Juljana Laze
Implementation of reforms has diversified the Bologna process model with Albanian elements. Almost all European countries show a growing responsibility by opening offices that manage programs with an international function. More institutions are developing an integrated approach to internationalization in teaching and research. This paper aims to highlight the importance of the need to understand the current situation, challenges, and progress made to the internationalization of higher education in the country in response to the European Higher Education Area. The study examines how the interaction between existing institutional models and international initiatives has influenced the evolution of higher education in Albania. The secondary data from the literature review and the qualitative primary data, generated from the semi-structured interviews taking from ten leaders of private and public higher education institutions have been used to explore this issue. The findings indicate a lack of involvement and collaboration among institutions and academic staff to improve the reform process, especially that of internationalization of higher education. As a result, Institutions are required to develop a strategy that defines the scope of the internationalization, orientation, and educational development, as well as research activities in line with the development of Bologna reform.