Exploring 10 Years of U.S. Education Abroad Experience in Europe: Evolution, Trends, and Trajectory from the Perspective of Leading Practitioner Universities

Authors

  • Sarah Williamson King's College London

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.993

Keywords:

Best practices, education abroad, Europe, partnerships, United States of America

Abstract

This article explores the experience of U.S. education abroad in Europe from the perspective of local partnership delivery models and addresses the question: How has study abroad in Europe changed over the past decade, what are the current trends, and where is it heading? Two models of university-based education abroad in Europe are highlighted, examining their reasons for entering the market and their evolution over the years. It reveals the extent to which U.S. study abroad shaped their international programmes and has contributed to their longevity in the market. A strong symbiotic relationship between delivery partners and U.S. home institutions is required but often involves tensions and that reciprocity is not the dominant basis for partnership. Helpful practices to navigate the higher expectations of risk management and customer service required of Europe by the U.S. study abroad market are discussed.

Abstract in Spanish

Este artículo explora la experiencia de la educación estadounidense en el extranjero en Europa desde la perspectiva de los modelos de prestación de colaboración local y aborda la pregunta: ¿Cómo han cambiado los estudios en el extranjero en Europa durante la última década, cuáles son las tendencias actuales y hacia dónde se dirigen? Se destacan dos modelos de educación universitaria en el extranjero en Europa, examinando sus razones para ingresar al mercado y su evolución a lo largo de los años. Revela hasta qué punto los estudios estadounidenses en el extranjero dieron forma a sus programas internacionales y han contribuido a su longevidad en el mercado. Se requiere una fuerte relación simbiótica entre los socios colaboradores y las instituciones de origen estadounidenses, pero a menudo implica tensiones y la reciprocidad no es la base dominante para la colaboración. Se analizan prácticas útiles para afrontar las mayores expectativas de gestión de riesgos y atención al cliente que el mercado estadounidense de estudios en el extranjero exigen en Europa.

Abstract in French

Cet article examine comment les acteurs américains ont expérimenté l’éducation à l’étranger en Europe, en se concentrant sur les modèles de prestation établis grâce à des partenariats locaux. Il pose la question suivante : Comment les études à l’étranger en Europe ont-elles évolué au cours de la dernière décennie, quelles tendances dominent aujourd’hui et quelle direction prennent-elles ? L’article met en lumière deux modèles d'enseignement universitaire à l'étranger en Europe, en expliquant pourquoi ces modèles ont émergé sur le marché et comment ils ont évolué au fil des années. Il montre comment les universités américaines à l’étranger ont structuré leurs programmes internationaux et assuré leur pérennité sur le marché. Les institutions américaines collaborent avec leurs partenaires locaux dans une relation symbiotique qui nécessite une forte coordination. Cependant, cette relation génère souvent des tensions, car la réciprocité ne constitue pas la base principale de ces partenariats. L’article présente des pratiques permettant aux institutions européennes de répondre aux exigences croissantes du marché américain en matière de gestion des risques et de service client.

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Author Biography

Sarah Williamson, King's College London

Sarah Williamson, PhD, is a consultant strategist and visiting senior research fellow working in higher education. Sarah is a historian specialising in Spanish twentieth century socio-political history and culture, and an expert in international education. She began her career at Imperial College London then worked at King’s College London for 22 years, achieving the senior role of Executive Director in recognition of her original ideas, leadership of high performing teams and achievement of financial successes.

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Published

2025-01-30

How to Cite

Williamson, S. (2025). Exploring 10 Years of U.S. Education Abroad Experience in Europe: Evolution, Trends, and Trajectory from the Perspective of Leading Practitioner Universities. Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 37(1), 32–60. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v37i1.993

Issue

Section

Special Issue on U.S. Education Abroad: The View from Europe