Investing in the Future: Rebuilding Higher Education in Myanmar

Investing in the Future: Rebuilding Higher Education in Myanmar focuses on the historic U.S. higher education delegation to Myanmar in February 2013. It was the largest delegation of U.S. universities to travel to Myanmar. Led by IIE’s President and CEO Allan E. Goodman, the delegation included representatives from 10 U.S. higher education institutions, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon, and the U.S. Department of State, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Academic Programs Meghann Curtis. 

The report presents findings from the visit and includes observations on the context of higher education in Myanmar, an analysis of needs facing the sector, and recommendations to support partnerships and academic exchanges. It is our hope that this report will provide policy makers, foundations, private sector corporations, and higher education professionals with an overview of potential areas for engagement; and will help facilitate the timely implementation of much-needed higher education capacity building activities that will be critical for the next phase of Myanmar’s economic development.


Table of Contents

Foreword: Making History by Investing in the Future
By Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO, Institute of International Education

Executive Summary

Introduction

I. The Current Political and Higher Education Context in Myanmar                    
Contributing Author: Carola Weil, Dean, School of Professional and Extended Studies, American University

II. Needs in the Higher Education Sector
Contributing Author: Denis Simon, Vice Provost for International Strategic Initiatives, Arizona State University

III.  Recommendations to Support Partnerships and Exchanges
Contributing Author: Chris McCord, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, Northern Illinois University 

Conclusions and the Way Forward

Appendix A: IIE Myanmar Higher Education Initiative:
Delegation Agenda, Participants, and IAPP Advisory Board Members 

Appendix B: Resources and Opportunities for Engaging with Myanmar