Ibrahim Gardner
The definition of an expatriate, or expat, is a person who resides outside their native country. Expatriates are often skilled workers or professionals, but they can also be students. However, students who study abroad are not typically referred to as expatriates. International students are defined as those who travel to a foreign country to pursue an education. The term international student is often used in the context of higher education, and these students are typically required to obtain specific visas and authorizations to study in their chosen country. International students are also usually required to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of an expat | A person who resides outside their native country |
| Definition of an international student | A student from a foreign economy who is receiving an education at any university or college in a country that is not their own |
| Comparison | Expatriates are often skilled workers or students from affluent countries, whereas international students are not necessarily so |
| Application process | International students' applications are usually handled by the international admissions team, whereas expats' applications are not |
| Advantages | Expat students are eligible for federal aid and are not required to provide proof of finances |
| Examples | Students from EU countries studying in another EU country as part of the Erasmus Programme are considered international students |
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What You'll Learn
International students are not considered expats
Students who study in another country are not typically referred to as expatriates. International students are defined as students from a foreign economy who are receiving an education at a university or other educational institution in a different country and reside in that country with a 'college student' visa status. International students are often required to obtain authorization from the host country's government to enter with the intention of pursuing an education. For example, in Canada, international students are defined as "non-Canadian students who do not have 'permanent resident' status and have had to obtain the authorization of the Canadian government to enter Canada with the intention of pursuing an education."
The distinction between expats and international students is important in the context of university applications. At many colleges, applications from international students are reviewed by the international admissions team, who are more familiar with the school curricula and other aspects of student life in that region. International students may be compared to other students from their region and may be subject to different admissions criteria and requirements, such as providing proof of finances. On the other hand, expats who are citizens of the country they are applying to for university may be compared to students from similar schools in the area and may be eligible for financial aid, similar to domestic students.
Furthermore, the motivations and experiences of expats and international students can differ. Expatriates are often motivated by career advancement, international experience, and personal development. They may be sent by their parent company to work in a foreign branch or subsidiary, or they may arrange a contract to work overseas independently. On the other hand, international students are often driven by the desire to pursue educational opportunities, cultural exchange, and the international experience that comes with studying abroad.
In summary, international students are not considered expats. While there may be some overlap in the experiences of expats and international students, they are distinct groups with different definitions, motivations, and considerations in the university application process.
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Expat students face high tuition fees
The definition of an expatriate or expat is not always clear-cut, and there can be overlaps with the definition of an international student. Generally, an expat is someone who is temporarily residing in a country other than their native country. International students, on the other hand, are those who travel to a different country to pursue their education.
Expat students often face higher tuition fees than domestic students. In the United States, international students and out-of-state students often pay more than students who attend college in their home state, sometimes two or three times as much. International students in the US may also have to pay special fees for visa processing and English language exams. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, some universities charge international students over £30,000 (approximately $40,000) per year, with high living costs in major cities like London. In Australia, international students are required to pay full tuition fees, which can range from AU$20,000 to AU$60,000 per year, and may face high living costs for housing, food, and transportation. Switzerland is also known for its high living costs and tuition fees, with some universities charging international students over US$20,000 per year.
The high tuition fees for expat students can be a significant financial burden, especially when combined with the cost of living in a foreign country. In the US, international students are forbidden from working off-campus jobs, which can make it difficult for them to afford the costs of tuition and living expenses. Despite the challenges, the number of international students continues to grow, with a projected 6.9 million internationally mobile students by 2030, an increase of 51% from 2015. This growth is partly due to the increase in tuition costs in traditional destinations like the US and the UK, which has led to students exploring more affordable alternatives like China, which has seen a steady increase in international students since 2003.
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International students' applications are read by the international admissions team
The role of the international admissions team is to support international students by managing academic services, records, and enrolments. The team is responsible for receiving, reviewing, processing, and recording applications from international students. They are also responsible for communicating admission policies and procedures to students and other organisations.
International admissions teams are usually based within the international office of a university and are responsible for helping applicants with any queries they may have about the admission process. This includes admission requirements, such as language tests and application procedures, including questions about required documents.
International admissions teams also play a crucial role in supporting the transition to co-education and creating an inclusive community for all students. They work with a diverse range of students and staff, providing a supportive and collaborative environment that enriches the student experience.
