The brief definitions below should provide some clarity to the differences in the meanings and implications of these terms. The former refers to a field of study that applies historical, philosophical, and social science theories and methods to international problems in education. Its equivalents in other fields of academic study are those dedicated to the transsocietal study of other social institutions, such as comparative government, comparative economics, and comparative religion.
Comparative education is primarily an academic and interdisciplinary pursuit.
International education also includes the analysis and description of such activities. Many practitioners of international education are experts on international exchange and interaction. Their activities are partly based on a knowledge of comparative education. However, there is some disagreement on the specific range of activities encompassed by international education. This would include such items as education for international understanding, internationalization of teaching norms, and the study of international education institutions.