QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TRANS-NATIONAL EDUCATION

The aim of this study is to analyse the implication of trans-national (cross-border) education from the perspective of the quality of the education process and see how Quality Assurance mechanisms can be implemented and how those mechanisms apply. This paper will try to analyse the concept of trans-national education, as well as the already existing mechanisms applicable in quality assurance and diverse national and international approaches on the matter. Amongst the methods used, are the analysis of extisting documents, as well as presentation of some study cases from Europe and other continents, as well as a clear point of view both from Higher Education institution and Quality Assurance Agency perspectives. The paper will highlight the real implications (both positive and negative) of the globalisation process and cross-border cooperation in the higher education area. The main people directly interested by this document are, at the same level of importance. all major stakeholders in the education process students, academics (teachers, researchers), management structures at university level, as well as quality evaluators and policy makers. As the globalisation process opens new possibilities for the service providers, the education systems are not yet well protected against the risks of un-ethical or misleading attitudes. Therefore, as quality assurance, at national level, is of great importance for the general society, a trans-national approach of the concept is paramount.