Internationalization as a capacity building process in higher education institutions and a model proposal

Internationalization enables universities to participate actively in global academic networks, strengthen their academic and administrative structures, and enhance their global competitiveness. Effectively implementing internationalization strategies is crucial both nationally and internationally. Worldwide, universities are accelerating their internationalization processes and enhancing their institutional capacities through these efforts. International student and staff mobility, research collaborations, and international projects increase universities' global competitiveness. Turkish universities also prioritize these processes. Through Erasmus+ and other exchange programs, international collaborations are being developed, and academic quality is being enhanced. However, more effort is needed to align strategic planning and institutional structures with these processes. This study aims to analyze the impact of internationalization processes on the institutional capacity development of universities in Turkey. Internationalization contributes to universities' academic and administrative structures, boosts institutional performance, and enhances global competitiveness. The thesis examines the internationalization strategies of Turkish universities and the applicability of these strategies. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the impact of the internationalization process on the institutional capacity development of universities in Turkey and to provide recommendations for effectively managing this process. The internationalization strategies of Turkish universities, their contributions to institutional capacity, and their potential to enhance global competitiveness are thoroughly examined. The research utilized qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including literature review and analysis of strategy documents. Data obtained from Erasmus+ and other international exchange programs were used to measure the internationalization performance of Turkish universities and assess its impact on institutional capacity. The findings of the thesis reveal that internationalization should not be limited to student and staff mobility but should also involve the development of institutional structures and processes. This thesis serves as an essential guide to support universities' internationalization efforts and optimize their impact on institutional capacity development.