Is this what America needs?

I received an e-mail from my former college's President this morning and I wasn't sure how I felt about it.

Subject: A message from Duke President Richard H. Brodhead - Duke Kunshan University

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Dear Duke Alumni, I am pleased to announce that we have received preliminary approval from China’s Ministry of Education for the creation of Duke Kunshan University (DKU), a new and important step in extending Duke’s global presence. A collaboration among Duke, Wuhan University and the city of Kunshan, DKU will be a center for innovative teaching and research, based on the principles and values that have made American research universities the model for the world. We expect DKU to begin operations during the 2013-2014 academic year.

On the one hand, American universities have been accepting international students for many years, and the relationship has benefited the universities and students.  However, if American universities create campuses in places like China, do both parties still benefit?  Will American students apply to Duke Kushan University or UNC Bangalore?  More importantly, will American students be accepted to these universities?  If not, have we lost our creative advantage?

The other part of me feels a sense of pride.  For years, international students have been willing to move to learn in American colleges.  If Duke and other schools open campuses internationally, is there an opportunity for American students to spend a semester/year of their college experience at an international branch of their college.  Studay abroad is touted as a great social learning experience.  But, will an undergrad at Duke go to Duke Kushan for a year and create connections and learn what the "flat" world is really all about?  If that happens, this can only help that student be more marketable in the global economy.

As I said, I am not sure how I feel about this but I think the old ways of thinking about education are being challenged and some entities are willing to take risks.  Time will tell which risks pay off.