World-Class Universities and the Imitation Game: The Reality of the Global South

• In Event: Higher Education and Institutional Comparisons Across Countries

Abstract

In the past decade, the notion of a “world-class university” (WCU) has become a catch phrase that indicates excellence in education and research. However, the WCU concept mainly reflects the western model and values of the research-oriented academic institution. Yet, globally, HEIs follow various higher education systems and are in different geographic regions that are characterized by diverse economic, political, cultural, social and historical norms. Hence, the experience of establishing a WCU and the utility value of implementing “world-class” standards vary given different social, cultural, political and academic contexts.This study focuses on Egypt, as a prime example of a country from the Global South experiencing the tensions between global and local priorities.

Author

• Koboul Elsayed Mansour, Hamilton College