Reflecting on the HEA Framework for Internationalizing Higher Education & on the ‘practical theory’ of Handal and Lauvas

Internationalised curriculum development is critical to any institution aiming to approach internationalisation in a coherent way. Research on Internationalisation of the Curriculum (IoC), emphasizes the notion of curriculum as encompassing all aspects of learning and works at formal, hidden, and informal levels. The Higher Education Academy (HEA) developed a framework approaching internationalization of teaching ,learning & curriculum. Rachel Scudamore, in the guide Engaging Home and International Students, examined the relationship of culture & learning, based on the ‘practical theory’ of Handal & Lauvas (1987), providing useful information and suggestions that informs teaching philosophy. The present work, through critical literature review, reflects upon the HEA framework and Handal & Lauvas’ practical theory, showing new challenges and issues of concerns. It provides recommendations for educators ‘why’ and ‘how’ to internationalize curriculum and teaching and concludes that Handal & Lauvas’ work (1987) should continue to shape teaching approach nowadays.