Faculty Member Engagement in the Context of Internationalization at Home at the University of Iceland: A Collective Case Study

Abstract

Internationalization at Home (IaH) has been promoted as means to increase international and intercultural education on the home campus. Considering Iceland’s recent increases in immigration, such education is crucial not only for students and members of the academic community, but also for the populations in greater Iceland. This study examines faculty members’ engagement in the practices of IaH at the University of Iceland. Employing a collective case study methodology, this investigation includes multiple streams of data including interviews, documents, photographs and observation to understand the specific practices of IaH and subsequent development that stems from the participants’ engagement. A portrait of adult learning constructed from a variety of learning theories and concepts is used in interpreting growth from practices of IaH. Key findings indicate that participants understand IaH as a project of integrating cultural diversity in the campus community and that their role in IaH centers around fostering awareness of diversity through practices of teaching, research, building and maintaining networks and connecting with Icelandic society. Additionally, participants learn through this engagement, particularly through critical reflection, dialectical thinking and authenticity in teaching. This growth develops a more transformative internationalization for themselves and their institution. The findings are useful in understanding how IaH is enacted and has implications for supporting internationalization of faculty at the University of Iceland.