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International Expansion: What Can We Learn from Temple University Japan's Success?

Syracuse University, based in the United States, has highlighted its interest in establishing an International Branch Campus (IBC) in South Korea. This is part of a broader initiative led by the university's president to strengthen ties with South Korea and is indicative of the global engagement trend that is increasingly being embraced by higher education institutions worldwide.


South Korea's higher education system is faced with a challenge due to an impending decline in the number of potential college students - projected to drop from 450,000 in 2020 to a worrying 280,000 in 2040. This demographic shift might suggest that the timing is not right for such international expansion. However, the reality on the ground indicates that there has been steady enrolment growth in the three US and one Belgian branch campuses currently hosted in the country.


The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the value of IBCs in South Korea. With international travel restrictions in place, these campuses have provided a much-needed alternative for students seeking a diverse educational experience. The result has been a surge in enrolment at IBCs over the past decade, peaking at a record high in 2023 when the aggregate enrolment exceeded 4,000 students.


As cross-border travel restrictions begin to ease, more students are exploring alternatives to traditional higher education. They are considering attending foreign higher learning programmes in South Korea, a shift accelerated by foreign universities' initiative to recruit students using the Korean College Scholastic Ability Test, the national examination for college admissions.


Temple University Japan Campus (TUJ) provides an illuminating case study for IBCs. Despite facing demographic and competition challenges similar to those in South Korea, TUJ has successfully diversified its enrolment. This has been facilitated by its ability to sponsor visas for its international students, reducing dependence on the local market.


South Korea can learn valuable lessons from TUJ's experiences as it seeks to ensure the viability of its own IBCs. Unlike Japan, transnational higher education in South Korea has grappled with a low international enrolment rate, despite several government incentives such as accreditation from the Ministry of Education, start-up funds, annual subsidies, tax exemption and full facility support.


South Korean IBCs could benefit from implementing strategies similar to TUJ's to diversify and increase enrolment, thereby enhancing their relevance to both local and global markets. However, they must also adapt to the evolving higher education landscape, being ready to respond quickly and effectively to new conditions and trends. The global context in which these branches operate has changed dramatically, and they must be prepared to adapt just as rapidly.


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* Disclaimer

This content is an edited summary of the article published in June 2023 on the "University World News". For the original article, please visit https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230613094727593.

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