The Emergence of Trans-Regional Educational Exchange Schemes (TREES) in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

This article demonstrates that salient aspects of globalization have led to the emergence of trans-regional educational exchange schemes (TREES) in higher education. What sets these schemes apart from others is the proliferation of international university organizations that "go beyond region" and infiltrate other parts of the globe despite policy barriers. This article illustrates how the current globalizing efforts to establish regionalized free trade zones, as evidenced in such organizations as the European Union (EU), the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Zone (APEC) have led to processes of internationalization in which national governments, higher education institutions, and other international university organizations vie for position. It concludes with a discussion of selected strategies and issues as these affect the development of international university co-operation as a whole and the impact they may have on higher education in the future.