Yale in Singapore runs into snag

The issue of adopting/adapting North American educational practices in other cultural contexts is beautifully demonstrated in the piece on Yale University's Singapore campus.  As a compromise to the government, a speaker's corner was created where students could express dissent, rather than allowing protests of the sort that sometimes occur at Yale in the U.S.A. and many other campuses.  The question becomes, in order for a North American campus to establish a branch, should it come in exactly the form of the original or should/could it be modified in the local context?  If modified, is there some fundamental aspect of the institution that is then compromised?

Support to International Student Affairs Educators by the American College Personnel Association

If you have not already seen the Globalization statement issued by the American College Personnel Association, it is worth a browse.  In addition, a blog is now available that solicits input from those working in international student affairs settings.  The first prompt on the blog requests input on the following:

-How would you describe your country’s higher education system to someone who is unfamiliar?
-What do you believe makes your education system unique?
-What are some similarities to other systems from what you have observed?
-How is student affairs/services structured in your country and on your campus?
-What are some of your campus concerns/issues currently?

Unfortunately, in order to respond to these questions, you must be an ACPA member.  If you are not an ACPA member, I would be happy to post comments on your behalf.  Reply to this blog post or send me an e-mail at my QF address and I will post it for you.