Paulina Latorre

In recent years, research identifying the intersection between internationalization of higher education and sustainability development has gained relevance, as well as the role and responsibility of universities in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although higher education institutions (HEIs) have addressed environmental sustainability through a range of measures, studies on the relationship between internationalization and environmental sustainability are scarce. Therefore, this study presents examples that seek to examine the relationship between internationalization and environmental sustainability in six non-central Latin American (LA) universities. Data were sourced from semi-structured interviews and a review of secondary data. The practices of these universities demonstrate that rich experiences can be offered to the wider world by institutions in non-central positions. The study shows that non-central LA HEIs have a strong connection with their local and/or regional environment and tend to focus primarily on global issues that support local development, rather than internationalization practices.

This paper considers the changing nature of internationalisation in higher education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how this change has required institutions to strengthen the case for internationalisation by linking it more explicitly to institutional purpose. It argues that this development requires institutions to formulate approaches to internationalisation that are explicitly linked to vision and mission statements, that often directly cite the support and development of society in general and local communities specifically, as strategic institutional priorities. In turn, this requires an examination of how internationalisation is addressed in strategic statements and the implications for practical delivery. The paper is underpinned by the authors' understanding of the nature and operation of institutions of higher education which is exemplified by the MARS model. It briefly describes this model and argues that within it, internationalisation activities should be seen as a transversal theme, which affects all operations of the institution in a coordinated matter, rather than an isolated or “exceptional” activity which can be allocated exclusively to specialised units such as the International Office—termed “exceptionalism”. Exploring this theme further, the paper sets out how internationalisation should be embedded into all aspects of institutional operations in a way that is consistent with the hierarchy of priorities set out in the MARS model. A case study from Latin America in which this approach was adopted is presented in which some of the practical implications are considered. The paper concludes by exploring the implications of these outcomes and the potential for, and the nature of, future applications of the MARS model to the development and delivery of re-imagined internationalisation strategies in the post-COVID-19 world. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd

In recent years, research identifying the intersection between internationalization of higher education and sustainability development has gained relevance, as well as the role and responsibility of universities in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although higher education institutions (HEIs) have addressed environmental sustainability through a range of measures, studies on the relationship between internationalization and environmental sustainability are scarce. Therefore, this study presents examples that seek to examine the relationship between internationalization and environmental sustainability in six non-central Latin American (LA) universities. Data were sourced from semi-structured interviews and a review of secondary data. The practices of these universities demonstrate that rich experiences can be offered to the wider world by institutions in non-central positions. The study shows that non-central LA HEIs have a strong connection with their local and/...