Transnational education delivery in Ghana: examining the benefits, challenges and future prospects

ABSTRACT

Transnational education (TNE) has developed over the years as a branch of international education that focuses on cross-border teaching and learning through local partners and branch campuses in host countries. While there have been concerns over the quality of TNE delivery in host countries, there is a paucity of empirical research that highlights education delivery, especially in host institutions. This study examines the benefits, challenges and prospects of TNE delivery in a host institution in Ghana. Using a mixed-method approach, we collected and analysed data from management representatives (n = 2), academic staff (n = 5) and students (n = 197). Results show that TNE enhances students’ learning experiences through diversified and reflective curriculum, highly rated pedagogical approach and acquisition of knowledge in global business practices. Lecturers reported enhanced pedagogical skills and knowledge of cutting-edge quality assurance and assessment processes. Challenges such as lack of clear policy guidelines governing TNE partnership, cultural differences among partners, inadequate learning resources for students, high cost of fees and difficulty in designing a bespoke curriculum to meet local needs were highlighted. The study further articulates the importance of developing policies that guide TNE delivery and the relationship between partners by regulatory bodies in the higher education sector.

KEYWORDS:

• Transnational education
• higher education
• franchised education
• institutional theory
• students’ experience

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).