Adapting the Community College Model in Other Countries: A Literature Review.

This document examines what the literature says regarding adaptation of the American community college model to a global perspective. Institutions that draw parallels to U.S. community colleges can be found on almost every continent due to the increasing demand for extended educational opportunity and the need for technical training. When the community college model is tailored to a nation's unique political and economic situation, the system can vary greatly. For example, in South Africa, businesses are investing millions of dollars to upgrade the country's poorly equipped technical colleges so they can tackle the country's 30% unemployment rate. Thailand is hoping to create a system of 10 community colleges that would serve poor areas. McGuthrie (2001) argues that the reason many countries find American community colleges appealing is because of their emphasis on open enrollment, adult education, and ties to local businesses. For decades, developed and developing countries have used post-secondary education reform to counter socio-economic inequities. Two avenues for reform involve the relationship between community colleges and international development, and the role of colleges as catalysts for reform. The author argues that, if adapted conscientiously, the U.S. community college model will afford developing countries a pathway to much-needed economic development. (Contains 31 references.) (NB) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Adapting the Community College Model in Other Countries: A Literature Review