Shifts in german internationalization: A new space for academic capitalism

Abstract

In the span of three decades the notion of the “internationalization of higher education” expanded from a collection of uncoordinated, individual projects and programs to an all-encompassing, conceptually ambiguous, complex and fluid term. Despite its widespread use, ‘internationalization’ is far from a clearly defined concept. Under its auspices we find a collection of practices ranging from intercultural language exchanges to construction of branch or foreign-backed campuses in other countries. In looking at these new internationalization activities it is evident that many are gradually incorporating an economic rationale alongside, and in some cases in place of, the traditional emphasis on education as a common good. The mechanisms used to incorporate a more economic rationale are often aligned with market or market-like practices that allow for academic capitalist perspectives to gain ground. This chapter explores how the emergence and promotion of an international student marketing initiative in the context of the German higher education system opens up opportunities for practices that share similar elements to those higher education systems that follow a more academic capitalist approach. In the German case, however, aspects of academic capitalism come forth in a more coordinated manner due to the work of federal-level organizations that are organizing change in a collective and scripted manner.