The Evolving Landscape of Internationalization of Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Decade of Bibliometric Evidence

The internationalization of higher education has become a strategic priority for universities worldwide; however, its implementation has been uneven across various regions. The study examines internationalization processes in Latin America and the Caribbean through a bibliometric analysis of SCOPUS-indexed literature, identifying research trends, thematic shifts, and gaps as universities in the region strive to position themselves as key actors in education and knowledge production. A quantitative methodology employing bibliometric analysis tools was employed to analyze trends in publications, language distribution, country contributions, leading authors, key journals, and thematic evolution over the past decade (2014–2024). The dataset was categorized according to strategic internationalization priorities, allowing for a systematic assessment of the scholarly discourse on higher education internationalization in the region. The analysis reveals a significant upward trajectory in scholarly output, with Brazil and Colombia emerging as the most active contributors. Dominant themes include curriculum development, institutional management, student mobility, and language policies and practices, while academic staff engagement, and outreach/social responsibility are gaining attention. This study provides a comprehensive, data-driven perspective on the evolution of internationalization of higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean. Analyzing the evolving landscape of research trajectories, thematic development, and collaboration networks provides valuable insights for policymakers and institutional leaders seeking to enhance international collaboration and promote a more equitable approach to internationalization in the region.