Published Literature Reviews

An overview of the subfield

This list highlights publications which review or synthesise existing research about various aspects related to international students and the broader internationalisation of higher education.

Note: These have been listed without a reflection on quality or criticality, and it is worth noting that several reviews are positioned from a deficit lens. Nonetheless, these papers are a helpful starting point for situating new research within existing knowledge. We recommend that more reviews about different topics are developed and published to further synthesise of known understandings about this topic.

Reviews of higher education studies broadly

Akbaritabar, A., & Barbato, G. (2021). An internationalised Europe and regionally focused Americas: A network analysis of higher education studies. European Journal of Education, 56(2), 216-234. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12446

Hamann, J., & Kosmützky, A. (2021). Does higher education research have a theory deficit? Explorations on theory work. European Journal of Higher Education, 11, 468-488. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568235.2021.2003715

Jung, J. & Horta, H. (2013). Higher education research in Asia: A publication and co-publication analysis. Higher Education Quarterly, 67(4), 398-419. https://doi.org/10.1111/hequ.12015

Kim, Y., Horta, H., & Jung, J. (2017). Higher education research in Hong Kong, Japan, China, and Malaysia: Exploring research community cohesion and the integration of thematic approaches. Studies in Higher Education, 42(1), 149-168. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2015.1036850

Liu, S., Liu, M., Jiang, H., Lin, Y., & Xu, K. (2019). International comparison of themes in higher education research. Higher Education Research & Development, 38(7), 1445-1460. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2019.1654438

Macfarlane, B. (2022). A voyage around the ideological islands of higher education research. Higher Education Research & Development, 41(1), 107-115. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2021.2002275

Macfarlane, B. (2012). The higher education research archipelago. Higher Education Research & Development, 31(1), 129–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2012.642846

Mason, S., Merga, M.K., González Canché, M.S., & Mat Roni, S. (2021). The internationality of published higher education scholarship: How do the ‘top’ journals compare? Journal of Informetrics, 15(2), 101155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2021.101155

Tight, M. (2015). Theory development and application in higher education research: Tribes and territories. Higher Education Policy, 28, 277-293. https//doi.org/10.1057/hep.2014.11

Tight, M. (2019). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of higher education research. European Journal of Higher Education, 9(2), 133-152. https://doi.org/10.1080/21568235.2018.1541752

Tight, M. (2023). The curriculum in higher education research: A review of the research literature. Innovations in Education and Teaching International. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2023.2166560

Vlegels, J., & Huisman, J. (2021). The emergence of the higher education research field (1976-2018): Preferential attachment, smallworldness, and fragmentation in its collaboration networks. Higher Education, 81, 1079-1095. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-020-00600-8

Zavale, N.C., & Schneijderberg, C. (2022). Mapping the field of research on African higher education: a review of 6483 publications from 1980 to 2019. Higher Education, 83, 199-233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-020-00649-5

Reviews of research about the internationalisation of higher education

Bedenlier, S., Kondakci, Y., & Zawacki-Richter, O. (2017). Two decades of research into internationalization of higher education: Major themes in the Journal of Studies in International Education. Journal of Studies in International Education, 22(2), 108-135. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315317710093

Enaifoghe, O.A. (2018). Implication of African knowledge and learning system for internationalisation. African Renaissance, 15(4). https://journals.co.za/doi/epdf/10.31920/2516-5305/2018/v15n4a12

George Mwangi, C., Latafat, S., Hammond, S., Kommers, S., Thoma, H., Berger, J., & Blanco-Ramirez, G. (2018). Criticality in international higher education research: A critical discourse analysis of higher education journals. Higher Education, 76(6), 1091–1107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-018-0259-9

Ghani, N.A., Teo, P., Ho, T.C.F., Choo, L.S., Kelena, B.W.Y., Adam, S., & Ramily, M.K. (2022). Bibliometric analysis of global research trends on higher education internationalization using Scous database: Towards sustainability of higher education institutions. Sustainability, 14(14), 8810. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148810

Harrison, N. (2015). Practice, problems and power in “internationalisation at home”: Critical reflections on recent research evidence. Teaching in Higher Education, 20(4), 412–430. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2015.1022147

