Then and Now: Thoughts on Education Abroad

Over the last decades education abroad has become more professional. In contrast, most of the elders came into the field from diverse backgrounds. Professionalization has brought demonstrable benefits but, simultaneously, a greater uniformity of thought. The dominant narrative of the value of education abroad has moved from collective good to individual benefit, from idealism to utilitarianism. Shifts in global politics have also challenged the ideological root of internationalism. Since the 1990s, the emergence of radical nationalisms, and militant parochialism has generated closed ideologies in direct collision with the values of international education. We are, thus, in the business of politics. Despite dark political clouds, we have faith in the inexorable curiosity of the young that will not be restrained by real or metaphorical borders. Mobility of mind and body is an aspiration of thoughtful humanity across the world.

Keywords: Professionalization. Nationalism. Xenophobia. Commodification. Utilitarianism. Ideologies. Idealism.

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