Cooperation with Partners in the Developing World

Lessons Learned

Cooperation between higher education institutions in the ‘developed’ world and partners in the developing world is one of the oldest features of internationalisation in higher education. However, the current dynamics of the globalisation and internationalisation of higher education require a reconsideration and re-appreciation of this dimension of international cooperation. This article examines some of these dynamics and their impact. However, its main purpose is to look at experi-ences of cooperation with higher education institutions in the developing world and to draw lessons from them. The difficulties in trying to apply such lessons are described and analysed. In so doing, the article intends to provide background to the urgently needed discussion on the future of cooperation with partners in the developing world, as well as to offer some guidance to the many ongoing initiatives in this particular area of internationalisation.