Kuzhabekova, A., Hendel, D.D., & Chapman, D.W. (2015). Mapping global research on international higher education. Research in Higher Education, 56, 861-882. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-015-9371-1

Kosmützky, A., & Putty, R. (2016). Transcending borders and trasversing boundaries: A systematic review of the literature on transnational, offshore, cross-border, and borderless higher education. Journal of Studies in International Education, 20(1), 8-33. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315315604719

Kosmützky, A., & Krücken, G. (2014). Growth or steady state? A bibliometric focus on international comparative higher education research. Higher Education, 67, 457-472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-013-9694-9

Mittelmeier, J., & Yang, Y. (2022). The role of internationalisation in 40 years of higher education research: major themes from Higher Education Research & Development (1982–2020). Higher Education Research & Development, 41(1), 75-91. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2021.2002272

Mittelmeier, J., Lomer, S., Al-Furqani, S., & Huang, D. (2022). Internationalisation and students’ outcomes and experiences: A review of the literature 2011-2022. Advance HE. Available at: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/membership/student-success-framework-series/student-success-framework-series-review-and-redesign-internationalisaton-he

Montgomery, C. (2020). Exploring rurality and ethnicity in globalised higher education: Ideologies, intersections and narratives in doctoral research theses. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, 50(7), 978-994. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2020.1756744

Montgomery, C. (2019). Surfacing “Southern” perspectives on student engagement with internationalization: Doctoral theses as alternative forms of knowledge. Journal of Studies in International Education, 23(1), 123-138. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315318803743

Tight, M. (2022). Internationalisation of higher education beyond the West: challenges and opportunities – the research evidence. Educational Research and Evaluation, 27(3-4), 239-259. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803611.2022.2041853

Tight, M. (2021). Globalization and internationalization as frameworks for higher education research. Research Papers in Education, 36(1), 52-74. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2019.1633560

Yemini, M., & Sagie, N. (2016). Research on internationalisation in higher education – exploratory analysis. Perspectives: Policy and Practice in Higher Education, 20(2-3), 90-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603108.2015.1062057

Reviews about research with international students specifically

Abdullah, D., Abd Aziz, M.I., & Mohd Ibrahim, A.L. (2014). A “research” into international student-related research: (Re)Visualising our stand?. Higher Education, 67, 235-253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-013-9647-3

Alharbi, E.S., & Smith, A.P. (2018). Review of the literature on stress and wellbeing of international students in English-speaking countries. International Education Studies, 11(6), 22-44. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v11n6p22

Bista, K., & Gaulee, U. (2017). Recurring themes across fractal issues facing international students: A thematic analysis of 2016 dissertations and theses. Journal of International Students, 7(4), 1135–1151. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v7i4.198

Brunsting, N.C., Zachry, C., & Takeuchi, R. (2018). Predictors of undergraduate international student psychosocial adjustment to US universities: A systematic review from 2009-2018. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 66, 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2018.06.002

Campbell, A.C., & Neff, E. (2020). A systematic review of international higher education scholarships for students from the global south. Review of Educational Research, 90(6), 824-861. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654320947783

Cao, C., & Meng, Q. (2022). A systematic review of predictors of international students’ cross-cultural adjustment in China: Current knowledge and agenda for future research. Asia Pacific Education Review, 23, 45–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-021-09700-1

Cao, Q.T., Vuong, Q.H., Pham, H.H., Luong, D.H., Ho, M.T., Hoang, A.D., & Do, M.T. (2021). A bibliometric review of research on international students’ mental health: Science mapping of the literature from 1957 to 2020. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology, and Education, 11(3), 781-794. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe11030056

Eden, A., Fleet, J.A., & Cominos, N. (2021). The learning experiences of international students in nursing and midwifery programs: A literature review. Nurse Education in Practice, 52, 103-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103027

Gao, Y. (2021). Understanding of international doctoral students’ challenges: A literature review study. Journal of International Students, 11(2), 505-513. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i2.2065

Gümüş, S., Gök, E., & Esen, M. (2019). A review of research on international student mobility: Science mapping the existing knowledge base. Journal of Studies in International Education, 24(5), 495-517. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315319893651

Heng, T.T. (2020). Examining the role of theory in qualitative research: A literature review of studies on Chinese international students in higher education. Journal of International Students, 10(4), 798-816. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v10i4.1571

