Internationalization and Intercultural Experience – a Core Value for University Communities

Recognizing higher education (HE) as a common good and taking it in a new direction reveals the true potential of higher education‘s transformative power, which transcends the existing modernization agenda. The article examines the shortcomings of modernization in HE and analyzes the events that require a deeper transformation – the COVID-19 pandemic, digital transformation, the drive for sustainable development, the changing geopolitical context and societal demands. This brings approaches to internationalization and the development of intercultural skills to the fore. Internationalization has been cited as an essential factor in the necessary transformation. Its contributions to students, faculty, and institutions are reviewed, which are summarized in several areas – cultural interaction and international experience, academic benefits, personal development, professional development, and improving employability