Discursive (mis)alignments in internationalization: The case of International Medical Programmes

International Medical Programmes (IMPs) form a distinctive modality in medical education, with diverse student populations, English as a language of instruction and 'globalized' curricula. A lack of common understanding of IMPs' purposes and role in the medical education landscape tri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical teacher 2024-08, p.1
Main Authors: Brouwer, Emmaline E, Frambach, Janneke M, Driessen, Erik W, Martimianakis, Maria Athina Tina
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:International Medical Programmes (IMPs) form a distinctive modality in medical education, with diverse student populations, English as a language of instruction and 'globalized' curricula. A lack of common understanding of IMPs' purposes and role in the medical education landscape triggers critiques. This study aims to document the effects of different discourses used to justify the purpose of IMPs.PURPOSEInternational Medical Programmes (IMPs) form a distinctive modality in medical education, with diverse student populations, English as a language of instruction and 'globalized' curricula. A lack of common understanding of IMPs' purposes and role in the medical education landscape triggers critiques. This study aims to document the effects of different discourses used to justify the purpose of IMPs.We use a discourse analysis approach to explore the different ways in which the purposes of IMPs are constructed at the regulatory, institutional, and individual level, and how these discourses interact. The research situates in two IMPs, in the Netherlands and in Hungary. Key-informant interviews, policy documents, and scholarly literature form the archive.METHODSWe use a discourse analysis approach to explore the different ways in which the purposes of IMPs are constructed at the regulatory, institutional, and individual level, and how these discourses interact. The research situates in two IMPs, in the Netherlands and in Hungary. Key-informant interviews, policy documents, and scholarly literature form the archive.The purpose of IMPs is constructed discursively around three distinct narratives and associated practices: around serving the institutions that host them, around serving the (global) public interest, and around serving individual students. Co-existence and misalignments of these three discourses cause conflicting practices and confusion among stakeholders.RESULTSThe purpose of IMPs is constructed discursively around three distinct narratives and associated practices: around serving the institutions that host them, around serving the (global) public interest, and around serving individual students. Co-existence and misalignments of these three discourses cause conflicting practices and confusion among stakeholders.This study illustrates how diverging perspectives on internationalization in medical education create tensions for learners and staff. Articulating a clear and explicit meaning to internationalization may reduce uncertainties, and may rein
ISSN:1466-187X
1466-187X
DOI:10.1080/0142159X.2024.2382852