US, India strengthen educational ties; Foreign students in CA lack job prospects; and more in this week’s MSM Reporter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the United States focuses on strengthening educational ties, particularly in higher education, space exploration, and defense collaboration. The visit aims to deepen defense ties and enhance economic and military relations between the two countries, considering tensions with China. The influential Indian diaspora and their presence in leadership positions at academic institutions play a significant role in fostering US-India educational partnerships.

International students in Canada face a daunting hurdle in their quest for employment and government support. A recent study conducted in British Columbia reveals that while these students are sought after for their higher tuition, their post-graduation career prospects receive scant attention. As a result, many find themselves trapped in low-paying jobs, burdened by soaring living costs, and struggling academically. The research highlights the necessity for improved support and guidance from higher education institutions and government agencies to better assist international students in navigating the Canadian job market. 

British High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery clarified that the United Kingdom’s decision to restrict foreign students from bringing dependents starting in 2024 is not specifically targeted at Nigerians. The restriction aims to protect UK infrastructure due to a significant increase in the number of students bringing their families in recent years. Montgomery acknowledged that Nigerian student enrollment in the UK has grown fivefold in three years, contributing to the overall increase in international students. He emphasized the need to manage the housing and services for the growing student population and the necessity to regulate migration in and out of the UK, similar to Nigeria’s approach.

Advocates and lawyers representing international students have raised concerns about employers exploiting overseas workers, with some businesses taking advantage of their need to work more hours than legally allowed or their lack of knowledge about work entitlements. The Fair Work ombudsman is being urged to receive additional funding for better oversight. Underpayment and sham contracting arrangements are prevalent issues faced by international students, according to legal experts. The reintroduction of work caps in July aims to address these concerns, but there are worries that students may not seek help or report violations due to fears of visa cancellation. 

A report by RNZ reveals that although study visa applications have increased overall, the number of new international students enrolling in courses in New Zealand has decreased compared to pre-pandemic levels. Between September 1, 2022 and April 30 of this year, Immigration New Zealand approved 20,331 study visas for overseas students, which is 22 percent lower than the same period in 2018-19. The decline in enrollment is particularly significant for Indian students, with a 45 percent decrease in study visas issued. Study visa approvals from Japan and the United States saw around a 20 percent decline. Study permits for new Thai students increased by 21 percent, and permits for German students increased by 2 percent. In response to these trends, the Ministry of Education is considering limiting the enrollment of fee-paying international students in primary and intermediate schools to prioritize local students and address larger educational challenges.

The United States Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services have made significant strides in advancing the implementation of President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which focuses on mental health investments and measures to prevent and respond to gun violence while ensuring access to high-quality mental health services. The recent actions taken by the ED and HHS aim to create safer schools, expand community violence interventions, and address the nation’s mental health crisis. The departments are investing in comprehensive support systems within schools, breaking down barriers between education and healthcare, and promoting safe and supportive learning environments. They are also providing funding and training to enhance mental health services in schools, address community violence, and support trauma victims. The Biden Administration has adopted a multifaceted approach, including significant financial investments, to implement the BSCA and prioritize the mental health and well-being of students.

Canadian authorities have charged an Indian man, Brijesh Mishra, for allegedly providing fraudulent university acceptance letters to Indian students and committing other immigration-related offenses. Mishra faces five charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Canada Border Services Agency initiated an investigation based on information about Mishra’s activities related to “counseling misrepresentation.” Many of the affected students came to Canada in 2017 and 2018 on student permits and were given fake college admission letters by their immigration consultants. These students, who were facing deportation, have completed their studies and started families while applying for permanent residency, unaware of the fraudulent offer letters. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced a freeze on deportations and the establishment of a task force to investigate individual cases. 

Pathway programs, also known as bridge programs, have become a crucial component of higher education, responding to the increasing demand for advanced learning opportunities from international students. These programs, designed to prepare students for university-level study in English-speaking environments, serve as a stepping stone to bridge the gap between students’ current abilities and the academic expectations of their desired degree programs. The global market for pathway programs conducted in English has reached an estimated value of USD 1.4 billion, with Asia being the main source of students. These programs, offered primarily in Greater Europe, North America, and Oceania, cover a wide range of disciplines and typically span 12 months. Pathway programs not only facilitate access to higher education but also contribute to campus diversity, international collaboration, and the creation of a global learning community. As they continue to grow and diversify, pathway programs are poised to shape the future of international education.

Universities Australia is one of the shareholders in IELTS, which is a company that provides tests for international students to prove their English proficiency. Many students have to take multiple and expensive tests regularly as taught by universities, creating a conflict of interest. Government inquiries are calling for more oversight regarding universities regulating education agents, and The International Education Association of Australia is warning of the danger of swinging too far in regards to English language arrangements. International students are at a disadvantage and a burden trying to prove their proficiency in the English language, as well as facing extended security clearances for visas that can take up to 16 months.

Finland’s government has announced plans to raise tuition fees for non-EU students studying in the country, leading to possible declines in enrollment from such countries. Student unions and universities have criticized this decision as a “disaster” for Finland’s goal of tripling its international student population by 2030. The new policy also includes tighter regulations for those applying for state benefits or permanent residency, as well as incentives to encourage students to remain in Finland after completing their studies. International students from Nigeria and other countries need to be aware of the new requirements if they wish to study in Finland.

The Dutch government plans to reduce the number of courses offered in English at higher education institutions and instead offer two-thirds of course content in Dutch. Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf believes that it is possible to pursue studies with one-third of the curriculum in English. There has been both positive and negative feedback about the proposed changes, which will take effect from September 2022. The international student population in the Netherlands has been increasing over the years and there are now 122,287 international students in the country, which is 15 percent of the student population. However, there is a severe student housing shortage which has led universities to call on international students not to come unless they have secured accommodation.

The Canadian parliamentary committee recently called for sanctions on Chinese officials overseeing boarding schools in Tibet, which they compare to Canada’s mistreatment of Indigenous children. Witnesses testified that President Xi Jinping has intensified the assimilation efforts of Uyghur people by using residential schools. The report found that curriculums and language instruction in these schools have been replaced with those in Han Chinese, erasing Tibetan culture. Canada is a major education superpower and attracts students from over 100 countries, making it the most popular study-abroad destination.

Mount Saint Mary’s, the only women’s university in Los Angeles known for its achievements and commitments, is nationally recognized for research on gender equity, innovative health and science programs, and dedication to community service. Graduates from Mount Saint Mary’s experience exceptional social mobility, achieving career success, advanced degrees, and higher salaries. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, personalized attention and support are prioritized, while financial aid averaging $30,510 is provided to reduce the financial strain on students.

The Business Administration Major in Travel and Tourism Management program at Eton College offers students a comprehensive education in the functional aspects of business and commerce, with a specific focus on Canada’s vibrant tourism industry. By providing global-minded business skills and insight, the program prepares graduates for the evolving landscape of the travel and tourism sector. Successful completion of the program grants eligibility for admission to Capilano University’s Bachelor of Tourism Management. Covering topics such as business management, destination marketing, ethics, and sustainable tourism, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for a range of career opportunities in the industry.