Krsmanovic, M. (2021). The synthesis and future directions of empirical research on international students in the United States: The insights from one decade. Journal of International Students, 11(1), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i1.1955

Khanal, J., & Gualee, U. (2019). Challenges of international students from pre-departure to post-study: A literature review. Journal of International Students, 9(2), 560-581. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v9i2.673

Lee, K., & Bligh, B. (2019). Four narratives about online international students: a critical literature review. Distance Education, 40(2), 153-169. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2019.1600363

Lillyman, S., & Bennett, C. (2014). Providing a positive learning experience for international students studying at UK universities: A literature review. Journal of Studies in International Education, 13(1), 63-75. https://doi.org/10.1177/1475240914529859

Li, J., Wang, Y., & Xiao, F. (2014). East Asian international students and psychological well-being: A systematic review. Journal of International Students, 4(4), 301-313. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v4i4.450

Lo, W.YW. (2019). Beyond competition: A comparative review of conceptual approaches to international student mobility. Globalisation, Societies, and Education, 17(3), 261-273. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2018.1525283

Lomer, S., & Mittelmeier, J. (2021). Mapping the research on pedagogies with international students in the UK: A systematic literature review. Teaching in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2021.1872532

López-Duarte, C., Maley, J.F., & Vidal-Suárez, M.M. (2021). Main challenges to international student mobility in the European arena. Scientometrics, 126, 8957-8980. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-021-04155-y

Nguyen, H., Grafsky, E., & Lambert-Shute, J. (2017). The experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer international students: A systematic review. Journal of Underrepresented and Minority Progress, 1(1), 80-94. https://doi.org/10.32674/jump.v1i1.39

Netz, N., & Cordua, F. (2021). Does studying abroad influence graduates’ wages? A literature review. Journal of International Students, 11(4), 768-789. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v11i4.4008

Pham, H.H., Dong, T.K.T., Vuong, Q.H., Luong, D.H., Nguyen, T.T., Dinh, V.H., & Ho, M.T. (2021). A bibliometric review of research on international student mobilities in Asia with Scopus dataset between 1984 and 2019. Scientometrics, 126, 5201-5224. https://doi.org/s11192-021-03965-4

Safipour, J., Wenneberg, S., & Hadziabdic, E. (2017). Experiences of education in the international classroom: A systematic literature review. Journal of International Students, 7(3), 806-824. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.570035

Sleeman, J., Lang, C., & Lemon, N. (2016). Social media challenges and affordances for international students: Bridges, boundaries, and hybrid spaces. Journal of Studies in International Education, 20(5), 391-415. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315316662975

Smith, R.A., & Khawaja, N.G. (2011). A review of the acculturation experiences of international students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 35(6), 699-713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2011.08.004

Wu, Y., Liu, W., Liu, A., Lin-Schilstra, L., & Lyu, P. (2021). International students’ mental health care in China: A systematic review. Healthcare, 9(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121634

Xu, C. L. (2021). Portraying the ‘Chinese international students’: a review of English-language and Chinese-language literature on Chinese international students (2015–2020). Asia Pacific Education Review, 23(1), 151-167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-021-09731-8

Xu, X., Schönrock-Adema, J., Jaarsma, A.D.C., Duvivier, R.J., & Bos, N.A. (2022). A conducive learning environment in international higher education: A systematic review of research on students’ perspectives. Educational Research Review, 37, 100474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2022.100474

Zhai, K., Gao, X., & Wang, G. (2019). Factors for Chinese students choosing Australian higher education and motivation for return: A systematic review. SAGE Open, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019850263

Zhang-Wu, Q. (2018). Chinese international students’ experiences in American higher education institutes: A critical review of the literature. Journal of International Students, 8(2), 1173-1197. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v8i2.139

Zhang, J., & Goodson, P. (2011). Predictors of international students’ psychosocial adjustment to life in the United States: A systematic review. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 35(2), 139-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2010.11.011

Zhou, Y., Jindal-Snape, D., Topping, K., & Todman, J. (2008). Theoretical models of culture shock and adaptation in international students in higher education. Studies in Higher Education, 33(1), 63-75. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075070701794833

