ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews some existing and developing international linkages, with particular reference to North America. It details quality assurance offered by the International Network of Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education: quality assurance may relate to a programme, an institution or a whole higher education system. Quality assurance comes in various forms such as accreditation, assessment, academic audit and external examination. The demand for international quality assurance comes from sources both external and internal to higher education. External pressures include professional bodies, regional trade agreements, international higher education associations and global assistance organizations. Internal pressures include overseas marketing of higher education systems, institutions and programs; stimulated by intrinsic values, global recession, and for some developing countries, a fear of isolation and economic deprivation, educational 'exports' are booming. The educational paradigm is shifting and new models and linkages are challenging us to move beyond the confines of a national perspective toward regional and international issues.
