Alexander Fernandez

The International Dimension of Universities in Colombia: Five Institutional Case Studies Alexander Fernandez

This research explains and explores the processes concerning the integration of international dimensions through five institutional case studies among some of the best universities in Colombia. The study also provides important data that serves to update the general spectrum of internationalization of higher education in the Latin American country since interviews were conducted not only at the institutions but also at the office of International Affairs and Cooperation for the Colombian Ministry of Education. The established analytical framework presents a detailed description on the conceptions, rationales and strategic approaches to internationalization implemented by each university, which are further compared and contrasted. The paper concludes by discussing several issues on the findings that reveal the highest development of the internationalization process at the university level in Colombia. Advanced strategic approaches to internationalization of higher education are feasible in developing countries and effective implementation models are not exclusive to institutions in developed nations.