Objective: This study probes the reasons for high attrition rates and sense of community among students enrolled at a technical institution serving low-income students in Bogotá, Colombia. Although sense of community on campus is the strongest predictor of a student's thriving, scholars in higher education have studied mainly minority students'…

Two-year colleges have played an important role in providing postsecondary education for women in postwar Japan. More recently, a dwindling college-bound population in Japan has resulted in a drastic decrease in the number of and enrollment in 2-year colleges. This study explored the motivations and aspirations of 12 Japanese female students to…

This essay examines the impact of the Bologna Process on the development of short-cycle higher education in Europe, noting that the integration of short-cycle qualifications within the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area, combined with the critical place allotted to those programs in national lifelong learning…

This chapter traces the history, purposes, and distinctive features of the foundation degree, a short-cycle higher education qualification introduced in England in 2000-2001 and offered by both universities and further education colleges. The key characteristics of the foundation degree are discussed: employer involvement in curriculum development…

This chapter traces the development of short-cycle higher education in Bulgaria. An emphasis is placed on (a) the evolution of nonuniversity short-cycle institutes and (b) the challenges of bridging the gap between secondary and higher education and creating links between vocational and academic learning pathways. The case study of Bulgaria may…

The emphasis in Norway's new regional colleges is on close student-teacher relationships, on innovation, and on a balance between career training and basic education. This article describes each of the six regional colleges, which exhibit many features of the American community college. (NHM)

Discusses the Canadian community colleges' quest for a status level reflecting their individual identities, objectives, aspirations, and quality measures distinct from universities. Looks at trends in public attitudes toward the community colleges, the organizational structures adopted, and ways community colleges can demonstrate their quality and…

Examines the critical role of Egyptian technical institutes and their programs. Supplies statistics illustrating national demographic and cultural problems. Emphasizes the need for trained middle-level technicians in the Egyptian workforce. Describes the conception and development of the institutes and discusses the relationship between industry…

Identifies the major functions of short cycle education and two aspects of governance and administration related to these purposes: specifically, local or regional autonomy v national control, and comprehensive, multi-purpose v specialized programs. Considers short cycle education in 12 countries. (AYC)

Focuses on the different institutions that provide postcompulsory education and training around the world. Summarizes international patterns of governance and organization, enrollment trends, financing methods, faculty characteristics, and curricula for short cycle education. (MAB)

Discusses the development of "short-cycle higher education," usually associated with community or technical colleges in the United States, and gives examples of the movement overseas. Offers profiles of institutions in 10 primary geographic sectors, including the Pacific, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe. Examines implications…