by Fawad Naseer
Introduction
The concept of transnational education (TNE) is becoming more and more well-known in the academic community. It refers to a circumstance in which educational institutions are situated in one nation but provide their services to students from other countries. To fully understand this paradigm's effects on the student population, a complex analysis is needed to understand the intriguing junction of culture, economics, education, and policy that it represents. In this context, I'll concentrate on Pakistan, a nation where TNE use has dramatically increased. TNE is essentially a component of internationalization in education, which entails educational providers providing instruction outside of their own country's borders. Students can benefit from an international education while still being in their familiar surroundings. By enabling them to pursue a foreign degree without having to leave their own country, TNE offers students a special opportunity.
The Scenario of TNE in Pakistan In recent years, the Pakistan higher education landscape has seen tremendous growth, especially after the establishment of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in 2002. As of the time of the information I have, there were 183 recognized universities and degree-awarding institutions in Pakistan, both public and private, enrolling more than 1.2 million students. The private sector has been growing rapidly, with almost 40% of these higher education providers coming from this sector. Foreign providers also operate in the country, mainly through collaborative programs with local institutions, all of which require the approval of HEC. According to the UK Higher Education Statistics Agency, the number of students enrolled in a UK award in Pakistan was 46,640 in 2015-2016. This number had grown almost 33% in the last 5 years and, as of that time, Pakistan was ranked as the 4th largest host country for UK TNE after Singapore, China, and Malaysia. Different TNE in Pakistan
TNE in Pakistan is overseen by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) according to their TNE policy. In partnership with the British Council through the Pak-UK Education Gateway, the HEC has facilitated collaborations between 160 Pakistani universities and 65 UK institutions. These partnerships aim to provide students with international qualifications and broaden the opportunities for higher education within Pakistan.
Several educational institutions in Pakistan offer TNE. Among these are Beaconhouse International College (BIC), Monarch Institute of International Studies, Roots Ivy, and The Millennium Universal College (TMUC) and few others as well.
Beaconhouse International College (BIC) is an initiative of the Beaconhouse Group Pakistan, one of the world's largest education providers, with over 350,000 students studying in eight countries. The college was established to provide borderless, world-class higher education to students, enabling them to study a globally recognized UOL degree at their exclusive undergraduate campus in Faisalabad, Lahore and Islamabd and planning to start multiple campuses in different cities of Pakistan. BIC is renowned for its in-depth analysis and practical real-world experience, designed to help students develop the skills and attributes required for success in their future professions. The college offers several programs, including Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Computer Science (BSc), Business Administration (BSc), Business Administration (CertHE), and Psychology (BSc).
Case Study: The University of London Programmes in Pakistan The University of London (UOL) Programs offered in numerous academic institutions all throughout Pakistan serve as a prime illustration of the impact of TNE in that country. Students who successfully complete the curriculum earn a degree from this highly regarded university, which designs and evaluates the curriculum. More than 2,000 students from Pakistan were enrolled in these programs in 2022. Student testimonials show excellent satisfaction levels, with many praising the degree's widespread recognition and the demanding academic standards. This example shows how TNE has given Pakistani students access to high-quality higher education and global exposure that would not otherwise be possible.
The UOL's programmes align with Pakistan's educational goals to internationalize its higher education system and ensure its graduates are equipped with the skills required by the modern global economy. By allowing Pakistani students to experience an international educational system, these programmes contribute to the nation's human capital development.
However, it's also important to note the challenges these programmes face. The costs associated with these programmes are often higher than local degrees, which may create inequity issues in access to education. Moreover, differences in teaching and learning styles can present adaptation difficulties for some students. A topic of paramount importance pertains to the duration within which UOL responds to student inquiries to facilitate the resolution of their concerns. This salient issue has been brought to the fore in a recent deliberation with the esteemed Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UOL, Professor Mary Stiasny, during her noteworthy visit to Pakistan.
In the context of Pakistan's growing demand for higher education, TNE models like the UOL Programmes serve as a strategic approach to expanding educational opportunities. However, it's crucial to ensure that these opportunities are accessible to all socio-economic strata of the population and that the quality of education is not compromised. By addressing these concerns, TNE can significantly contribute to improving Pakistan's higher education scenario and human resource potential.
Impact on Pakistani Students
The impact of TNE on Pakistani students is multilayered. It reflects not only in their academic pursuits but also in their cultural understanding, global perspectives, and overall personal development.
Academic Impact
The first benefit is that TNE offers Pakistani students the chance to earn degrees that are internationally recognized without having to leave their own country. Students who would not have the financial means to study abroad find it to be an exciting possibility. Furthermore, exposing students to many teaching methods better prepares them for the global labor market. For instance, the student- centered pedagogical approach, which is widespread in Western education, emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in the contemporary workplace.
Cultural and Global Understanding
Additionally, THE encourages cross-cultural dialogue and world peace. Pakistani students can better understand other cultures through engagement with international instructors and curricula. Because of their improved global viewpoint, they are more adaptive and flexible, which are advantageous qualities in the modern, worldwide society.
Personal Development
The TNE concept also helps students develop personally. These programs' demanding and competitive character inspires kids to develop greater resiliency, independence, and motivation. Additionally, exposure to various teaching philosophies and curriculum broadens students' horizons and improves their academic outcomes.
Conclusion In Pakistan, TNE has started to transform the educational environment, opening new opportunities for students and being crucial to the development of the nation. It encourages a lively exchange between national and international educational techniques, creating a stimulating atmosphere for the growth and development of students. The advantages for Pakistani students and the higher education system will become even more clear as the trend of TNE rises. Even though TNE has many benefits, it also has several drawbacks that must be effectively dealt with, including concerns with social fairness, accreditation, and quality control. In order to ensure that the integration of TNE actually improves the standard of higher education in Pakistan, a balanced strategy is needed.
Fawad Naseer Head of CSSE School (nationwide) Beaconhouse Interanational College (BIC) Pakistan
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