Professionalizing the Field

Abstract

The debate concerning the professional status of comparative and international education has a relatively short yet tumultuous history, beginning roughly in the mid-twentieth century. Two professional organizations, in particular, have been at the center of this debate, and are now among the oldest comparative and international education (CIE) associations. The Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) was established in 1956, and NAFSA (The Association of International Educators) was established in 1948.1 Yet, comparative researchers and international educators are still struggling to distinguish themselves as belonging to a unique profession. In fact, the debate as to the status of comparative and international education as a profession began about the time these associations were founded (Heath 1958), and has ebbed and flowed ever since.