Internationalization of Higher Education in an East Asia Context: A Hong Kong Experience

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of research study conducted in a prominent university in Hong Kong. The study set out to examine the effectiveness of the university’s policy of internationalisation, and identify ways in which the experience for international and non-local students could be enhanced. The study found that the issues of most concern to students were those of access to appropriate housing, financial support, effective recourse for student/staff conflict, and persistent stereotypes that reinforce inaccurate perceptions of international and non-local students as being wealthy. Ultimately, the core issue for many students was that of institutional culture rather than traditional or ethnic culture.