Reform of higher education in Eastern Europe: the role of internationalisation: Lithuania - a case study

Abstract

Assumptions have developed around the benefits of internationalisation; for example, that it promotes cultural integration and harmony, improves the quality of education and research, and improves country and institutional reputations internationally. By using Lithuania as a case study and adopting a stakeholder analysis approach, the purpose of the research is to assess the extent to which internationalisation might be an effective strategy to improve the quality of higher education in East European countries. It was found that internationalisation can present both opportunities and challenges to institutions. However, the overwhelming consensus among the range of stakeholders who participated in the study was that the benefits of internationalisation far outweigh the threats and disadvantages. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations that might be appropriate for many higher education institutions in Eastern Europe.