New York’s Independent Colleges Making a World of Difference

Published June 30, 2011 at 1:09 pm in Opinion by Doug Lippincott.

By Laura L. Anglin and Dr. Joseph G. Burke

An ever-growing number of New York’s independent, private, not-for-profit colleges and universities—small and large—are expanding and establishing home bases abroad to provide the same top-quality education students and employers have come to expect at home. These campuses also are throwing open their doors to international students. The opportunities to “export” the New York-brand of higher education can only grow in this era of cooperation—to the benefit of students and regional economies.

For example, in a boon to the Western New York economy, more than 100 representatives from countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam met earlier this month in Niagara Falls for the purpose of establishing global partnerships during the annual conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL). It had been more than 25 years since ASAIHL last gathered in the U.S., and the first time the group’s meeting was held in New York State.

These higher education leaders chose to come to New York at the invitation of Keuka College, which began offering its Bachelor of Science degree in management sciences in China in 2002. With its unique experiential learning model, the College now has 3,500 Chinese students pursuing a Keuka degree at four partner Chinese universities—the largest enrollment of all the U.S. colleges offering degree programs in China. Under a 2010 agreement, some 300 students at Vietnam National University in Hanoi are now pursuing Keuka degrees, too.

When it comes to establishing a permanent global presence, New York’s Independent Sector campuses typically partner with an institution in a foreign country (keeping the New York name and brand), establish a branch campus, or provide distance education. Some countries require the college or university to partner with a local organization of the host region, establishing a joint venture that still awards a degree from the New York institution. These initiatives strengthen the threads connecting countries and help to prepare world citizens who can collaborate across cultures and make a difference anywhere in the world.

When New York’s independent colleges and universities expand overseas, students enrolled on campuses here in New York State benefit, too. For example, Keuka students can now choose experiential education Field Period opportunities in China, and a growing number of international students now come to the Finger Lakes to study at Keuka College.

In fact, New York State is one of the most sought-after destinations for higher education, with nearly 80,000 students coming here each year to further their education. The state ranks second nationally for hosting international students, with most hailing from China, India, South Korea, Canada and Taiwan. Worldwide, the number of “foreign” students enrolled in higher education grew by 85 percent between 2000 and 2007, so growth prospects are good.

To leverage this potential, a consortium of more than 65 independent and public colleges and universities called “Study New York” is actively promoting New York State as an ideal destination for students from around the world. The largest of its type in the United States, this group recently launched a Web site—www.studynewyork.us—to help students and international advisors explore their options and make the best possible choices for higher education in New York State.

World-renowned colleges and universities, innovative programs, and cutting-edge research make New York State one of the most pursued partners for higher education collaboration, with results that benefit us all.

Laura Anglin is president of the Albany-based Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, which represents 112 institutions of higher education serving nearly half a million students.