How Loyal Are Overseas Branch Campuses to Their Host Countries?

By Jason Lane and Kevin Kinser. In the United States, we often think of colleges and universities as the anchors of their communities. A campus is often among the largest employers in the region, a significant consumer of local goods and services, a critical supporter of local businesses, and a major attractor of new people to the region. Not only does a college educate the next generation of the work force, but it also plays a major role in enhancing the local quality of life and economy. That role is even more important as other employers close or relocate elsewhere. No matter how bleak the local economic and demographic situation may become, the college campus is a reliable community stalwart and rarely a credible threat to bolt. The news out of Singapore, however, demonstrates why we can’t say the same for international branch campuses. More...