Other literature reviews of potential interest

Adefila, A., Teixeira, R. V., Morini, L., Teixeira Garcia, M.L., Delboni, T.M.Z.G.F., Spolander, G., & Khalil-Babatunde, M. (2022). Higher education decolonisation: #Whose voices and their geographical location? Globalisation, Societies, and Education, 20(3), 262-276. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2021.1887724

George Mwangi, C.A., Mansour, K., & Hedayet, M. (2021). Immigrant identity and experiences in U.S. higher education research: A systematic review. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 23(2), 45-69. https://doi.org/10.18251/ijme.v23i2.2375

Guzmán Valenzuela, C. (2021). Disrupting curricula and pedagogies in Latin American universities: Six criteria for decolonising the university. Teaching in Higher Education, 26(7-8), 1019-1037. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2021.1935846

Harris, J.C. & Patton, L.D. (2019). Un/doing intersectionality through higher education research. The Journal of Higher Education, 90(3), 347-372. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221546.2018.1536936

Kudo, K., Volet, S., & Whitsed, C. (2017). Intercultural relationship development at university: a systematic literature review from an ecological and person-in-context perspective. Educational Research Review, 20, 99 116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2017.01.001

McCoy, D. L., & Rodricks, D.J. (2015). “Critical Race Theory in higher education: 20 years of theoretical and research innovations.” ASHE Higher Education Report, 41(3), 1–117. https://doi.org/10.1002/aehe.2015.41.issue-3

Nichols, S., & Stahl, G. (2019). Intersectionality in higher education research: A systematic literature review. Higher Education Research & Development, 38(6), 1255-1268. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2019.1638348

Wimpenny, K., Beelen, J., & King, V. (2020). Academic development to support the internationalization of the curriculum (IoC): A qualitative research synthesis. International Journal for Academic Development, 25(3), 218-231. https://doi.org/10.1080/1360144X.2019.1691559

Volet, S., & Jones, C. (2012). Cultural transitions in higher education: individual adaptation, transformation and engagement. Advances in Motivation and Achievement, 17, 241–284. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0749-7423(2012)0000017012

Yallew, A.T., Vitorino Langa, P., & Nkhoma, N. (2021). English language in African higher education: A systematic review. South African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 39(1), 5-29. https://doi.org/10.2989/16073614.2021.1914695

Journal special issues about internationalisation

Journal of International Students: “Internationalization for an Uncertain Future” (2021)

Journal of Studies in International Education: “Reimagining Internationalization for Society” (2021)

Journal of International Students: “国际学生杂志“中国留学生”特刊: Special Issue on International Students in China” (2020)

Journal of International Students: “Reflection and reflective thinking” (2020)

Journal of Studies in International Education: “Moving Beyond “North” and “South”: New Global Perspectives on International Research Collaborations” (2020)

Teaching in Higher Education: “Educational mobilities and internationalised higher education: Critical perspectives” (2019)

Journal of Studies in International Education: “Engaging Students in International Education” (2019)

European Journal of Higher Education: “Twenty Years of the Bologna Process – reflecting on its global strategy from the perspective of motivations and external responses” (2019)

European Journal of Higher Education: “Perspectives on the Internationalisation of and in Higher Education” (2018)

Journal of Studies in International Education: “Internationalization and research” (2018)

Globalisation, Society, and Education: “International student migration and mobility policies: theoretical and empirical insights” (2018)

Studies in Higher Education: “The international student experience: Voices and perspectives” (2017)

Journal of Studies in International Education: “Global citizenship” (2017)

European Journal of Higher Education: “Higher education and mobilities” (2017)

Journal of International Students: “International student success” (2016)

Journal of Studies in International Education: “Transnational higher education” (2016)

European Journal of Higher Education: “Europeanization, Internationalization and Higher Education Reforms in Central and Eastern Europe” (2015)

Higher Education Research and Development: “Internationalising the home student” (2013)

Journal of Studies in International Education: “Internationalising Higher Education in Southeast Asia: Government and Institutional Responses” (2013)

Book series about internationalisation

Routledge: Internationalization in Higher Education (edited by Elspeth Jones)
Routledge: Studies in Global Student Mobility (edited by Krishna Bista and Chris Glass)

With thanks to Heather Cockayne, Daian Huang, and Said Al Furqani for their contributions to this list.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.