A strategic model for enhancing internationalization of graduate programs in public universities in Thailand

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the current and desired situations; analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and develop a strategic model for enhancing internationalization of graduate programs in public universities in Thailand. This study employed a mixed methodology between quantitative method and qualitative method. The quantitative approach investigated the current and desired situations of internationalization of graduate programs in public universities in Thailand from 400 program directors or committee members by questionnaires. Data obtained from the returned questionnaires were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and Priority Needs Index. In addition, the qualitative approach was employed to investigate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of management of internationalization of graduate programs in public universities in Thailand from 16 program directors or committee members by interviews. Data obtained from the structured interview were analyzed and synthesized by typological analysis based on SWOT analysis. Finally, the proposed strategies and strategic model were verified and evaluated by 7 individuals with high level of expertise. The results reveal that the item with the highest priority need is training. It is followed by external partnerships and cooperation, research, institutional services and extra-curricular activities, and domestic students with participation in international activities. Strategies for enhancing internationalization of graduate programs in public universities in Thailand consisted of 11 strategies under 5 internationalization components. Training component consists of developing training plans and monitoring mechanism to achieve internationalization, choosing strategic positioning and unique value proposition and collaborating with foreign partners in international trainings. Partnership component consists of collaborating with international partners on international activities and establishing partnership with clear expected outputs and building networks and strengthening collaboration to sustain internationalization. Research component consists of encouraging involvement in international research projects, pursuing international research collaboration, and aligning research goals, selecting strategic partners that serve strategic positioning. Institutional services and extracurricular activities component consists of integrating extracurricular activities with other internationalization strategies and into the everyday culture and experience of staff members and students and offering supportive campus resources services. Domestic students with participation in international activities component consists of providing all types of international activities inside the country and abroad and generating a competitive advantage from foreign language skills and cultural knowledge.