Understanding The Identity Of International Students: Migrants Or Not?

International students are a growing group of migrants, with 5.3 million internationally mobile students recorded in 2017 and over 6 million in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the marginalisation of international students in migration research and policy, as well as the financial dependence of higher education institutions on high-fee-paying international students. International students have been regarded as trans-migrants with multiple identities and attachments to different places. They are valued for their economic impact and contribution to the host country's economy and society. However, the debate continues on whether international students should be considered immigrants or a separate category, with some arguing that they are temporary sojourners who eventually return to their home countries or transition into workers.

International students are a growing part of the global migrant population

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the marginalisation of international students in migration research and policy. For example, international students in Australia were told to "go home" by the Prime Minister, who argued that resources needed to be prioritised for Australian citizens. This notion of international students as privileged was dispelled by the sight of students queuing in food lines or sleeping rough after being thrown out of their accommodation. The pandemic has also impacted the ability of international students to travel, with borders closing and travel restrictions being implemented.

The status of international students as migrants is a subject of debate. Some politicians, such as UK Prime Minister Theresa May, have wanted to include international students in net immigration figures. However, others, including members of her own party, argue that students are a different group and should not be counted as immigrants. This is because immigration is typically defined as a person who leaves their country to settle in another country permanently, which does not apply to international students who are temporarily sojourning. In fact, 97% of international students leave the UK after they graduate.

International students are often viewed as archetypal transnational migrants or "trans-migrants", with multiple identities and attachments to different places. They are valued as drivers of economic growth and future skilled immigrants for the labour force. However, they may also be unwanted due to the politics of migration control. International student migration is a complex and non-linear process influenced by various factors, including the development of the sending and receiving countries, academic ranking, GDP per capita, and linguistic and colonial ties.

The number of internationally mobile students has increased over the last two decades

International students have long been considered temporary sojourners, moving for a few months or years before transitioning back to their home countries or changing their status to workers. However, data from UNESCO shows that the number of internationally mobile students has increased significantly over the last two decades. In 2001, there were just over 2.2 million internationally mobile students. A decade later, in 2011, this number had grown to more than 3.8 million. This number continued to increase, rising to over 6 million in 2021, nearly triple the figure from 20 years prior. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and related mobility restrictions, the number of internationally mobile students remained strong, with a slight increase between 2020 and 2021 from 6.38 million to 6.39 million.

The top countries of origin for internationally mobile students are China and India, which contribute more than half of all international students in the United States. In 2021, more than 1 million students were from China, followed by India with around 508,000 students. Other significant origin countries include Vietnam, Germany, and Uzbekistan, each contributing around 100,000 students. The United States is the largest destination country for internationally mobile students, hosting more than 833,000 students in 2022. This is followed by the United Kingdom (nearly 601,000), Australia (around 378,000), Germany (over 376,000), and Canada (nearly 318,000).

The increase in international student mobility has been influenced by several factors, including the affordability of international education, changes in visa and immigration policies, and the desire for a diverse learning environment. The isolationist political orders following Brexit in the UK and the presidency of Donald Trump in the US have also played a role. For example, the UK's Brexit referendum and the associated tough immigration policies have contributed to a decrease in international student numbers. In contrast, East Asian countries like China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan are increasingly attracting foreign students due to their competitive education systems and efforts to enhance their reputations and demographics.

International students are a significant part of higher education, contributing economically and academically to their host countries. They bring in high fees that often subsidize national students and research funding, and their spending contributes to regional development. For example, international students from India added over $30 billion to the UK economy annually, a benefit that exceeded ten times its cost. In the US, nearly one million international students contributed $33.8 billion to the economy and supported 335,000 jobs during the 2021-2022 academic year.

International students are viewed as temporary sojourners

International students have long been considered temporary sojourners, and for this reason, they have often been excluded from migration debates. This perception of international students as temporary residents is based on the assumption that they will return to their home countries after a few months or years of study. This assumption has influenced policies and discussions around migration, with international students sometimes being omitted from net immigration figures or considered a separate category from traditional migrants.

The notion of international students as temporary sojourners is reflected in visa regulations, which often require students to leave the host country shortly after completing their studies. For example, in the United States, students on an F-1 visa must typically depart within 60 days of finishing their academic program. Similarly, the UK's post-study work visa allows international students to remain in the country for a limited time after graduation to seek employment. These visa restrictions reinforce the idea that international students are expected to return home after a temporary stay abroad.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the notion of international students as privileged, temporary visitors. The pandemic has highlighted the financial contributions of international students to the higher education sector and local economies. It has also brought to light the marginalisation and vulnerabilities faced by international students, who were among the first to experience the impact of the pandemic. The pandemic has prompted a re-evaluation of the role and treatment of international students, raising questions about their inclusion and rights within the migration discourse.

Despite the growing recognition of international students as an integral part of the global migrant population, there are still differing opinions on their classification. While some argue that international students should be considered immigrants, particularly in the context of net immigration figures, others maintain that they are a distinct group with unique characteristics and motivations. This debate continues to shape policies and perceptions related to international student mobility and their place within the broader migration landscape.

International students are an important part of export earnings in receiving countries

International students are a growing part of the global migrant population. In 2017, there were 5.3 million internationally mobile students, according to UNESCO. This number rose to over 6 million in 2021. The top countries of origin are China and India, while the top destinations are the USA, Australia, and the UK.

International students bring significant economic benefits to the countries they move to. In the US, the revenue generated by international students has helped public research universities deal with the decline in state funding for higher education. This has enabled universities to keep tuition fees affordable for native-born students. International students also bring diversity to learning environments and contribute to scientific and technical research. They also help prepare local students for global careers and often lead to longer-term economic benefits and business relationships.

The high fees paid by international students often subsidize national students and research funding. The money they bring into local economies contributes to regional development. International students are not merely consumers; they are part of the fabric of higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the financial dependence of the higher education sector on high-fee-paying international students.

International students are drivers of economic growth

International students have long been a significant part of higher education. They are a growing part of the global migrant population, with 5.3 million internationally mobile students recorded in 2017, according to UNESCO. The number of internationally mobile students has continued to increase, with over 6 million recorded in 2021.

Despite the benefits that international students bring, they often face challenges and marginalisation. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, international students were among the first to feel the impact, with some struggling to return to their host country as borders closed. Additionally, international students have faced racism and have been denied access to benefits offered to those deemed to 'belong'.

In terms of policy, the inclusion of international students in immigration figures is a topic of debate. Some politicians, such as Theresa May, have wanted to include international students in net immigration numbers, while others argue that students are a separate group and should not be counted as immigrants. This debate has implications for the perception of the host country and the attractiveness of its higher education sector to international students.

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