Discussion on "Description and Assessment of the Global Landscape of Transnational Education (TNE)," jointly held between NEAA and QAA, with the support of the British Council

On September 19, 2024, a discussion on the topic "Description and Assessment of the Global Landscape of Transnational Education (TNE)" was held in the Mirror Hall of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski." The discussion was organized as part of the ongoing cooperation between the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency of the Republic of Bulgaria (NEAA) and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (QAA). Representatives of the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS) also took part in the event. The discussion was organized with the support of the British Council.

The event was opened by the Chairperson of NEAA, Prof. Eliza Stefanova. This was followed by a presentation titled "Benefits of Transnational Education for Host Countries: The Role of TNE in Expanding Access to Higher Education, International Higher Education, and Development," delivered by Dr. Janet Ilieva, founder and director of Education Insight, an organization specializing in research and consultancy in the field of international higher education.

Image: British Council

Eduardo Ramos, Director of International and Professional Services at QAA, and Shannon Stowers, International Relations Manager at QAA, presented the UK higher education sector’s perspective with a presentation titled "Effective Practices in International Partnerships."

Image: British Council

Cristina Ghitulica, General Director of ARACIS and Vice-President of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), also contributed to the discussion, presenting perspectives and practices on cross-border education and partnerships from Romania.

A discussion followed with event guests, among whom were representatives from university rector’s offices and international cooperation departments of several Bulgarian universities, as well as representatives from the British Council in Bulgaria and Romania, and staff from the accreditation agencies of both countries.

You can find the presentations from the event at the following link: https://cloud.neaa.government.bg/index.php/s/q2a34Wwk95HPSkK

On behalf of the NEAA team, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to our colleagues from QAA, ARACIS, and the British Council for their joint efforts in organizing and holding the event, as well as to all the guests who participated in the discussions on undoubtedly important and current topics!