Education - Expat Magazine
University reputation, entry requirements, course content and tuition fees are major factors international students consider when deciding to study abroad. However, as a new study of the UK-based INTO University Partnerships shows, the economic climate in the country, post-study employment opportunities, the accessibility of housing, the ease of the visa application process and safety are also key concerns of prospective international students.
USA
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, public attention has shifted as life gradually returns to normal. International students, previously allowed to pursue remote studies during the health crisis, are now transitioning. The United States and other countries have recently revoked Covid-related provisions, requiring international students to attend universities physically. What are the implications of this change for international students?
Are you looking to study abroad? Choosing the right destination is paramount. The ERASMUS program presents remarkable possibilities — it goes beyond academic development; it represents a transformative journey that enables you to forge connections with diverse individuals and broaden your worldview. Whether it's immersing yourself in new cultures, mastering foreign languages, or discovering exciting career prospects, embracing the ERASMUS program as part of your university experience can be immensely advantageous. In this article, we will delve into the numerous benefits of embarking on an ERASMUS adventure.
Since its release in late 2022, the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT has generated a lot of controversy in academia. It has blurred the line between original research and plagiarism in a way universities are still grappling with. Many universities have explicitly banned ChatGPT in their plagiarism policies, but others remain ambivalent about its use. In addition, there is another layer of danger for international students – if accused of plagiarism, they can lose their student visa and the right to remain in the country.
International students' mobility has been on the rise since the reopening of borders following the Covid-19 pandemic. China, one of the last countries to resume the delivery of all types of visas, is looking to enhance its image among international students. The benefits of studying abroad are many, such as discovering a new country and new cultures, learning a new language, acquiring new skills, making new friends, etc. But behind all those pluses lie many hardships that we cannot ignore. Work, accommodation and socialization are some of the challenges faced by international students.
It is common knowledge that degrees in medicine, computer science, law and finance give international students high-paying jobs abroad. However, there are also other degrees/diplomas which can lead to great salaries. Culinary arts, nursing and paramedical professions, business combined with IT skills, and human resources are underrated specializations that can lead to fulfilling and high-paying careers.
Various studies have shown that studying abroad increases your chances of getting a high starting salary upon being hired. Back home, employers will value the language, intercultural and problem-solving skills you learned abroad. If you choose to remain in the foreign country where you studied, your experience as a student will likely also help you transition into the country's work culture.
France
Campus France reports that the number of international students in the country has increased by 8% over 2021-2022. There are now over 400,000 international students there, the highest number in 15 years. The growth has been driven by big leaps in the number of students from the Americas (+15%) and Europe (+13%). The affordability and quality of education in France could well be among the reasons behind this.
Norway
In March, the Norwegian parliament approved a policy to introduce tuition fees for international students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area. This will apply from Fall 2023. However, critics from within the higher education sector are protesting that it will damage the reputation of Norwegian universities and Norway's image as an egalitarian society.
Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of studying abroad had already become a significant factor for many international students and their families, particularly in South Asia and Africa. These regions have seen a rising interest in studying abroad, but with limited financial resources, there has been a growing emphasis on the return on investment of such a decision.
England
The Times reports that the UK's Home Office is considering reducing the post-study work rights of international students from 2 years to 6 months. This follows discussions within the government since late 2022 about capping international student numbers. If these are actually applied, they might drastically reduce the attractiveness and accessibility of the UK for overseas students and expats.
China
What if studying abroad was a passport to achieving a new level of freedom? In China, the idea is becoming more and more widespread. In the wake of the pandemic and, most importantly, with the consequences of the zero-covid policy, Chinese students are now keener on studying abroad. But the once-popular destinations for studying abroad have changed. As China reopened its borders in early January 2023, hoping for a return to normalcy, many Chinese students are hoping for a brighter future elsewhere.
Distance learning and online courses have been booming since the pandemic. They were first thought of as an emergency solution, but online courses are increasingly becoming more efficient. But while distance learning has gained momentum, China is taking a hard line: online courses will no longer be recognized; only face-to-face courses will. This is a major concern for Chinese students enrolled in universities abroad. This is an important reminder for international students who are finding it hard to choose before moving abroad to study or distance learning.
The new year has brought back moving abroad plans. Many students are having their revenge on the pandemic. Borders are now wide open, and the troubles caused by COVID don't seem to be affecting plans to study abroad anymore. So, what are the best places to study in 2023? How to prepare for your trip in the current international context? Here are some tips.
Sayantan Biswas, originally from India, is the co-founder of Adventum Student Living, an international student mobility platform. Since the reopening of the borders of most countries, he observed a growing number of students moving abroad for their studies, which also means a growing demand for student services. In this interview, he gives out tips for international students planning their move abroad to study in 2023.
England
Recently, in order to fight labor shortages, the UK's Home Office eased the laws to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. International students can now switch to this visa before completing their course as long as they have a suitable job offer. However, this is turning out to be a problem for British universities, who are seeing higher international dropout rates and the accompanying loss of funds from tuition fees.
Germany
Has Germany become the new hot spot for international students? The country is gaining in popularity among international students who wish to pursue their studies abroad. Indeed, despite the health crisis, international mobility is on the rise again. International students are even keener to move, and more and more of them are choosing Germany. What's is driving them there and what are the benefits of studying in Germany?
Two major events disrupted international student mobility during the past years – Brexit and the Covid pandemic. However, international mobility has picked up again with border reopenings worldwide, and some countries are among the new favorites among students. Which are they, and how are they beneficial for international students?
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