Strategic Challenges to Internationalization in Higher Education in a Times of Crisis

The article analyzes the impact of the Covid crisis on the processes of internationalization in higher education institutions, the subsequent reactions and possible management approaches to restore the stability of international activities. The growing interest of European universities, including Bulgarian ones, in implementing an international dimension in higher education has led to a significant commitment of their missions to the concept of internationalization over the last 20 years. But after the beginning of the Covid crisis, there was a stagnation of almost all internationalization processes, especially the mobility of students for periods of study or obtaining a degree. Analyzing the causes and obstacles to mobility, it is clear that in the next few years the situation will be similar. The need for the right strategy and optimal allocation of resources to rebuild internationalization processes, along with all other changes related to the Covid crisis, is not an easy task for universities. They must not only strive to ensure high-quality teaching and learning, but also to develop innovative forms of teaching - motivating, effective, competitive, guaranteeing access to the labor market. This task will require a lot of imagination, creativity and ingenuity from the academic community and from decision makers. But universities need to put in the necessary effort and resources, as students' motivation has not changed - international exposure and education open up a variety of opportunities for young people; provide them with exciting experiences; encourage understanding, sharing of ideas; increase cultural competencies. And, ultimately, build them as stronger individuals and citizens of the world. At the moment, these values are even more important for the future.