ABSTRACT
This study investigated key rationales and strategies of Lao public universities in internationalizing their higher education through review of the educational development plan, institutional strategic plans, and analysis of interviews and a survey of university staff. Findings revealed that the ASEAN Community is a key external driver for internationalization practices among Lao universities, alongside internal rationales – quality enhancement, capacity-building, and national-identity promotion. Lao universities have implemented various activities and programs, such as student mobility, joint curricular development, and research collaboration, as strategies for internationalization purposes. University staff perceived to sustain those activities to illustrate internationalization in teaching and research functions of the university and keep pace with regional and international development. However, the practices remain fragmented and ad hoc due to the lack of a separate strategic plan for internationalization, a heavy reliance on external resources, and a lack of monitoring mechanisms.
