LLinE Lifelong Learning in Europe

Vol.XV Issue 1/2011 Exporting Education

International trade in educational services is a thriving industry for many countries. Others are only now looking into the possibility of entering the export markets. Trade in education takes many forms: educational exchange programmes, educational system design and consultation and teaching technology export, to mention some examples. Transferring expertise is at the core of all of these forms of export.

Educational expertise is a sum of various complex factors: cultural values, attitudes towards teaching and learning, learning philosophies and tacit knowledge. Are these kinds of abstract factors transferable? What are we exporting when we export education: systemic solutions or also a way of thinking? What kind of trade policy fosters export success? What does it take for a country to penetrate the export markets? These are some of the questions this issue tries to answer.

The issue’s geographical focus is Finland. This focus affords us a useful view of a country in the initial stages of commercializing its education expertise. Education export is a hot topic in the country as Finland hopes to capitalize on its reputation and turn education into the next big export success.

Please see 'Orientation' for further information about the contents of LLinE 1/2011.

Orientation 1/2011

Editorial

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