International Students: Boon Or Bane?

International students are a vital part of the student community, enriching cultural diversity and enhancing the reputation of universities worldwide. However, the question of whether international students are detrimental has been a topic of discussion. International students face challenges such as language barriers, academic adjustments, social and cultural differences, discrimination, financial stress, and mental health issues. Despite these difficulties, international students bring immense value to their host countries, contributing significantly to the economy and promoting cultural exchange. In the US, international students contributed $38.7 billion to the economy in the 2019-2020 academic year, highlighting the economic benefits of attracting international students. Furthermore, a study by UCL found that international students do not negatively impact the education and labour market outcomes of domestic students in England. While there may be concerns about the impact of international students, the benefits they bring to the academic community and the economy are significant.

International students contribute to the economy

International students contribute significantly to the economies of their host countries. In the United States, international students contributed a record-breaking $44 billion during the last academic year, according to data published by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. This is an increase of almost $6.3 billion (19%) compared to the previous academic year. The previous academic year, over one million international students in the US contributed more than $40 billion to the economy. This figure is up from $370 million for those enrolled in English Language programs.

In the United Kingdom, international students contribute £8 billion annually to the economy. International students bring a variety of benefits to their host countries, including enhancing cultural diversity and contributing to scientific and technical research. They also bring an influx of funds from outside sources, including personal and family funds, as well as assistance from their home country's governments or universities.

International students in the US and UK also contribute to the economy through housing costs, tuition, and fees. They support jobs in the education sector and beyond, with NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw stating that "it's not only just the faculty, and it's not just the staff, it's even the sort of vendors that are part of the university."

International students also contribute to the economy by pursuing internships and connecting with top employers, which can lead to future job opportunities. Additionally, the cultural diversity that international students bring to US campuses fosters an exchange of ideas and intercultural understanding, which is invaluable in today's globalized world.

Furthermore, international students in the US benefit from learning from industry experts who are often active researchers or innovators in their fields. This provides them with valuable first-hand expertise and expands their professional networks, increasing their chances of finding long-term employment.

International students face challenges

International students face a variety of challenges that can impact their overall experience and well-being. One of the main challenges is financial stress. The cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can be significantly higher in some countries, such as the United States, and international students may struggle to find affordable and safe housing. Many international students rely on their parents' savings, and some may take on part-time jobs to support themselves. Navigating visa requirements and understanding the local rental market and housing regulations can be daunting tasks for newcomers.

Language barriers pose another set of challenges. While many international students have studied English, they may encounter difficulties with slang, fast-paced conversations, and idiomatic expressions. This can make both understanding and participating in conversations challenging. Additionally, international students may be unfamiliar with the academic writing styles and research methods common in their host country, which can affect their performance in written assignments.

Social and cultural differences can also lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion. International students often miss home and are only able to return a limited number of times a year. Time zone differences can further complicate their efforts to stay connected with their families. They may face racial and ethnic prejudice, discrimination, or harassment based on their race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. Stereotypes and misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings and create a hostile environment. International students may also find themselves grappling with the local customs and cultural norms of their host country, which can be a transformative but daunting experience.

Lastly, international students face psychological challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, depression, stress, and low motivation. Loneliness and homesickness are common, especially during the first year of their studies. The lack of a support network, with most students not having family in the host country, can exacerbate these mental health issues. Unfortunately, international students are less inclined to access mental health facilities and support services provided by their educational institutions.

International students enrich cultural diversity

International students are an asset to any country and higher education institution, enriching the learning environment and promoting cultural exchange. They bring a diversity of cultures, languages, and experiences, which creates a unique mix in the student community and broadens the horizons of all students. This diversity enhances understanding, respect, and tolerance for other cultures, and prepares students to work in a global world.

International students contribute to the development of intercultural skills, the exchange of knowledge and experience, and mutual understanding between different cultures. They can share their knowledge, experiences, customs, traditions, and languages, helping their peers to expand their boundaries and learn about different cultures. This also contributes to a tolerant and open environment where different cultures and opinions are welcomed and respected. For example, international students in the US benefit from real-world working experience through internships and connections with top employers, as well as career workshops and fairs that provide valuable networking opportunities.

The presence of international students offers valuable potential for the transformative learning that educators strive for. They bring new ideas, approaches, and perspectives to the learning environment, contributing to the overall enrichment of learners. This academic contribution creates a more international learning environment and enriches the educational experience for all students. International students can also help their compatriots adapt to their new environment, providing useful advice and support and fostering a sense of belonging.

Cultural exchange is a vital aspect of the international student experience. Exposure to other cultures and languages allows students to develop their intercultural skills, including cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and tolerance. This promotes personal growth and development, enhancing students' global mindset and preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world. International students themselves also benefit from cultural enrichment through international education, gaining valuable experiences and memories, as well as enhancing their cultural awareness and empathy.

International students' impact on domestic students' outcomes

International students have become an integral part of the higher education system in many countries. The United States, for instance, is the world's most popular study destination, with more than a million international students. The UK also attracts a large number of international students, who contribute around £8 billion to its economy annually.

However, the impact of international students on domestic students' outcomes has been a subject of debate. Some argue that international students may affect the educational and labour market outcomes of domestic students. On the other hand, recent studies, including one by researchers at University College London (UCL), have found that international students do not significantly affect the education and labour market outcomes of domestic students in higher education in England. The study, published in the European Economic Review, analysed data from undergraduate students enrolled at English universities during the 2007/08-2010/11 academic years. It investigated the impact of studying with international students on the probability of domestic students successfully graduating and achieving good grades. The researchers found no evidence that international students were detrimental to the probability of graduating or the quality of degrees obtained by domestic students. Similarly, there was no significant impact found on the labour market participation and quality of jobs obtained by domestic students six months after graduation.

In fact, some evidence suggests that international students can have a positive influence on domestic students' outcomes. For example, non-EU international students have been found to positively impact the salaries of domestic students, especially among high-ability graduates. Additionally, the presence of international students can bring an international perspective to the classroom, increasing cultural awareness and intercultural knowledge, and leading to more intercultural interactions and friendships.

Overall, while there may be concerns about the impact of international students on domestic students' outcomes, research suggests that international students do not have a detrimental effect on the educational and labour market achievements of domestic students. Instead, international students can enrich the experiences of all university students and contribute to the diversity and quality of higher education institutions.

International students' experiences in the US

International students have been arriving in the US since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the earliest students coming from China and Japan. The US is the world's most popular destination for studying abroad, with more than one million international students choosing the country for their higher education in the 2023-24 academic year.

International students are drawn to the US by the promise of world-class education and the well-funded nature of its institutions. The US is known for its strong academics, innovative research, and supportive faculty. The country's universities offer top-ranked academic opportunities across all disciplines, from undergraduate studies to PhD-level programs. The US also has significant room to grow in terms of hosting international students, with international students making up just 6% of higher education enrollment.

International students in the US benefit from real-world working experience, with many degree programs requiring internships or co-ops to graduate. US institutions also give students the chance to learn from industry experts, with professors often being active researchers or innovators in their field. This provides students with valuable first-hand expertise and expands their professional network.

The cultural diversity of the US is also a key reason why international students choose to study there. The country's diverse cities and annual cultural festivals celebrating international traditions, food, music, and art allow students to experience global cultures and connect with people from all walks of life. This exposure to different cultures can help students overcome culture shock and adjust to American college life.

US colleges and universities recognize the unique challenges faced by international students and provide extensive resources to help them thrive academically, socially, and personally. Many institutions offer specialized programs, visa and immigration support, workshops, and peer mentorship programs to create a welcoming environment for international students.

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