Internationalization in university processes: structural analysis for Latin American universities / La internacionalización en los procesos universitarios: un análisis estructural para universidades de Latinoamérica

Abstract

Internationalization is a key process in contemporary higher education, with recognized positive effects on university processes, especially scientific research and professional training. The internationalization models have evolved to the point that at present it becomes an indispensable requirement in university management systems, especially in Latin America as a region with the aim of achieving greater global integration. The objective of the research was to identify some key aspects that determine the influence of internationalization in Latin America university processes. The prospective method of structural analysis was applied, using the MICMAC software, which processes the criteria of 12 experts on the relationships between six identified variables of the theoretical analysis performed. It was determined, based on the criteria of the specialists, that the key variables to consider in the subject are globalization of higher education as an external variable; structural changes in the university and internationalization as an institutional strategic process as internal variables, among which the most important influence relationships also occur. To identify aspects, on which universities should focus attention, will allow establishing courses of action and / or strategies that contribute to boost the influence of internationalization on university processes.