Internationalization of Higher Education under the Belt and Road Initiatives: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This is a systematic literature review of the internationalization of higher education in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (bri). Following the systematic literature review methods, the author selected eight English and 29 Chinese studies in the academic databases. Through an inductive thematic analysis, the author synthesized five primary themes: (a) philosophical and theoretical foundations of brieducation; (b) introduction of higher education development in bri countries; (c) higher education cooperation between China and bri countries; (d) international higher education and economic development; and (e) international student education management. The goal of this review is to underline new opportunities and challenges of bri education discussed within the literature and to present how the research can inform scholars, practitioners, and policymakers in the field of international higher education. It called for more joint research among Chinese scholars and overseas scholars in bri countries. In terms of the future research direction, the author suggested more research on the theoretical exploration and empirical investigation in international higher education within the context of bri.