| This study assesses the internationalization of an American and Australian university by reviewing current practices of internationalization at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia and the University of South Carolina (USC) in South Carolina, United States. For the purpose of this study, internationalization refers to the integration of an international dimension into the teaching, research, and service functions of higher education institutions (Knight, 1997). To better understand the level of international focus of institutions in both countries, this study uses a multiple case study approach to compare strategies of internationalization at each university. Similarities and differences between the process of internationalizing higher education in each country are also identified.;The structure of internationalization in both countries has continuously evolved over the years, with Australia exhibiting a cohesive approach through national initiatives and government policies, and the United States displaying a more decentralized system that depends heavily on the initiatives of individual institutions. The study reveals internationalization as a comprehensive process that involves commitment from all levels of an institution. Both USC and UNSW possess initiatives and programs that increase the international dimension of their institutions and recognize the importance of internationalization as an important element of higher education today. |
