Breaking barriers in a distributed world

Imagine a world where learning knows no borders, where a young professional in Kosovo, an aspiring teacher in Myanmar, or a working parent in Colombia can access high-quality learning opportunities tailored to their needs.

With a focus on three key pillars—affordability, cultural relevance and language—ASU is redefining what it means to make learning accessible on a global scale. Through partnerships in over 140 countries and its growing portfolio of Universal Learner and Career Catalyst courses, ASU is preparing learners to navigate the demands of a workforce shaped by technological advancements and global interconnectedness.

Why now: the opportunity to shape the workforce of the future

Global demand for skilled workers is skyrocketing, with the World Economic Forum projecting that nearly 25% of jobs will undergo significant changes in the next five years and 69 million new ones will be created. This is particularly evident in fields like artificial intelligence, sustainability and healthcare, where rapid advancements are reshaping workforce needs. Yet many regions lack the infrastructure or resources to meet these needs. With more than half of the world’s workforce requiring significant upskilling, the opportunity is immense—and urgent.

Redefining access to transformative education

ASU’s global strategy focuses on three critical elements:

1. Affordability: Education must be financially accessible to everyone. ASU’s Universal Learner Courses allow learners to pay only after successfully completing a course, removing financial risk and making higher education attainable for underserved populations. Programs like Earned Admission provide pathways to degrees without requiring students to commit to full-time enrollment upfront.

2. Cultural relevance: Education works best when it reflects local realities. ASU collaborates with partners around the world to ensure its programs address the specific needs of each community. This approach equips learners with skills that are both practical and immediately applicable.

3. Language: By offering programs in multiple languages, ASU bridges linguistic barriers that often exclude learners. With many of ASU’s Universal Learner Courses now translated into Spanish, the university is ensuring Spanish-speaking learners can access cutting-edge courses in fields like artificial intelligence and sustainability.

“Our mission is to rethink traditional education models, creating opportunities for learners to transform their futures,” said Maria Anguiano, executive vice president of ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “This work is about shaping the workforce of tomorrow while empowering communities to make a lasting impact in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Localized learning, global impact

From Europe to Asia to Latin America, ASU’s partnerships are tailored to meet the distinct needs of local communities while equipping learners to participate in a global economy.

Kosovo: building a workforce for the digital age
In partnership with Universum International College, “UNI,” ASU is equipping Kosovo’s workforce with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand fields like technology and health. As one of Europe’s youngest nations, with over half its population under 30, Kosovo is poised for rapid economic growth. This collaboration combines ASU’s global expertise with UNI’s local insights to deliver programs in areas such as digital literacy, health and wellness strategies, and leadership development. By aligning with Kosovo’s national priorities for digital transformation, this initiative is preparing learners to lead in a dynamic, tech-driven economy while strengthening the region’s long-term potential.

“This partnership is both a knowledge exchange and an opportunity for Kosovo’s future workforce to shape their own path,” said Alejtin Berisha, president of UNI. “Together, we’re breaking new ground, bringing ASU’s innovative approach to learning to professionals in Universum and empowering them with skills that matter locally and globally.”

Myanmar: supporting displaced educators
ASU’s Learning Enterprise, through The Asia Center, has launched a yearlong teacher training program for displaced university educators in Myanmar, a country rich in diversity yet facing significant political conflict. Supported by the USAID Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program, the initiative focuses on inclusive teaching strategies, digital-first methods, and blended learning approaches tailored to local needs. With a sustainable design that includes open-access resources and cascading training sessions, the initiative aims to extend its impact far beyond the initial cohort of 100 educators as demand has been high.

"Within just three weeks, we received twice as many applications as we could accommodate from displaced teachers in Myanmar, Thailand, and IDP camps in Thailand and Bangladesh," said Chan Lwin, program manager and co-principal investigator at ASU’s Asia Center.

Egypt: unlocking global career opportunities
A dual-degree partnership with Galala University allows students in Egypt to earn internationally recognized credentials. These programs prepare learners for global careers in technology, engineering and health, ensuring they are competitive in an interconnected world. GU is also an ASU-Cintana Alliance partner—which brings ASU’s industry-aligned courses in digital skills, health and leadership to countries across the world.

“The dual-degree programs at Galala University represent a transformative opportunity for Egyptian students,” said Nina Myers, senior director of products and services at Cintana Education. “These pathways are helping learners achieve internationally recognized credentials, positioning them for success in a global workforce.”

Latin America: empowering Spanish-speaking learners
Latin America is in the midst of a profound surge in demand for technology talent, with the technology hiring market increasing by 286% in recent years. ASU’s initiatives in Mexico, Argentina and Colombia reflect a commitment to fostering transformative collaborations that prepare learners for both local and global opportunities.

In partnership with Tec de Monterrey, ASU has brought advanced engineering courses to thousands of students, building pipelines for industries like aerospace and automotive. Students delved into highly relevant content of pressing societal challenges and technological advancements, and how engineering plays a vital role in creating solutions.

“By examining real-world examples like Tesla and discussing the impacts of digital inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic, I gained valuable insights into how technological advancements can reshape industries and societies,” shared Pablo Cid, a Master’s in Engineering student at Tec de Monterrey.

Five thousand miles away ​​in Buenos Aires, ASU has joined forces with Universidad Argentina de la Empresa  to train more than 2,000 faculty members in the use of generative AI, virtual reality and other advanced technologies. Faculty are applying these tools to create engaging, innovative learning experiences for UADE’s 42,000 students. Training programs, tailored to local needs and translated into Spanish, cover key areas such as active learning and teaching with immersive technologies.

This emphasis on technology-enabled solutions also extends to equipping students to lead in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship. In Bogotá, Colombia, ASU’s partnership with Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administración is helping future business leaders to tackle local challenges through cutting-edge strategies. The collaboration began with the launch of an “Advanced Innovation” course, which provides students with tools to solve real-world problems and foster economic growth in Colombia’s evolving industries.

A vision for the future

With over 430,000 learners engaged in ASU’s non-degree learning offerings last year, its global education model is preparing individuals not only to participate in the workforce but to lead in fields that will define the future. The university plans to expand its efforts in underserved regions across Asia and Africa, focusing on critical areas including artificial intelligence, sustainability and healthcare.

“The challenges we’re solving today are also the opportunities of tomorrow,” said Anguiano. “Education must adapt to equip learners with the skills to navigate change and drive progress on a global scale. We all have a role to play.”