Digital equity and cultural integrity: internationalising higher education in rural and mountainous regions

Abstract

This article explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI), when guided by ethical principles, can support inclusive and context-sensitive strategies for the internationalisation of higher education. Rural and mountainous areas, even in advanced countries, often remain excluded from academic networks due to isolation and limited infrastructure. Drawing on the values of the Council of Europe's ETINED platform-ethics, transparency, and integrity-the article examines how AI can enhance trust, autonomy, and cultural diversity in academic cooperation. It highlights AI applications such as multilingual access, virtual mobility, and adaptive learning tools for small and remote HEIs. Risks like algorithmic bias and identity erosion are also addressed.