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Making sense of the reformulation of the internationalization policy in a Dutch higher education institution
Lozano Munive, Skarlett Mercedes (2025) Making sense of the reformulation of the internationalization policy in a Dutch higher education institution.
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| Abstract: | Internationalization policy in higher education has been positioned as a strategy across higher education institutions. However, ongoing policy debates have introduced ambiguity and uncertainty in the higher education landscape. The reformulation of the internationalization policy prompts university students and employees to make sense of the policy shift and the concept of internationalization in higher education. Sensemaking is necessary for this study, as the reformulation disrupts routines of the university community. This study addresses the following research question: How do students and employees make sense of the reformulation of the internationalization policy within Dutch higher education? To answer this question, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted at a Dutch university. Results Participants interpreted internationalization in higher education as a multilayered and evolving concept through four main logics. The reformulation was widely viewed as politically driven and linked to other drivers including language policy laxity, housing shortages and national identity concerns. Participants expressed uncertainty of their futures, emotional distress, and anxiety, prior to the implementation of the reform. Conclusion The research reveals that students and employees are actively making sense of the reformulation of internationalization policy in higher education. This paper contributes to literature on sensemaking, organizational change and internationalization in higher education. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Science MSc (60713) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107639 |
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