The Impacts of Internationalization on Quality Assurance Policy: A Comparative Study of Finland and Taiwan

Abstract

Internationalization and quality assurance have become the central considerations of higher education development currently. The aim of this research is to explore and compare the impacts of internationalization on quality assurance policy in Finland and Taiwan. To achieve this aim, the general impacts of internationalization on quality assurance policy have been discussed first. Next, the empirical research of Finland and Taiwan are conducted by qualitative interviews of higher education policy actors and the institutional implementers of the higher education institutions. The impacts of internationalization on quality assurance policy are analyzed and proposed through the six dimensions of policy problem, policy objectives, policy instruments, policy linkage, policy performance, and policy challenges. In addition, facing the impacts of internationalization, the similarities and differences between Finnish and Taiwanese higher education policy are discussed by means of a comparative study.

In this research, the link between internationalization and quality assurance policy of Finland and Taiwan has identified. Besides, the national quality assurance policies of Finland and Taiwan have reflected the synergy of national context, regional impact and international impact. Based on the findings, quality assurance plays an important role for the further development of internationalized higher education. However, accompanying the internationalization of higher education, new challenges have arisen for the development of quality assurance policy.

Key words: internationalization, quality assurance, policy analysis