This article gives a general historical perspective and framework for the discussion of higher education in post-1992 Europe. Universities are, by nature of their commitment to advancing universal knowledge, essentially international institutions, but they have been living in a world of nation states that have designs upon them. (MLW)

The evaluation report of the European Community Action Programme for Education and Training for Technology (COMETT) examines COMETT program content, COMETT projects, and initial program impact. It was concluded that COMETT has alerted the educational sector and industry to benefits of cooperative training but that transnational cooperative…

Evaluation of the European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students (ERASMUS) focused on four major actions: (1) establishment and operation of a European university network; (2) the ERASMUS student grants program; (3) intercommunity academic recognition of diplomas and periods of study; and (4) promotion of student mobility…

This paper discusses some cultural differences that may affect cooperation in Europe. It maintains that it takes a least one year before a multinational working group begins to be productive, if no special provision is taken to minimize communication problems and to integrate the different cultures involved. (MLW)

Two government-induced distortions generate an excess demand for entry into the Greek higher education system. In Greece the private cost of higher education is too low and the government-set wage rate too high, thus contributing to the excess demand for higher education and an apparent "graduate unemployment" problem. (MLW)

Three parties in the present Finnish educational debate are identified: those who argue that the government lacks a clear comprehensive view of educational policy; those who defend the results of social democratic policy; and those who argue for economic competitiveness as the main goal of education. (MLW)

The formulation of priorities in educational policy in the Federal Republic of Germany and their transformation into concrete goals were heavily influenced by the expected demographic change, which is the most important determinant of educational demand (enrollments) and the situation in the labor market and employment system. (MLW)

This article reviews the structural differences in vocational training between East and West Germany; describes a large-scale program establishing suprafirm training centers; notes the shift away from centralism; and considers personnel needs, legal aspects, industry responsibility, attitudinal differences, and European perspectives. (DB)

Trends in vocational education and training (VET) reform in Italy, Spain, and Portugal are examined in the context of European Community developments. The paper describes common problems (such as a low average qualification level), each country's current VET system, and specific strategies for structural change and program development. (DB)

The article argues that a profound reform of the vocational education and training (VET) system in Poland is needed. The article discusses the structure and problems of the current Polish VET system, issues in education reform such as modernization and teacher autonomy, and the role of foreign assistance. (DB)

This article outlines the current vocational education and training system in England and Wales; notes current reform efforts to increase privatization, decentralization, and enterprise; identifies obstacles to change; and considers decentralized decision making in the context of the 1988 Education Reform Act. (Author/DB)

The Dutch vocational education system of qualifying students is examined, including national policy changes in response to identified problems, and ways in which the quality of qualifications will be assured in a reformed vocational education system to assure comparability with other European Community nations. (DB)

The paper looks at part-time higher educational services for students in the educational systems of Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A comparative examination of the nature and importance of part-time higher education is then presented. (DB)

This article looks at vocationalism in higher education in terms of three stages of vocationalism in western Europe. It also examines the shifting legitimacy toward vocationalism, new forms of stratification in the academic profession, and vocationalism as a response to "massification" of higher education. (DB)

Trends in higher education in the United Kingdom are analyzed in the context of organizational changes that will abolish the policy distinguishing polytechnic institutions and universities. The article examines historic concerns with the relationship of higher education to needs of the economy, and changes that suggest increased emphasis on…