International Students: Exploited By Education?

International students are often subject to unfair treatment and exploitation. In Australia, international students have reported being underpaid or unpaid for their work, with employers taking advantage of their vulnerability due to language barriers and visa status. Additionally, Australian universities have been accused of lowering English language standards and restructuring assessments to ensure the passing of non-English speaking international students, who pay much higher fees than domestic students. In the United States, hundreds of international students have received emails asking them to self-deport due to campus activism or social media posts deemed 'anti-national'. These reports of unfair treatment raise the question: are international students getting ripped off?

International students in Australia are being compensated for stolen wages

The Court found that the employers of the three Colombians and three Indians owed each of them between $3,000 and $15,000 in unpaid wages. The students had been working for an individual sub-contractor, cleaning offices and commercial facilities for $20 an hour, according to a verbal agreement they had made. However, after working 522 hours, they realised they had only received a total of $740 in cash. One of the Colombian victims, Marilyn, said her employer threatened them with deportation when they demanded their correct wages.

Marilyn also noted that international students are among the most vulnerable employees, as the majority are unfamiliar with Australian culture, language, and the legal system. This makes them easy targets for unscrupulous employers who take advantage of their lack of knowledge about their employment rights in Australia. Vaishnavi, one of the students from India, shared that she knew she was entitled to receive more money, but she feared her employer would take action that would affect her visa or studies.

The issue of wage theft among international students in Australia is not an isolated incident. A survey of over 5,000 international students in 2019 revealed that the majority are still subject to wage theft and poor employment conditions. The survey found that 32% of Bachelor’s degree students earned just half the minimum casual hourly wage or less, and 26% of all international students earned half the minimum casual hourly wage or less. Additionally, 91% of those with poor or fair English skills were paid below the minimum casual hourly wage.

It is important for international students in Australia to be aware of their rights and seek professional help if they experience any issues at work. JobWatch provides a free service to international students and can offer assistance in various languages. The Fair Work Ombudsman's office or website can also provide information on workers' rights, advice, and help determine if a worker is being paid correctly.

International students in the US are being asked to self-deport due to campus activism

Hundreds of international students in the US have received an email from the US Department of State (DOS) asking them to self-deport as their F-1 visas (student visas) have been revoked due to campus activism. This includes students who physically participated in campus activism as well as those who shared or liked "anti-national" posts on social media.

The email sent to the students reads:

> "On behalf of the United States Department of State, the Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office hereby informs you that additional information became available after your visa was issued. As a result, your F-1 visa with expiration date XXXXX was revoked in accordance with Section 221(i) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended."

The Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Office has alerted the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is responsible for removal proceedings. Students who do not self-deport may face consequences such as fines, detention, forced deportation, and ineligibility for future US visas.

Immigration attorneys have confirmed that social media activities are being scrutinized, and this crackdown is based on social media reviews being conducted by the DOS, which includes reviews by consulate officials. As a result, even new student applications for academic study visas, vocational study visas, or exchange visas will come under such social media scrutiny.

International students are paying higher fees than domestic students

International students are often charged significantly higher fees than domestic students for the same courses, which incentivizes universities to relax their admissions standards to attract more international students. This has led to accusations of universities “ripping off" international students by providing them with a lower quality of education than domestic students while charging them higher fees.

For example, Australian universities have been accused of dramatically lowering English language standards and restructuring assessments to ensure that non-English-speaking international students pass. Universities have also been criticized for offering “preparatory programs" that allow international students to circumvent the usual admissions criteria, such as the University of Sydney's program that admits students with much lower English language test scores than the university-wide minimum. These programs can cost tens of thousands of dollars and have been described as a “paid work-around" for students who do not meet the regular admissions standards.

In addition to higher tuition fees, international students often face additional financial challenges. For instance, maintenance loans for international students in some countries may not keep up with inflation, resulting in students struggling to cover their living expenses. International students may also be vulnerable to wage theft and other labor rights violations, as they may be unfamiliar with their rights and hesitant to seek legal assistance for fear of affecting their visa status.

While international students can provide a significant source of revenue for universities, it is important to ensure that they are receiving a quality education that justifies the higher fees they are paying. Universities should also be transparent about the admissions criteria and ensure that all students, regardless of their background, meet the necessary standards to succeed in their chosen programs.

International students are being exploited by universities that lower English-language standards

International students are a significant source of revenue for universities, and this has led to concerns about the exploitation of these students, particularly regarding English language standards. Universities are incentivised to lower their admissions standards to accommodate international students, as they pay much higher fees than domestic students for the same courses. This has resulted in a boom in international student enrolments, with universities offering preparatory programs and alternative pathways to admission that circumvent the usual English language requirements.

For example, the University of Sydney offers 'preparatory programs' through Taylor College, a joint venture with the for-profit education provider Study Group. These programs allow international students to gain admission with much lower English language test scores than the university's direct admission requirements. While the standard program requires a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS test, students can gain admittance through Taylor College with a minimum score of just 5.0, or even 4.0 at the Australian National University (ANU).

Mr Lough, an educator, has expressed concern about this issue, stating that international students are being treated "dishonestly" and are not getting value for money. He contends that most students who complete English bridging courses do not reach the standard benchmark for international students to gain entry to most degrees. By lowering English language standards and restructuring assessments, universities are effectively exploiting international students to increase their revenue.

This issue is not limited to Australia, as evidenced by reports of international students in the US receiving emails from the US Department of State asking them to self-deport due to campus activism or social media posts. Additionally, international students in Australia have faced issues with wage theft and breach of labour rights, with some successfully taking legal action and receiving compensation. These instances further highlight the vulnerabilities and exploitation faced by international students.

Overall, it is clear that international students are being exploited by universities that lower English-language standards to increase their revenue. This not only impacts the quality of education but also takes advantage of students who are often in a vulnerable position, trusting that the university will provide them with a valuable education.

International students are being denied the opportunity to study in the US

The situation has been further exacerbated by the "Catch and Revoke" effort led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which aims to cancel the visas of foreign nationals who appear to support Hamas or other designated terror groups. This has resulted in the revocation of over 300 student visas, causing concern among international students and potentially deterring others from applying to study in the US.

US immigration policies and visa requirements have always been stringent, but the recent focus on social media activity and campus behavior has added a new layer of complexity for international students. Their online presence and political expressions are now under scrutiny, and any perceived violation of the terms of their visitation can lead to deportation. This climate of uncertainty and fear may discourage international students from pursuing educational opportunities in the US, denying them the chance to benefit from the country's academic offerings.

The impact of these policies extends beyond individual students. Universities in the US rely on international students for revenue and cultural diversity. The loss of international students can have significant financial implications for educational institutions, affecting not only their budgets but also the overall academic environment. Additionally, the perception of the US as an unwelcoming or hostile place for international students may damage its reputation globally, potentially leading to a brain drain as talented students opt for other countries with more welcoming policies.

It is important to recognize that international students bring valuable contributions to US campuses, enriching the educational experience for all. Denying them the opportunity to study in the US not only harms their individual prospects but also diminishes the diversity and intellectual exchange that higher education institutions strive for. Efforts should be made to address these issues and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for international students, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to pursue their academic goals in the country.

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