TNE in the Caribbean: A positive outlook, some challenges

Transnational education (TNE) has emerged as a dynamic, transformative and essential part of global higher education. In the Caribbean it enables aspiring students to attain internationally recognised academic credentials without needing to study abroad.

This development significantly mitigates the financial burden of pursuing higher education in top-tier destinations like the United Kingdom or the United States, which have traditionally attracted Caribbean students. It also allows part-time and mature students who are on low incomes across the Caribbean to access higher education.

The origin of TNE in the Caribbean can be traced back to the 20th century when it evolved significantly in response to globalisation. By the early 2000s, the Caribbean saw a 40% increase in TNE partnerships, with more than 30 foreign universities establishing collaborative programmes by 2010.

This period marked a significant shift towards integrating Caribbean education systems with global standards, facilitating a broader exchange of knowledge, educational practices and pedagogical methodologies.

Initial TNE engagement often involved ad hoc partnerships, with foreign universities leading programmes, for example, the University of London’s International Programmes.

The evolution from distance education to the incorporation of physical campuses and franchised institutions exemplifies a shift towards a more collaborative model that resonates with the Caribbean’s educational ambitions and socio-economic aspirations.

Significant milestones include the establishment of the University of the West Indies Open Campus, which represents a pioneering effort to blend local and international educational resources to serve the region’s diverse and rural student population.

The period also saw enhanced efforts in recognising and regulating TNE, with entities like the Caribbean Community playing a pivotal role in shaping policies for the quality and expansion of TNE initiatives.

Current landscape of TNE in the Caribbean

Currently, the Caribbean hosts upwards of 100 plus TNE programmes, with a significant 60% increase in online course enrolments over the past five years. This surge is indicative of the region’s growing reliance on technology to bridge educational gaps.

Fields such as environmental science and information technology are particularly prominent, reflecting the region’s strategic focus on sectors that are vital for its socio-economic development.

Online education platforms

Online platforms and massive open online courses (MOOCs) have made it easier for Caribbean students to access education from institutions around the world.

Platforms like Coursera, Udacity and edX offer courses from renowned universities that students in the Caribbean can enrol in, as do several US and UK universities. These online programmes are sometimes offered in parallel with study centres so that students can access library facilities.

Branch campuses

Several international universities have established branch campuses in the Caribbean, providing local students with access to high quality education without the need to travel abroad.

• University of the West Indies Open Campus: The University of the West Indies (UWI), a renowned Caribbean university with its main campuses in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados, operates an open campus that serves as a branch campus in various Caribbean countries. The UWI Open Campus offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as professional development courses, through online and blended learning modalities.

• St George’s University, Grenada: St George’s University (SGU), based in Grenada, West Indies, is a leading international institution known for its medical and veterinary programmes. It has a significant presence in Grenada with its main campus offering programmes in medicine, veterinary medicine, public health and other health sciences. While not strictly a branch campus, SGU’s extensive facilities and programmes effectively serve as a branch of an international institution in the Caribbean.

• Ross University School of Medicine, Barbados: Ross University School of Medicine, originally based in Dominica, relocated its campus to Barbados in response to the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Ross University offers medical education primarily to students from the United States and Canada but has a significant presence in Barbados, contributing to the local economy and providing opportunities for Caribbean students.

• All Saints University, St Vincent and the Grenadines: The All Saints University School of Medicine, headquartered in Dominica, has a branch campus in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The university offers medical education programmes accredited by various international medical regulatory bodies, attracting students from the Caribbean and beyond.

• International American University College of Medicine, Saint Lucia: The International American University, based in Saint Lucia, offers medical education programmes through its branch campus. The university is recognised globally and provides opportunities for students in the Caribbean region to pursue medical degrees.

British universities and TNE in the Caribbean

Several British universities offer transnational education programmes in the Caribbean, providing students in the region with access to high quality education from prestigious institutions.

• University of London International Programmes: The University of London offers a wide range of TNE programmes in the Caribbean through its International Programmes division. These programmes include undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various disciplines, such as law, business, economics and social sciences.

