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Internationalization of Higher Education in China Internationalization of Higher Education in China: A Case Study of International Branch Campuses by Jing Xiao A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Adult, Community, and Higher Education Department of Educational Policy Studies University of Alberta © Jing Xiao, 2017 Abstract Over the past few decades, internationalization of higher education has become a key focus for universities in measuring excellence and innovation. As such, one of the most visible dimensions of internationalization is expanding partnerships with universities around the world. As the outcome of an increasingly globalized economy, the internationalization of higher education has been manifested at various levels including the emergence of international for- profit providers, and the changing position of emerging economies like China. This study investigated how China chose to embrace the internationalization of higher education by developing international branch campuses as partnerships with foreign institutions. The purpose of this study was to explore the rationales and approaches in China’s efforts to strategically internationalize its higher education sector through collaboration, with a specific focus on the international branch campuses in China. International branch campuses reveal the intersection of a state’s social and economic priorities, with higher education institutions as the focal point. In this study I used a qualitative research methodology by applying a case study approach that focuses on four international branch campuses: University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), New York University Shanghai (NYU Shanghai, and Duke Kunshan University (DKU). Participants included senior university administrators, government officials, faculty members, and researchers in the topic area. The analysis of the findings involved developing an initial conceptual framework drawing on key political and economic ideas of neoliberal globalization, Socialist Market Economy, and the Post-Confucian Model of higher education. Six key themes emerged from the data analysis: understanding of academic freedom, issue of educational sovereignty, concept of nation building, demand for quality assurance, discussion on knowledge exchange, and interpretation of internationalization. Based on these key findings, I revised the conceptual ii framework to better account for how internationalization, as manifested in Chinese higher education, is the driver to reconcile some of the tensions between best practices found in foreign higher education and Chinese higher education. International branch campuses in China are an emerging model of hybridization and the manifestation of China’s effort to reconcile such tensions. I also developed a policy framework for international collaboration, which is comprised of three components that represent a reciprocal approach to internationalization. This study is a timely investigation of international higher education policies and practices in China. The findings not only reveal China’s changing stance on the world higher education stage, but also have significant theoretical and policy implications for foreign institutions considering similar joint education ventures. iii Preface This thesis is an original work by Jing Xiao. The research project, of which this thesis is a part, received research ethics approval from the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board, Project name “Internationalization of higher education in China: A case study of international branch campuses”, No. Pro00042880, December 12, 2013. iv Acknowledgments Completing this dissertation has been a tremendous experience for me. It was not just a process of acquiring new knowledge or obtaining a degree, but more a journey of self- exploration and personal growth. I would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank the following individuals who supported me in my exploration and growth. First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Randolph Wimmer, for his unwavering support in both my academic and professional development. He guided me through my program with his knowledge and expertise in higher education, and more importantly his invaluable insights of learning as a personal journey. I want to sincerely thank the members of my supervisory committee, Dr. Paul Newton and Dr. Ali Abdi, for their encouragement and guidance at all stages of my doctoral studies. Thank you to the members of my examining committee, Dr. Andre Grace, Dr. George Richardson, and Dr. Lynette Shultz, for their time and expertise in supporting my research and offering valuable comments in the dissertation process. I also would like to thank Dr. Paul Tarc, my external examiner, for his time and interest in reading my dissertation and providing constructive feedback. Thank you to all my participants at the international branch campuses in China. I am very grateful for their time and generosity of sharing their experiences with me. My research interest was greatly inspired by conversations with my friends and former colleagues in China. I would like to thank Dr. Xuelan Liu, and my friends in Beijing and Xiamen University for sharing their insights of my research and providing support during my data collection process. My program at the University of Alberta has been enjoyable because of some mentors who became friends and friends who became mentors. My sincere gratitude goes to Dr. Dip v Kapoor, for his guidance at the initial stage of my program. I want to express a deep appreciation to Dr. Beth Young, for her friendship and mentorship. I would like to thank Dr. Gus Riveros and Dr. Joe Corrigan for their support as friends and colleagues. Thank you to my best friend, Qian Huang, for her ongoing support and friendship. I would also like to thank my dear friend, Jorge Sousa, for supporting me through this journey, believing in me, and being proud of me. My final thoughts go to my parents, Changmei Wang and Yunkun Xiao. Thank you for your understanding and patience over the years in supporting me to pursue this degree. Mom and Dad, you may not always understand the challenging path I chose for my life, but you are always there to give me the strongest moral support. Chinese people do not often say “thank you” between family members, but I want to thank you both for your trust and endless love. vi Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ ii! Preface ......................................................................................................................................................... iv! Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................................v! Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... vii! List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................. ix! Chapter 1 – Introduction ............................................................................................................................1! Background of the Phenomenon ...............................................................................................................2! Statement of the Research Problem ...........................................................................................................6! Research Purpose and Research Questions ...............................................................................................8! Significance of the Study ...........................................................................................................................9! Researcher’s Positionality .......................................................................................................................10! Organization of the Thesis .......................................................................................................................12! Definition of Terms .................................................................................................................................14! Chapter 2 – Global and International Higher Education ......................................................................16! Globalization and Internationalization ....................................................................................................17! Internationalization: Trends, Forms, Rationales, Challenges ..................................................................23! Transnational and Cross-border Higher Education .................................................................................27! International Branch Campuses ...............................................................................................................30! Chapter 3 – Higher Education in China ..................................................................................................34! Historical Context of Higher Education in China ...................................................................................35! Development of A Chinese University Model ........................................................................................43! Internationalization of Chinese Higher Education
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