The unpredictable landscape of international student recruitment, worsened by restrictive immigration policies in major markets, poses challenges for universities, particularly smaller institutions with limited resources. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) offer a flexible, scalable solution, providing expertise, streamlined processes, and financial support to enhance recruitment efforts while fostering diversity and improving applicant experiences.

We are delighted that alongside Mosaik Education and Universities UK, we have won the Progressive Education Delivery Award for The UK-Ukraine Twinning Dual Degree Project!

CCG had an engaging second day at the Global Education Network (Africa) 13th Annual Multidisciplinary Academic Conference, where our Director of Partnerships, Phill Gray, presented on the Equitable TNE Model. We had valuable discussions with representatives from institutions across Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and Botswana, and are excited to support these institutions in strengthening their international partnerships.

Globally, only 7% of refugees access higher education, compared to a 42% global average, largely due to financial and logistical barriers. UK universities, through innovative Transnational Education (TNE) models like the UK-Ukraine Dual Degree Programme, have a unique opportunity to bridge this gap, providing affordable pathways for displaced students while enhancing their global impact and reputation.

Last week, CCG’s Regional Director for India, John Bunter, visited universities in Mangalore, including St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Nitte University, and Yenepoya University. The discussions focused on how CCG can support these institutions in developing their international collaborations, and we’re excited about the potential partnerships and opportunities ahead.

Australian universities are at a critical juncture, facing challenges from domestic policy changes, international student caps, and shifting global perceptions. To ensure long-term sustainability, the sector must diversify its internationalisation strategies, embrace transnational education, and adapt to evolving global and local demands.

The global higher education landscape demands a shift toward Equitable Transnational Education (ETNE), emphasizing sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships between institutions in the Global North and South. By fostering trust, investing in partner development, and supporting joint initiatives, ETNE creates a resilient and ethical model for international education.

The second day of CCG’s International Twinning conference focused on strengthening partnerships and enhancing universities’ resilience. Key sessions included a discussion on dual degree programmes with Oleksandr Smyrnov, showcasing exciting opportunities like FutureLearn initiatives, Mentorship schemes, and free virtual internships for Ukrainian students, as well as COIL training generously supported by The Hague University and Oxford International Education Group. The event concluded with a powerful panel on Ukraine's reconstruction, featuring notable experts and chaired by Vivienne Stern.

A week after the Second International UK-Ukraine Twinning Conference, we’re reflecting on the impactful discussions from the first half of the event. Highlights included a keynote from Mychailo Wynnyckyj on the resilience of Ukraine’s higher education amid the invasion, followed by a panel with Olga Budnyk, Dame Sally Mapstone, and Colm McGivern on the sustainable development of Ukraine’s higher education and the role of international collaborations like the Twinning initiative in supporting Ukraine’s academic community.

Last week, Gintaras Steponavicius, CCG’s Director for CEE+ region and former Minister of Education of Lithuania, attended the “Teachers of Tomorrow” festival in Lviv, where over 2,500 educators gathered to discuss the future of education in Ukraine. Gintaras shared his insights on education reform, including teacher training and bullying prevention, and met with key figures such as the Ukrainian Minister of Education Oksen Lisovyi to explore further collaboration.

This week, CCG’s Aziz Boussofiane and Anzhela Stashchak facilitated a three-day strategic workshop at the Transport and Telecommunication Institute (TSI) in Latvia, helping to shape the university’s strategy for 2025-2030. The workshop marked an important step in guiding TSI’s future direction, and we look forward to the developments that will come from this collaboration.

Last week, CCG had an incredible time at the NAFSA conference! Over three days, our team engaged with industry leaders and explored new opportunities for collaboration in international education. Thank you to everyone who met with us and contributed to these productive discussions.

We’re excited to be in New Orleans for the 2024 NAFSA Annual Conference! Our team is reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones.

All at CCG were devastated to hear of the passing of Charlene, who had been an Associate of CCG for the past three years. Charlene was a wonderful colleague, always available to share her skills and experience with staff and clients alike.  She will be deeply missed!

Concluding the Central Asia mission, a vibrant forum was held in a traditional Kazakh yurt, hosted by the Eurasian Technological University. Key speakers included Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Education and Science of Kazakhstan, Stephen Brennan, Deputy Country Director of the British Embassy in Astana, and Aliya Ospanova from the Bolashak Foundation. The delegation visited campuses like De Montfort University, Kazakh National Pedagogical University, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, along with an international partnerships forum and networking event.

CG's Central Asia Mission kicked off in Tashkent at the "Internationalising Higher Education" Forum, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovations of Uzbekistan. With over 70 local university reps and 100+ one-to-one meetings, it marked a new record!

We were delighted to meet up with the senior international team at VILNIUS TECH - Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, a university we have worked with for almost 15 years and one of the very best in the Baltic.

It was a pleasure to discuss existing and new partnerships with UK and US universities.

It was amazing to get most of the CCG team together last weekend in Lithuania for a couple of days for team building and planning.

As a company, we are used to working remotely and many colleagues had never met face to face but we are delighted to report we all got on really well!  

This article could be accessed at: https://thepienews.com/news/lithuanian-dual-degree-scheme-put-institutions-map/

Our colleague Teneisha joined the IVEC Conference in Valencia this year to learn more about K-12 and University programs.