Global American Higher Education: Diversity, Unity, Mutuality

Cross-border American higher education is often conflated with international branch campuses. But there are other institutional forms, such as microcampuses, international joint universities, and independent universities. The different forms developed at different times with different missions and serve different roles. Reflecting on their histories and functions provides an opportunity to appreciate the scope and variety of American higher education abroad. Contemporary relations among higher education institutions are often viewed through a lens of competition. But careful consideration of American institutions abroad demonstrates a history of collaboration. The principle of mutuality provides a framework to help international campuses to operate in ways that oppose colonialism. Stateside educators can be key partners for colleagues overseas. Continued and expanded collaboration will be critical in the years ahead when the geopolitical environment for international education is uncertain at best. In this article, the author reviews the discourse about and history of international campuses before offering suggestions for strengthening them.