Glocalization as an Alternative to Internationalization in Higher Education: Embedding Positive Glocal Learning Perspectives.

TLDR

Internationalization in higher education is commonly defined as recruiting international students, marketing programs, and teaching English, yet prevailing models emphasize acculturation rather than reciprocal academic and cultural exchange. The paper argues that glocalization offers a viable alternative to traditional internationalization and proposes instructional strategies and a pedagogical framework that promote socially responsible, justice‑oriented learning. Glocalization is operationalized through a pedagogical framework that fosters critical academic and cultural exchange of global and local socio‑economic and political issues, promoting a positive, socially responsible learning experience.

Abstract

The notion of internationalization in higher education is understood as the recruitment of international students, marketing of academic programs and courses, and teaching English as a Second Language to student cohorts from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Various models of internationalization (Knight, 2004, 2006; Leask, 2009; Pimpa, 2009; Welikala, 2011) have been explored and promoted in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Often, as noted in the literature, these models emphasize the acculturation of international students into the host country culture rather than a respectful exchange of academic and cultural knowledge and ideas. The central thesis of this critical reflective discussion paper is that glocalization in higher education is an appropriate alternative to internationalization. Glocalization advocates a positive learning experience and encourages the enhancement of learners’ glocal experience through a critical academic and cultural exchange of global and local socio-economic and political issues. Instructional strategies supporting glocalized learning curricula are recommended. The glocalization pedagogical framework for higher education, introduced in this paper, embraces the principles of social responsibility and justice with a firm commitment to sustainable futures for local and global societies.