Explicit and implicit internationalisation : exploring perspectives on internationalisation in a business school with a revised internationalisation of the Curriculum Toolkit

Abstract

Business and Management Schools have long been at the forefront of internationalisation, realising that international perspectives are crucial in any business environment. Business Schools compete globally for the best staff and students, seeing them more as assets than customers. As a result, internationalisation is infused throughout the university life and its programmes. However, internationalisation in its practical aspects can be understood differently depending on how subtly internationalisation is infused throughout a programme and how effectively it engages with inclusive pedagogy rather than just curriculum content. This study explores what internationalisation looks and feels like in practice on four programmes in a business school according to students and faculty using a reflective toolkit. What emerges is a clear picture of agreement among students about explicit aspects of internationalisation, such as case studies or considering the views of different nationalities represented by their peers. However, it is only staff and a few students who recognise more tacit forms of internationalisation. This study highlights the potential for internationalisation and recommends adaptations to a reflective toolkit to further facilitate dialogue between staff and students. It is also argued that discussing examples is valuable for students, particularly for articulating the benefits of internationalisation.