Note From the Editor
Canadian immigration and settlement policies are having unintended negative effects while being immensely successful in the immigration recruitment front. It is having unforeseen implications concerning sectors that include post-secondary education, job market, housing, visa and immigration processes. The number of scams, false claims and fake documents in the immigration and temporary workers’ permit process points to this issue as well.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a considerable learning loss in the United States, an effect that mirrors the global trend, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress findings.
All these and more key developments from the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and Korea in this week’s edition of MSM Reporter.
A growing trend among US colleges is that Indian international students are increasingly choosing to pursue STEM-designated MBA programs. These specialized programs, according to Karan Gupta, an international education counselor, have become particularly appealing to Indian students. Taya Sapp, interim director of full-time MBA admissions at the Ross School of Business, also indicated that an overwhelming majority of international students, at least 85 percent, choose the STEM-designated emphasis in management science. India and China stand out as major contributors to this population, demonstrating their dominance in this field of study.
While successful in recruiting a large number of immigrants, Canadian immigration and settlement policies are having unforeseen implications in sectors such as post-secondary education, housing, the job market, and visa and immigration processes. Scams, false claims, and fake documents have been reported in the immigration and temporary labor permit processes, raising worries about the effectiveness of these policies. According to a recent Toronto Star report, up to 700 Indian students were enrolled to study in Canada using forged admission letters. Although there are no concrete statistics available, media accounts and government warnings indicate the presence of these issues.
UK higher education institutions are stepping up their attempts to oppose the participation of staff members by the tens of thousands in a marking and assessment boycott. The University and College Union launched the boycott, which started on April 20 and included all duties linked to marking and assessment, including test invigilation. The UCU authorized the boycott after its members rejected the employers’ proposals on wages and working conditions. In response, senior management teams at numerous colleges threatened to withdraw the salaries of participating employees.
The Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Robbert Dijkgraaf, has announced plans to implement measures intended to regulate the enrollment of international students in the Netherlands. Concerned about overcrowded lecture halls, higher demands for lecturers, a lack of student housing, and restricted access to study programs, the Minister intends to implement concrete measures to manage the influx of international students. While no specific numbers have been determined, the Minister intends to strike a balance between sustaining the quality of education and preserving the international reputation of the country.
Recent events and research have shown that overseas students require better security and mental health support services. Numerous difficulties that these students confront, including housing shortages, racism, and financial scams, cause them great mental and financial stress. Universities are working to provide more inclusive and accessible support systems for incoming students, according to Simar Bedi, the Welfare Vice-President at Deakin University. As a result, it’s essential to create support systems tailored to the needs of international students, such as better security measures and mental health services, in order to lessen some of the challenges they encounter while studying abroad.
According to the findings of the National Assessment of Educational Progress examinations, the COVID-19 epidemic resulted in a considerable loss of learning in American children, as published by the National Assessment Governing Board. Numerous eighth-graders around the nation took these examinations. Findings showed that civics exam scores fell for the first time ever while U.S. history test scores were at their lowest level since 1994. The proficiency rate for American history was 13 percent, down 1 percent from 2018. Additionally, 40 percent of students did not reach the fundamental knowledge requirements while 46 percent of students met the “basic” level.
Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades program applicants for permanent residence in Canada must now provide proof of adequate settlement money. However, candidates for the Canadian Experience Class and those who are presently employed in Canada and have a legitimate employment offer are excluded from submitting proof of finances. The Canadian government announced this modification and increased the number of required settlement funds for skilled employees using the Express Entry system. The FSW, FST, and Canadian Experience Class immigration programs are all part of the Express Entry system.
A law (SB 266) that intends to forbid schools and universities from using funds for activities promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion has been approved by the Florida House. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ crusade against “woke” philosophy includes this action. Following the bill’s passage, a contentious debate about Florida’s university system and campus free speech has broken out. Rep. Randy Fine claims that the “woke” left has appropriated the terms “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in order to stifle competing viewpoints and intimidate people who hold them in contempt.
Four Canadian provinces, namely British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick, invite candidates through their Provincial Nominee Program. This program allows provinces to select skilled newcomers to address labor force gaps and strengthen the Canadian economy. The total target of PNP candidates for 2023 is 105,000 and each province has an allocated number. This week, British Columbia invited 171 candidates, Saskatchewan invited 1032 candidates, New Brunswick invited 86 candidates, and Manitoba invited 539 candidates.
Germany is a top study destination for international students due to potential job prospects, according to a study by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The attractive range of courses and favorable study conditions make it the top choice for 76 percent of foreign students. The international reputation of German degrees and promising career opportunities after graduation also contribute to its appeal. However, administrative procedures and documentation requirements were identified as common challenges.
Australia has seen a rise in the number of temporary migrants, particularly among former international students. The government’s migration review emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of “permanently temporary” migrants and proposed measures to facilitate employment and long-term stay for international students. Education institutions play a crucial role in the influx of temporary migrants as their courses often provide access to extended visas. To ensure the equitable distribution of the international education benefits, targeted policies are necessary since they tend to be concentrated in specific institutions.
The Korean government has established the International Student Support Division with the aim of attracting a larger number of international students and simplifying visa regulations. Notably, there has been a growing focus on attracting students from Vietnam. Universities are implementing various strategies to attract international students including signing memorandums of understanding and offering support for the establishment of new academic programs. Seoul remains the preferred destination for the majority of international students seeking higher education in Korea.
Monroe College, established in 1933, is renowned as a national leader in higher education accessibility, affordability, and achievement. With a firm belief in the transformative power of education to facilitate social mobility as well as make a positive impact on communities, the college assumes the responsibility of advocating for national policies that prioritize the best interests of students.
It also takes immense pride in its outstanding outcomes and the inclusive environment it offers, particularly catering to first-generation college students, newly arrived immigrants, and international students. The college’s curriculum is designed to be innovative and comprehensive, delivered by experienced industry professionals who incorporate local, national, and global perspectives into their teachings.
St. Lawrence College’s two-year Business Diploma program in Kingston equips students with the essential human skills that employers are seeking in today’s workforce. These skills include effective cross-cultural communication, problem-solving abilities, leadership qualities, collaboration skills, and critical thinking capabilities. Graduates of the program will also acquire valuable technical skills such as data analysis, business intelligence, global business techniques, sustainable business practices, proficiency in the MS Office Suite, project management expertise, and an entrepreneurial mindset. The integration of both human and technical skills empowers Business Diploma graduates to enhance their employability as they possess the adaptability and flexibility that the job market demands.
MSM Reporter is collated by a globally spread team of MSM and is published every Thursday.
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