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January 9, 2001

A global perspective

In a world of fast travel, instant communications and global marketplaces, education in every field should provide an international perspective. College classrooms should be increasingly multinational, both in student population and in faculty. There should be plenty of exchange programs and other study-abroad plans.

Is this the reality? Not quite-at least in the U.S.

According to the American Council on Education and I.I.E., although U.S. student enrollment in study-abroad programs has increased by nearly 14% over the past year, the length of stay is typically short (less than 8 weeks). And students studying abroad are still a small percentage of those enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley, called for every U.S college to strive for 20% of students to participate in an exchange program over the next 10 years.

There were also over half a million foreign students enrolled in U.S. schools in the 1999-2000 academic year-up 5% over the past year. The U.S. still has the largest foreign student population in the world, but other countries are seeing more rapid growth. Australia's foreign student enrollments rose 26% in the past year.

But there are encouraging signs in the U.S. of dedication to global education.

Affordable solutions

One of the most difficult aspects of study in the U.S. for international students is cost. There are now a growing number of institution-specific and private programs providing loans and other financial aid to encourage foreign students to attend U.S. schools. International undergraduate students are also discovering American community colleges. The affordable, flexible, practical education offered by community colleges has led to an enrollment increase of 46% over the past 7 years.

New programs

Some college curricula and degree programs are being designed to provide a solid international foundation to both American and international students.

One option is a dual master's degree. Students can combine a master's degree in their primary field with a master's degree in international affairs. For example, one of Columbia University's dual degree programs awards a Master of Science in Journalism and a Master's in International Affairs (MIA).

Some of the most sophisticated international programs are to be found in business schools. Global management tracks are now available in many undergraduate business, as well as MBA, programs.

Foreign students can benefit from American-style management education in their own countries through cooperative programs between U.S. business schools and their international counterparts. For example, the joint Carlson School of Management (University of Minnesota)/Warsaw School of Economics executive MBA program is taught in Warsaw with faculty from both institutions. Carlson has announced a similar alliance with Lingnan College in China for 2001.

A new breed of executive MBA program-the result of international university partnerships-offers current managers the opportunity to add global management expertise. A prime example is the TRIUM executive MBA program to be introduced in September 2001. This alliance of New York University's Stern School of Business, the London School of Economics and HEC Paris will provide a unique blend of economic, political, social policy and business perspectives, all in an international context.

Next issue: The promise of technology for worldwide learning

Source: I.I.E. Open Doors Project
A.C.E., as cited by Chronicle of Higher Education
PR Newswire