Strangers on a train

Visioning US internationalization with European eyes

The article is intended to start a discussion that will lead to a better understanding of the U.S. system of higher education, which will then enable European and American universities to collaborate together over the full spectrum of international higher education. The focus is on the U.S. University from its beginnings to the present day, distinguishing diverse types of institutions, faculty and students. The evolution of universities over the last four hundred years has determined the foundation upon which U.S. universities have engaged in Europe, especially with European universities. The desired outcomes of this close look at U.S. universities are not only to inform colleagues in Europe but also to foster a dialogue and collaboration between Europe and America in international education.