ABSTRACT
Internationalization practices are often implemented to make the world a better place. However, study abroad and student mobility are increasingly commercialized, creating a growing concern in terms of equity and the potential of study abroad reproducing socioeconomic inequality. While recent developments such as the climate crisis and the COVID-19 outbreak show the need for global connectedness, there is an increasing awareness of sending students abroad to stimulate cross-cultural competence. In this first chapter, we discuss what the commercialization of study abroad has created the need to pay attention to equity issues. We lay the foundation for the chapters in this book by starting the discussion on the need for more inclusive and equitable ways to internationalize. We hope to work towards policy and pedagogy that make study abroad and student mobility more socially just.
