Uneven internationalisation of higher education in the European Union: a case study of two universities in Czechia and Slovakia

Abstract

AbstractThis article presents the rationale for having a symposium on internationalisation of higher education (IHE) and introduces the collection of articles. It details examples of two universities from Central Europe to illustrate uneven development in internationalisation, including the achievements in and barriers of internationalisation. The paper sets these examples into the context of existing publications on IHE and suggests that teaching faculty members are key for enhancing internationalisation, in particular their teaching abilities and commitment to support internationalisation. It warns that IHE may divide Europe into two profoundly different parts, contrary to the expectation of policy makers and experts. It concludes by recommending academic development as an effective way to increase academic teachers’ competences and willingness to advance internationalisation in higher education.