it is important to understand how senior high school students perceive internationalization of higher education. The purpose of this study is to investigate senior high school students’ perceptions of internationalization in colleges and universities in Taiwan, which can be put into consideration by staff of higher education sectors looking for strategies to boost the sustainability and competitiveness in higher education institutions. Eight senior high school students were interviewed to explore their perceptions of internationalization in colleges and universities. Findings suggest that internationalization is a significant factor that affects students’ choice of colleges and universities and is supported by most students. The main theme of students’ perceptions of internationalization is “walking out” to know more about different cultures in other countries. Concerns emerge when foreign language competency is insufficient or opposition from parents interferes with students’ plans to go abroad. Domestic students might also be afraid that recruiting international students may influence their admission opportunities. Necessity of some practices needs to be considered. Recommendations are proposed for students, higher education sectors, and future researchers.

senior high school students, perception, internationalization of higher education