The role of cross-border education in the debate on education as a public good and private commodity

Abstract

The realities of globalization, including the rise of information and communication technologies, the market economy, regionalization, new trade agreements, international mobility, and in particular the knowledge society, have been powerful forces of change for many sectors – especially higher education. But education has not only been a reactor to globalization – it is also an agent facilitating the flow of ideas, economy, people, knowledge, technology, values, and cultures across borders. This paper focuses primarily on the role and issues of cross-border education in relation to the debate on education as a public good and private commodity. Four key questions addressed in the paper are: who benefits from cross-border education, who provides it, who finances or pays for it, and who regulates it – especially quality assurance and accreditation.

Keywords:

• higher education
• globalization
• cross-border education
• commercialization
• GATS