TNE 101: An introduction to Transnational Education Carolyn Campbell Head of International Affairs c.campbell@qaa.ac.uk
Transnational education (TNE).where the learners are located in a country different from the one where the awarding institution is based. Source: UNESCO and Council of Europe 2005
Borderless Education Report (2000)..we consider that the drivers behind borderless developments are strong and will strengthen. As such, the picture as it exists today is not a good predictor of the future. The opportunities are real and the threats, both direct and indirect are already present. Business of Borderless Education: UK Perspectives 2000
TNE: drivers at national level Globalisation Capacity building Widening access to education, training and qualifications International prestige and recognition
TNE: drivers at institutional level Enhancing student and staff experience Promoting diversification and collaboration Operating in larger markets Diversifying income streams Benchmarking Enhancing international brand and reputation
TNE: who are the providers? Public universities alone in partnership with another university with commercial organisations in consortia Corporate universities Media and publishing houses Professional associations and examination bodies Public and private companies
Emerging Hosts & Source Countries Canada: emerging host and source USA: major source; emerging host C. America: hosts and sources UK: major source; emerging host France, Spain Germany : hosts and sources UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman: major hosts Russia: declining source; emerging host E. Europe: emerging hosts Central Asia: emerging host China & India: major hosts, emerging sources Caribbean: emerging host S. America: varying levels of hosts and sources South Africa: declining host; emerging source Kenya & Mauritius: emerging hosts Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore: major hosts, emerging sources Australia (NZ): major source; emerging host The Observatory on Borderless Higher Education, 2008
TNE: delivery arrangements Face to face Branch campuses Partnerships and other contractual arrangements Articulation/twinning Joint programmes Joint or dual (double degrees) On-line Mixed mode
TNE: who are the students? The least researched area relating to TNE but getting better Nationals of country in which TNE is delivered Diaspora and migrant workers Mobile professionals Undergraduate or postgraduate? The third country student import for export?
Managing TNE: challenges Being strategic Institution wide perspective Coping with complexity Risk assessment and management Legal and other regulatory frameworks Deficit in expertise? Staff development Quality assurance Recognition of qualifications and awards Competition or cooperation?
Lessons from India: 11 musts Due diligence at the start Understand risks and respond Do not over delegate responsibilities Have a written agreement between the partners and keep it up to date Be realistic about numbers and resource requirements Avoid the lone operator
Lessons from India: 11 musts Communicate well and visit often Try to anticipate cultural differences and potential misunderstandings Review operations regularly especially early on Stay closely involved with assessment and examining Maintain transparency in all collaborative arrangements. Audit of overseas provision, India, Overview report July 2009
The Observatory on Borderless Higher Education www.obhe.ac.uk Descriptive Information news on the latest developments Strategic Information an attempt to explore rationales, decision-making processes and organisational change Reflection standing back from events to consider implications of trends and developments. Observatory on Borderless Education
Quality Assurance: the view in the EHEA Transnational education should be governed by the European Standards and Guidelines for quality assurance as applicable within the European Higher Education Area and be in line with the UNESCO/OECD Guidelines for Quality Provision in Cross-Border Higher Education. Paragraph 17 of the Leuven Communiqué, April 2009
TNE: futures From denial to realisation Predicting student mobility will become more complex Regional cross border and international student recruitment will increasingly compete with global destinations Responding to demands for lifelong learning from the working student Identifying and developing opportunities for niche provision
TNE: futures If traditional higher education providers do not deliver others will.