Internationalization of higher education: potentials and pitfalls for nursing education.
BACKGROUND
Internationalization, an integral part of strategic planning initiatives in universities around the world, is occurring within the context of globalization. As we move toward greater internationalization in nursing education, we must understand the ideologies that currently underpin globalization and their fit with the vision and mission of nursing.


OBJECTIVE
To outline the current debates surrounding internationalization and globalization and their potential consequences for universities.


METHODS
The historical and current interest in internationalization and globalization are reviewed briefly in order to set the context for this discussion.


CONCLUSIONS
What emerges from an analysis of current internationalization directions is the complexity of the relationship between internationalization and the conflicting ideologies underpinning globalization. Nursing can play a key role within universities to ensure that varying viewpoints are debated and the implications of varying internationalization decisions are understood.
Allen
M
M
Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. marion.allen@ualberta.ca
Ogilvie
L
L
D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003479:Curriculum; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D017145:Models, Educational; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D011057:Politics; D016730:Program Development; D012922:Social Change; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration