Theoretical Foundations and Teaching Reform Strategies for Local Internationalization in Business English Programs: A Case of Longyan University
Journal: Journal of Higher Education Research DOI: 10.32629/jher.v6i5.4585
Abstract
This article advances a systems model for “local internationalization” in Business English at regional teaching-oriented universities. Combining IaH, ICC, and an educational-ecology lens, we identify curricular, faculty, structural, and campus-climate barriers and propose a four-pillar pathway — curriculum, faculty, campus, community. Using Longyan University as a conceptual case, we link inputs and incentives to course-embedded tasks and multi-method ICC assessment. Emphasizing glocal industry alignment and virtual collaboration (e.g., COIL), we offer an evaluation toolkit and sustainability levers to deliver equitable participation and measurable ICC gains without outbound mobility.
Keywords
Internationalization at Home (IaH), Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC), educational ecology, business English, local internationalization, curriculum reform, faculty development
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[5] Zeng Y, Li H, Chen Q. Chinese undergraduates’ perceptions of Internationalization at Home: Curriculum, resources, and institutional support[J]. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025, 12(1): 5599. DOI:10.1057/s41599-025-05599-w.
[6] Xu L, Wang T. Developing and assessing intercultural communicative competence in technical universities: A framework approach[J]. Scientific Reports, 2025, 15(1): 15462. DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-03303-1.
[7] Yang J, Liu Y, Zhang M. Intercultural communicative competence among Chinese EFL students: An empirical investigation[J]. Asian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2025, 12(2): 45–59.
[8] Galán-Lomíñchar M, De la Fuente M J, Fombona J. Virtual exchange and IaH in higher education: Enhancing self-efficacy and intercultural engagement[J]. Nurse Education Today, 2024, 141: 107821. DOI:10.1016/j.nedt.2024.107821.
[9] Xu F, Feng Y. Intercultural communicative competence in EFL contexts: A systematic review[J]. Cogent Education, 2025, 12(1): 2557608. DOI:10.1080/2331186X.2025.2557608.
[10] Leask B. Internationalizing the curriculum[M]. 1st ed. London: Routledge, 2015.
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