The Business of International Education
- Online and asynchronous
- This course will require between 7-10 hours of work per week
- Workload Rating: Heavy
Course Description
This course reviews core areas of the corporate side of the international education industry, including history, business growth, marketing, procurement strategy, contract management, policy analysis, and risk management. The implications of global systems-thinking will be examined, in addition to cross-cultural effects on communication and strategic alliance building.
Learning Outcomes
The primary learning outcomes for GDE/PME 853 are:
- Students will feel that the instructor is open and willing to support them as the course progresses.
- Students will understand the evolution of international education, moving from a mix of colonialism and corporate need to a multi-billion dollar educational industry.
- Students will understand that guiding documents of international schools must align with the shared tenets of international education, the principles of the owners, and the culture of the location.
- Through reflection, students will determine non-negotiable beliefs in education.
- Students will be able to identify the characteristics that create opportunities for the introduction of international schools.
- Students will analyze the various options available to international schools with regard to recruiting talent, curriculum offerings, and accreditation possibilities.
- Students will understand that international schools are driven by a shared economic reality and that they must create a system that is seen by the families as being unique, adding an advantage (value proposition) that cannot be received at other schools.
Assessments
Discussion Posts (X13)
Modules All (20%)
Short Paper or Info-Poster: The Evolution of International Education
Module 1 (15%)
Presentation: Is there a difference between a not-for-profit and for-profit international school?
Module 2 (10%)
Audio Recording: Creating a Mission Statement that Stands Out from the Crowd
Module 3 (10%)
Presentation: Partnering with the Right Service Providers
Module 4 (15%)
Video: From Principles to Value Propositions
Module 5 (10%)
Web Page: Harnessing the Internet: Putting It All Together
Closing Module (20%)
How does this course support learners outside K-12 teaching contexts?
The term international education in this course refers to K-12 international schools that recruit international teachers. The content is equally applicable for those who are interested in pursuing international teaching opportunities at higher education institutions. GDE/PME 852 and 853 are best suited for those looking to explore that nature of living and teaching in an international context.
Each student’s professional practice and goals are unique. We highly encourage students to reach out to their course instructors at the start of the term to discuss the relevance and application of course learning and assignments to their own learning goals and context of practice.