| Abstract: | British universities have, in recent years, come under increasing pressure to respond to 'international' and 'global' trends. This affects student composition, professional standards and research orientation, as well as competitiveness in research and the provision of facilities. This article sets the internationalization in historical context, identifies different meanings of the word 'international' and argues that in three key areas–language competence, area studies and information technology–current policies may be mistaken. The author concludes with a critical account of how factors external to the university may inhibit, rather than promote, fulfilment of its international responsibilities. |