Partner institutions in the Caribbean deliver these programmes locally, allowing students to earn a University of London degree without leaving their home countries.

• University of the West Indies (UWI) and British partner universities: The UWI has established partnerships with several British universities to offer TNE programmes across its campuses in the Caribbean. For example, UWI collaborates with the University of Leicester to offer an online LLM programme in international commercial law. Additionally, UWI partners with the University of Liverpool for an online MSc in risk management.

• University of Sunderland: The University of Sunderland offers TNE programmes in the Caribbean through partnerships with local institutions. For example, the university partners with the College of Legal Studies in Trinidad and Tobago to deliver the LLB (Honours) Law programme. This allows students in the Caribbean to obtain a British law degree while studying locally.

• University of Liverpool: In addition to its partnership with UWI, the University of Liverpool offers TNE programmes directly in the Caribbean. For example, it offers an online Master of Public Health programme in collaboration with local partners, providing students with access to a British postgraduate qualification in public health.

• University of Hertfordshire: The University of Hertfordshire collaborates with institutions in the Caribbean to offer TNE programmes in areas such as business, computing and engineering. These programmes allow students to earn British degrees while studying in the Caribbean, providing them with valuable international credentials.

Benefits of TNE to the Caribbean

The introduction of TNE has led to significant educational and economic advances in the Caribbean. A study by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2018 reported a 15% improvement in the academic performance of institutions involved in TNE programmes.

Economically, TNE has been linked to a 5% annual increase in the region’s GDP, attributed to the enhanced workforce skills and job creation within the education sector. Moreover, cultural exchange programmes have resulted in increased international collaboration, as evidenced by a 30% rise in joint research projects between Caribbean and foreign institutions.

Academically, TNE has contributed to expanding access to higher education, diversifying programme offerings and enhancing the quality and international relevance of education in the region.

From an economic perspective, TNE programmes have been linked to job creation, increased foreign direct investment in the education sector and the development of a more skilled workforce aligned with global standards.

Culturally, TNE facilitates international exchange and collaboration, enriching the educational experience for Caribbean students and faculty. It promotes a global outlook and intercultural competencies, essential skills in today’s interconnected world.

Challenges and criticisms of TNE in the Caribbean

Despite its benefits, TNE faces quality assurance and recognition challenges.

The Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions highlighted inconsistencies in the quality of foreign programmes, with only 60% meeting regional accreditation standards.

Furthermore, the potential overshadowing of local institutions and the sustainability of TNE initiatives remain contentious, with calls for policies that better integrate TNE into the Caribbean’s educational and economic frameworks.

The future of TNE in the Caribbean

The outlook for TNE in the Caribbean is optimistic, with a projected increase in programmes focusing on sustainability and digital transformation.

Policy reforms aimed at enhancing inclusivity and alignment with local needs are underway, promising a more integrated and responsive TNE ecosystem.

Advances in digital learning technologies are expected to further democratise access to quality education, making TNE a cornerstone of the Caribbean’s educational strategy.

Reversing the brain drain

TNE has significantly reshaped the educational landscape of the Caribbean, offering both challenges and opportunities. With strategic policies and continuous investment in quality assurance, TNE can further contribute to the region’s academic excellence and socio-economic development.

As the Caribbean navigates the complexities of global education, the continued evolution of TNE will play a crucial role in empowering its nations and preparing them to meet the demands of a dynamic global and complex economy.

One of the critical objectives that TNE has achieved in the Caribbean is that it has addressed the human capital drain by limiting the number of Caribbean students migrating to the UK and the US and not returning. TNE has allowed aspirational students the opportunity to study globally but contribute regionally to the development of the Caribbean.

Shazim Husayn is a leader with more than two decades of experience in international development, global engagement and strategic partnership management. He has worked with several prominent global universities, including Coventry University, Cranfield University, the University of Galway, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of Scotland.

This article is a commentary. Commentary articles are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of University World News.