In some cases, international admissions teams may also be involved in student recruitment and promoting the university to prospective students. They may also assist with the negotiation of international articulation agreements and determining scholarship eligibility.
International admissions teams are well-versed in the application process for international students and are equipped to handle the unique considerations that come with applying from outside the country. They are often familiar with school curricula and other aspects related to student life in specific regions, allowing them to provide context to applications from those areas.
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Expat US citizens can apply for financial aid
To be eligible for this assistance, expat US citizens must meet specific criteria. They must be living or travelling abroad and facing an unexpected financial crisis through no fault of their own. Applicants must have also exhausted all other resources, such as personal savings or seeking financial help from family or friends. It is important to note that this assistance is considered an interest-free loan and must be repaid once the recipient returns to the US. The ability to repay the loan is, therefore, a requirement for receiving this aid.
The application process for Emergency Financial Assistance typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks. However, in urgent situations, consular officers can expedite the process. The funds provided through this programme are intended to address immediate financial distress and not as a long-term solution.
In the context of higher education, expat US citizens applying to US universities are generally compared to students from similar schools in their area of residence. While they are not considered international students, they may still be at an advantage due to their international experience and potential language skills. Expat US citizens applying to US universities are eligible for financial aid, just like any US student studying in the country. Additionally, they do not have to provide proof of finances, which is often an advantage over true international students.
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International students in Japan need a 'college student' visa
The definition of an expat student versus an international student is not clear-cut and can vary depending on the context and the college or university's admission policies. Generally, an expat student is considered a citizen of the country in which they are applying for college, but they are often viewed as international due to having lived outside of that country for some time. Expat students are usually eligible for federal aid and do not need to provide proof of finances. On the other hand, international students are typically defined as non-citizens or those who do not have permanent resident status in the country where they wish to pursue their education.
In the context of Japan, an international student is defined as a "student from a foreign economy who is receiving an education at any Japanese university, graduate school, junior college, college of technology, professional training college, or university preparatory course and who resides in Japan with a 'college student' visa status." This definition, provided by the Institute of International Education, emphasizes the residential status and visa requirements for international students in Japan.
International students in Japan need a college student visa to pursue their studies. The process of obtaining a student visa for Japan typically involves the following steps:
- Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE): The first step is to obtain a COE from the regional immigration services bureau in Japan. The COE is a prerequisite for the actual visa application and indicates that the applicant has met the entry requirements set by the Japanese government for international students. In most cases, the school accepting the international student will handle the COE application on the student's behalf.
- Visa Application: Once the COE is obtained, the student must apply for the Japanese Student Visa from their home country. This involves submitting the required documents, including the student visa application form, passport, COE, and other supporting documents, to the Japanese embassy or consulate.
- Interview and Additional Documents: In some cases, the embassy or consulate may request an interview or additional documents before approving the visa application.
- Receiving the Visa: After the application is processed and approved, the student will receive their passport with the student visa.
- Landing Permission: Upon entering Japan with the student visa, immigration officers will provide a Landing Permission at the port of entry. If the student has a single-entry visa, it will become invalid once the Landing Permission is obtained. Multiple-entry visas remain valid even after receiving the Landing Permission.
- Residence Card: Foreign nationals residing in Japan for more than three months are required to carry a residence card (zairyu card) at all times. This card is issued during the immigration process and must be registered at the municipal office within 14 days of determining the student's address in Japan.
It is important to note that the Japanese Student Visa does not authorize the holder to work. If an international student wishes to work during their studies or after graduation, they must apply for a Work Permit from the local Immigration Office and change the category of their visa. There are also restrictions on the number of working hours and certain occupations for student visa holders.
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Frequently asked questions
An expat or expatriate is a person who resides outside their native country. The term often refers to a professional, skilled worker, or student from an affluent country.
An international student is a non-immigrant visitor who travels to another country to pursue their education. International students are usually required to sit for language tests before they are admitted.
Students who study in another country are not typically referred to as expatriates. However, there may be some overlap between the two groups as both involve living outside of one's native country.
There is no clear advantage to being an international student or an expat. However, international students may face challenges such as higher tuition fees, difficulty gaining financial aid, and language barriers. On the other hand, expats may have access to higher salaries and additional allowances to compensate for the higher cost of living abroad.
