My organization is trying to create global consistency in how we define internal versus external training offerings. Here in the US, we've always said that if we teach something ourselves in-house, OR if we bring in an outside instructor but we have influence over the program content, we call this internal. It's only external if it's an open program that anyone can attend, or when we have no control over the content. Some of our global colleagues define anything with an external facilitator as "external," even if we co-design the program with them. I would appreciate hearing thoughts on how other companies make this designation. Thanks!

Question, MK... how does the differentiation matter, ultimately, to the organization?

That said - I agree with your definition. External implies training that was not created/customized to your organization's business goals and performance goals.

Still - I'm curious why it matters what you call it. If it's necessary for budget tracking or something like that, perhaps you need three different categories to cover the disagreement.