Fiscal Considerations of an International Partnership in Higher Education A Case Study: Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the Peoples Education Society, Bangalore,India

There are numerous challenges associated with entering into an international partnership in higher education, including the significant financial risks involved. Whereas study abroad and basic exchange relationships are fairly risk free, more comprehensive partnership models typically involve greater financial investment and, therefore, greater risk. As more institutions explore alternative strategies for achieving internationalization goals and seek to enter into and expand international agreements, reviewing the actual experience of an existing partnership will give guidance to decision makers. \ud \ud This case study involves the exploration of the fiscal considerations of an international partnership in higher education using a partnership that has been in effect since 2005-2006 between Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and the Peoples Education Society (PES) of Bangalore, India, for delivery of an IUP MBA program on-site in Bangalore. Thirteen individuals were interviewed who have either been involved at some level with the partnership between IUP and PES from its inception and/or have an understanding of fiscal policies and procedures related to the program. \ud \ud Extensive feedback obtained from those interviewed sheds light on the wide range of fiscal considerations associated with establishing, operating, and maintaining an international partnership in higher education. The details provided regarding financial modeling, revenue and expenditures, tuition and fee policies, fiscal roles and responsibilities, compensation, indirect costs, financial risks, financial incentives, distribution of compensation opportunities, and external and internal policies and priorities, provide valuable insight to institutions considering the start or expansion of an international partnership initiative.\u