Description: This book identifies and discusses four phenomena in transnational education (1) the planned, evolving and transformative mediocrity behind the endorsement of English-medium education legitimized by the interactive Asia-the West relationship; (2) the strategic employment of the terms 'Asia/Asian' and 'West/Western' by all stakeholders in their perceptions and construction of choice, quality, rigour, reliability and attractiveness of programs, courses, and locations; (3) the adjusted desire for an imagined 'West' among various stakeholders of transnational education; and (4) the assigned and self-realized ownership of English by otherwise normally on-the-margin groups of speakers.
Review Quotes:
In addressing an extensive range of fundamental issues and problems surrounding transnational education, including for example English language policy and practice, and understandings and implications of 'Asian' versus 'Western' discourses, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the internationalisation of higher education globally. Emeritus Professor Anne Chapman, The University of Western Australia
In a context where many Asian parents and students aspire to a 'Western' education, and American universities and schools are caught up in a terminal case of 'Asia-envy' - this is a timely and important work. Phan Le Ha makes it impossible for any of us to take the official marketing and spin about the value of East/West, Asia/America educational exchange at face value. Emeritus Professor Allan Luke, Queensland University of Technology