International Education in Asia: The Changing Market

Abstract

Given the rapid rise in recent years of British international education for local, rather than expatriate, students in Asia, this paper considers this fast-growing sector in the context of the history of British-style and English language education in Asia. Specifically using a post-colonialist framework as a means of critique of the notion of a British-style ‘international education’, it considers the challenges this new wave of international schools faces in terms of ensuring their curriculum and values are embedded in a local context. Using Asia alongside the West, as a reference point for curriculum planning and intercultural understanding, this paper then considers ways in which this new wave of schools can engage meaningfully with local as well as western contexts, reframing notions of ‘global citizenship’ in the process.