The Process of Internationalization in Higher Education: The Case of İnönü University

Globalization is a phenomenon that has been evident from the mid-20th century to the present day. This corresponds to a period in which national borders are eroding, information is becoming independent of space and time, and the contact between differences is intensifying. The circulation of capital globally and the effectiveness of soft power in diplomacy are also extensions of this situation, leading to changes in the relations between countries and in their economically based competition. Therefore, it is possible to observe the direct and indirect effects of globalization in almost every field, from economics to politics, from security to diplomacy, from culture to information and communication. Higher education can also be counted among these areas affected by globalization. Indeed, internationalization in higher education is an important agenda item in recent years, during which globalization has visibly developed. Countries now consider higher education as an important power element in global competition and develop policies related to this area. In terms of its international openings in recent years, Turkey has made significant progress towards internationalization in higher education. The fact that the country conducts public and cultural diplomacy activities alongside official diplomacy in many regions of the world, especially in Africa and Asia, is the most obvious evidence of this. Furthermore, the transformation of Turkey from a primary sending country to a destination country in higher education in recent years through programs such as Turkish Scholarships and student exchange programs also supports this view. Indeed, the easy access of international student candidates to higher education in Turkey, and the increasing number of international students coming to the country each year with the support of civil society organizations such as the Yunus Emre Institute, the Presidency of Turks Abroad and Related Communities, and the Maarif Foundation, has positioned Turkey as a destination country in international educational migration.