Internationalization of Higher Education in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

The aim of this research is to find general trends and rationales for internationalization of higher education in Kyrgyzstan. The conceptual framework for this work is based on concepts developed by Knight and de Wit, Knight (2004). It used qualitative research, including secondary data and interviews. Although not very widely but internationalization became part of Kyrgyzstan higher education. There are student and staff mobility programs; the country hosts branches of foreign universities. Kyrgyzstan universities are creating extensive networks with world universities. Bologna process played major role in incorporating Kyrgyzstan education system to the world educational community. Kyrgyzstan has acquired international standards in terms of two-level cycle and credit hours. Along with that higher education is still facing problems and challenges. Corruption and low quality are among them. The study found that the most important rationale for internationalization is educational rationale. It is believed that internationalization improves academic quality. Economic, political and cultural/social rationales are also important.