The Conversation UK, Ten sure ways countries can turn away international students
“More than 4.5m students cross borders every year for educational purposes, mostly entering English-speaking countries, Western Europe, China, Japan and Russia. The great majority of these students return home when their education ends, though some become skilled migrants to the country of education, or other countries. Nations compete for international students…”
The Conversation UK’s article presents a list of ten unwelcoming attitudes to guarantee a nation will become uncompetitive in the global HE landscape.
These include:
Long, complicated and pricey visa applications
High tuition fees
Extra security checks and discriminatory policies for particular countries
Media propaganda spurring social concerns towards international students being agents of national and cultural destruction
Restrictions to employment during and after studies, and scare tactics on employers allowing international students to work extra hours
Difficulties for international students to find accommodation, open bank accounts and access health services
The UK has checked off the list and more – save perhaps a healthy debate in the media which has proven many sectors are against the Government’s position on international students. With no sign of Government backing down, the HE community need to persist putting pressure on current policy and practice; rethink current unwelcoming attitudes towards international students; draw the line between mass migration and skilled migration; and ensure that they facilitate the process and integration of international students as best they can.