OTOH, this looks promising (though I haven't read his 2012 book which spells out the 'vision'), and would be great if this can provide a framework for a democratized online schooling system with the flexibilities and features it provides.
I think you under-estimate how much fancy schools cost worldwide. In Bangkok, for example, a very good British-style education will cost you $18k per year at Patana, and if you really want to flash your cash you can drop $30k at Shrewsbury (British) or $30k at ISB (American).
I grew up as an expat kid, and this would have been a reasonable alternative for my parents, with the added bonus that I could have stayed with the same peer group and curriculum while they moved country. Socialisation would have been a bit harder but far from impossible.
> Why should it be more for outside US students?
My guess would be the US subsidises some aspect of this?
In this case I am wondering if it could be related to needing additional staff to cover other time zones? Or maybe there are additional administrative paperwork needs for those students?
Students who live in the US, but outside Arizona, will pay $9,900 per year tuition. Students who live outside the US will pay $12,900 per year.”