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This cross-case analysis explores national level internationalisation of higher education (IoHE) policies in Singapore and Japan. Through comparison of the state level internationalisation strategies, this paper aims to highlight how each country's unique policy environment impacts their approach to IoHE. The analysis suggests that despite the differing national circumstances and ultimate approaches to internationalisation, both states use it primarily as a means to stay competitive in the twenty-first century global knowledge-based economy. This suggests that while IoHE does build bridges between nations, institutions, and individuals within and between regions, within these cases it is being driven by nationally-centred rationales. While some criticize a competition orientation in IoHE, even with such rationales it may still serve to drive greater collaboration and integration among East Asian higher education systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes a recent initiative of Japan's Ministry of Education, which aims to internationalize higher education in Japan. The large-investment project 'Top Global University Project' (TGUP) has emerged to create globally oriented universities, to increase the role of foreign languages in higher education, and to foster global human resources. The TGUP identifies 37 universities: 13 as 'top global universities' intended to compete in the top 100 university world rankings and 24 'global traction universities' intended to lead the internationalization of higher education in Japan. Despite the substantial funding behind this initiative, little research has been conducted to evaluate the potential impact of this policy on language planning in higher education in Japan. This paper addresses this gap in its exploration of the TGUP, including key changes from previous internationalization policies. It then presents an analysis of publicly available documents regarding the policy, collected from all 37 of the participant universities. Findings indicate a positive departure from older policy trends and the emergence of flexible, unique forms of English language education in Japan's universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internationalization of higher education is considered to be a major policy agenda in the global knowledge society. For Japan, internationalization has been a key driver in academic and social advancement, while its traditional culture and national identity have also been retained. Recently, a series of policies have been presented by the government, university, and industry to attract more students and top calibre researchers from Asia and further afield, and to enhance exchange and collaboration, internationalization at home, and global human resource development. Concurrently, the controversial nature of internationalization has been pointed out, as well as the stagnant mobility of Japanese students and their inward-looking attitude. This paper discusses the internationalization of Japanese higher education by examining the relevant policy, practice, and perceptions of the people and institutions concerned. The major findings reveal the complexity of internationalization as a dynamic process of change, its vulnerability and marginality, and the extent of the gap between policy and practice. The author also addresses the increased relevance of the research in this field to policy-making and practice in education and its contribution to the production of new knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internationalizing higher education has been recognized by domestic policy agendas across the globe as important. In addition to the inherent educational and scientific benefit there is a gaining understanding of its impact on the socio-economic scene. Nevertheless, the national scene is important when it comes to internationalizing. In Japan, the industrial and economic progress of neighboring countries serves as a key influence on Japanese policy direction and the internationalization process as a whole. This paper will mainly focus on both the opportunities arid issues of the internationalization of higher education in recent Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the dynamics of master's education in Japan resulting from various internationalization policies through a comparison of master's degree programs offered by Japan's "Super Global Universities (SGUs)" and the country's mass-market universities. Using case studies and interviews, the impact of internationalization policy and other external factors on the ecology of master's programs is examined, and the way in which the master's programs in these two different types of universities have reacted is analyzed. Although a common pattern of increases in the number of international students enrolled in these master's programs was observed, responses to the internationalization policies and external environmental changes were found to be diverse. Based on the study's findings, specific, targeted policies rather than broad generic policies aimed at promoting the internationalization of master's education in Japan are needed. The recruitment of qualified students and a balance of Japanese and international students in master's education is seen as a key to effectively implementing internationalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]