American Accreditation of Foreign Universities: Proceedwith Caution

Barbara Brittingham

doi:10.6017/ihe.2003.33.7385

Abstract

including definitions of institutions, minimum standards, the necessity for a foundation year, credit transfer, and transparent financial procedures. If they are applied fairly, then the new law may still achieve its intended purpose of providing a regulatory framework for the sector. But if the ACC simply becomes a paper tiger—or worse, a tollgate—then official accreditation may have little effect on improving the quality of the higher education sector. A weak higher education sector does not bode well for Cambodia’s future. There is increasing recognition of the importance of higher education in national development. Cambodia is tipped to be the first “least developed country” to join the WTO in September of this year, and its participation regionally is increasing. Graduating 7 to 10,000 students every year from narrow, weak programs almost certainly means that however bright the students, they will be ill-equipped to satisfy the development needs of the country or compete internationally.

Highlights

Graduating 7 to 10,000 students every year from narrow, weak programs almost certainly means that bright the students, they will be ill-equipped to satisfy the development needs of the country or compete internationally
In the summer 2003 issue of International Higher Education, Philip Altbach argues against American accreditation of colleges and universities in other countries
Sometimes the reasons relate to marketing or “branding,” as when institutions ask what form they have to fill out for accreditation so they can get an .edu Internet address

Summary

Introduction

In the summer 2003 issue of International Higher Education, Philip Altbach argues against American accreditation of colleges and universities in other countries. The clearest case for accrediting abroad involves places that identify themselves as American-style institutions of higher education.

Results

Conclusion