World Mission and Higher Education Internationalization: a Comparative
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World Mission and Higher Education Internationalization: A Comparative Study of Christian Universities in South Korea and Canada by Christina Jane Hwang A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education Ontario Institute for Studies in Education University of Toronto © Copyright by Christina Jane Hwang 2020 World Mission and Higher Education Internationalization: A Comparative Study of Christian Universities in South Korea and Canada Christina J. Hwang Doctor of Philosophy Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education Ontario Institute for Studies in Education University of Toronto 2020 Abstract This thesis explores the nature of internationalization activities at two Christian higher education institutions comparatively—one in South Korea and the other in Canada. A qualitative study, it examines the question of the extent to which an institution’s internationalization policies and programs reflect the core values of the evangelical Christian faith stated in their mission and vision statement. A conceptual framework was created using Jane Knight’s (2004) framework for internationalization and the concept of Holistic Christian world mission found in the Lausanne Covenant. This enables understanding of how the current theories of Christian world mission and the secular ideas of internationalization come together to influence the institutional mission. The history and context of each school also were studied to see how much they influence the internationalization strategies. The study found the evangelical core values of the Christian faith in the mission statements at each of the Christian higher education institution are strongly reflected in internationalization policies and programs. They are the driving force behind what they do in ii terms of internationalization ‘at-home’ and abroad. This is due to underlying motivation for the strategies of internationalization being the scriptural calling of Holistic Christian world mission. Consequently, a new values-based conceptual framework for internationalization emerged. The study revealed there are several intersections between the secular notions of internationalization and the values of Christian world mission in the precepts of the Lausanne Covenant. The socio-cultural rationales of Social and Community Development fuse closely with the motivations of Christian Social Responsibility which are tied with values of compassion, justice, reconciliation and mercy. Knight’s (2004) rationale of global citizenship development also intersects with the Great Commission’s calling to reach out to all nations. It is also linked to the Second Greatest Commandment of love and service for others and building of community through Christian discipleship and mentoring. The secular political rationale of technical assistance alongside peace and mutual understanding has values in common with those of the Lausanne Covenant, including Christian and Social Responsibility, Churches in Evangelistic Partnership, and Cooperation in Evangelism. However, context does affect the degree and types of engagement in internationalization programs. iii Acknowledgments This dissertation has been a long and life-changing journey full of excitement and challenges. In all of the enjoyment and stresses in the research and writing, I was able to keep moving forward because of my relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He is Dominus illuminatio mea, the source of my strength and hope. I first acknowledge and give thanks, glory and praise to Him. Many individuals have contributed to my intellectual development and this dissertation would not have come to completion without their support. First, I would like to express deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Ruth Hayhoe. Words cannot express how thankful I am for your continuous care, patience and kindness in this journey. Your vast scholarship and understanding in comparative education is admirable and your example of humbleness and grace towards your students is something I will personally cherish. Warmest thanks also go to my dissertation committee members, Dr. Glen Jones and Dr. George Sumner. I am grateful for your support, insights and the clarity you have brought to my writing throughout the process of this work. I am also thankful to Dr. John Stapleton, my external examiner for his interest and willingness to read and review my thesis. Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Jei, for your generous time and help with all the logistical support in arranging my time at Handong. Without your support, my research at Handong Global University would not have been possible. Thanks also to all my research participants at both Handong Global University and Tyndale University College, for giving your time and sharing your experiences. At OISE, I have been blessed with so many friendships along this scholarly and personal journey. Thank you to all of Dr. Hayhoe’s thesis group members and to my “office crew” in iv Room 6-277. This amazing community of people have brought valuable support in every way. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the friends and relatives outside of school who have given me encouragement. A special thank you goes to my friend Janice, who was there from my start at OISE. I will always think fondly of all our chats in the car after class and the many study sessions until the very end. Finally, my heart overflows with gratefulness and love for my family. First, to my strong and beautiful mother, Cecilia Hwang. She is a pianist and educator whose continuous care and sacrifice for myself and others brings a warmth and confidence to my soul. My father, Dr. Thomas Hwang, is a scholar, writer, pastor and man after God’s heart. Your passion for Christian world mission inspires me. Thank you, mom and dad, for your continuous encouragement and for being amazing examples of service to God and others. Thank you to my brother Jason, sister-in-law Soo, niece Leah, and nephew Matthew. Your prayers, smiles, and moral support mean the world to me. Thanks also to my little sister Andrea, brother-in-law Jiyung, and nephew Joshua. Andrea, you have always been my biggest cheerleader and faithful prayer partner through this adventure. All in all, I could not have asked for a more amazing squad to have alongside me. Saranghaeyo and gamsahamnida! v Table of Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................ iv Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ............................................................................................................................... xii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. xiii List of Appendices ...................................................................................................................... xiv Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem ......................................................................................................... 3 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................................. 5 Research Questions ................................................................................................................... 5 Definitions .................................................................................................................................. 5 Rationale and Significance of the Study ................................................................................. 6 Motivation of the Researcher ................................................................................................... 8 Organization of the Thesis ....................................................................................................... 9 Chapter 2: Literature Review ................................................................................................... 11 Christian World Mission and Evangelicalism ...................................................................... 11 The Lausanne Covenant ........................................................................................................ 17 Evangelicalism ...................................................................................................................... 19 Globalization and Internationalization ................................................................................. 21 Summary .................................................................................................................................. 27 Chapter 3: Research Methodology and Design ....................................................................... 29 Philosophical Worldview ........................................................................................................ 29 Conceptual Framework .......................................................................................................... 30 Rationale for Design Type .....................................................................................................