A Comparative Study of Internationalization Policies in Chinese and Canadian Higher Education

Abstract

This study aims to explore and compare the contexts and priorities of the internationalization of Chinese and Canadian higher education through analyzing different levels of educational policies. By applying the “Global Higher Education Matrix” created by Jones (2008) and the “Four Approaches to Internationalization of Higher Education” (Knight, 1997; Zha, 2003) as an analytical framework, this study examines the priorities of internationalization policies implemented by global organizations, national governments, provincial governments, and institutions. Besides, using the comparative policy approach, this study informs the policies and practice of the internationalization of Chinese and Canadian higher education. By comparison, the internationalization policies at the three levels in China and Canada have different priorities. Also, due to the different governance structures of higher education, the internationalization policies of China are more aligned among the three levels compared to Canada. Last but not least, although the challenges facing by internationalization shape the formulation of policies at the three levels in both China and Canada, there are still gaps in policies regarding all the challenges. Keywords: internationalization, policy, higher education, China, Canada