This article explores the background to the Chinese government's decision to embark on a programme of promoting the study of Chinese language and culture overseas. This includes the impact of Joseph Nye's concept of "soft power" in China, ownership of the national language, the Confucius connection, and how these factors interact with…

The genesis of this article is based on the observation by the authors that the French training system has witnessed an evolution since the 1970s that corresponds to the one that was later recommended by the European authorities, i.e.: --the creation of a national qualifications framework that integrates general and vocational training and initial…

Since 1980, the University of Keele (England) and the Katholieke Hogeschool at Tilburg (Netherlands) have been developing joint programs of study between universities in the European community. The problems and practice of developing such links and those involved in fostering an innovative idea for cross-cultural studies are discussed. (MSE)

Benefits and risks of expanding international student exchange in the European Union are weighed, at the levels of both the individual and the host and home nations. A variety of possible approaches to expansion are considered: regulatory; noncooperative; and cooperative (discipline-specific, bilateral, multilateral on norms, and multilateral on…

Unanswered questions about the development and administration of distance education as a solution to educational needs in developing nations are discussed, including program articulation, meeting different cultural needs and circumstances, and appropriate curriculum. (MSE)

The evaluation report of the European Community Action Programme for Education and Training for Technology (COMETT) examines COMETT program content, COMETT projects, and initial program impact. It was concluded that COMETT has alerted the educational sector and industry to benefits of cooperative training but that transnational cooperative…

Examines quantitative changes in French higher education since the mid-1980s, focusing on vocational tracks. Looks at sources of this change in educational policy and the demographic and social influences on demand. Highlights the impact of this growth on equality of opportunity, particularly among traditionally disadvantaged populations, and on…

The evolution of the European Forum for Educational Administration, a network for international exchange of staff and ideas on educational administration, is chronicled. The following aspects of its operation are discussed: a four-year strategic plan, articles of association, financing, growth of national memberships, cooperation with other…