Distance Education—Banned in Bahrain

By Islam Alzeny. Distance education that allows adults with families and jobs to study in the evenings and on weekends has revolutionized education in many parts of the world. But not in Bahrain. 
A 2010 government decree blocks recognition of degrees earned through virtually all forms of distance education–programs run by institutions outside the country and aimed chiefly at working adults. Bahraini students’ only options are usually to study during the working week at the more than 20 higher-education institutions based in the country. Although some local private universities offer evening programs, they cost up to $4,000 per semester, far higher than the cost of foreign institutions. More...