Trans-national education as an alternative to study abroad

A report from the Observatory of Borderless Higher Education summarized in an Inside Higher Education article indicated that "TNE (transnational education) allows traditional destination countries to act proactively and position themselves in a fast-changing market by participating in capacity-building efforts in source countries while this opportunity is still available."  The article's market-based language suggests that institutions in the U.S.A., UK and Australia (the most popular destination countries for study abroad) who want to maintain high numbers of students need to offer TNE options.  In expanding the options, the report indicates there are a variety of reasons that students choose TNE alternatives, including "the lower cost, visa restrictions in the destination country, a desire to stay close to family and friends, work commitments, local government policies intended to reduce mobility, the wide range of TNE programs available, and the reputation of the degree-awarding institution."