Ibrahim Gardner
International students bring a wide range of benefits to universities and colleges, from enriching campus culture to boosting revenue. With the number of international students pursuing degrees outside their home countries more than doubling between 2000 and 2017, higher education institutions are increasingly reliant on tuition fees from abroad. In addition to the financial benefits, international students bring diversity and a range of perspectives to campuses, which can help prepare all students for life and careers in a global economy. Universities can assist international students by offering legal and language support, as well as fostering an inclusive campus culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | The number of international students pursuing higher education degrees outside their home countries more than doubled between 2000 and 2017, reaching 5.3 million. In the US, the total enrollment of foreign students increased from 305,000 in 1980 to over a million in 2017. |
| Benefits of international students | International students bring diversity, enrich campus culture, and help universities maintain full classes and thriving institutions. They also contribute to the economy and provide educational and career benefits to domestic students. |
| Strategies for assisting international students | Universities can assist international students by offering English language courses, providing counseling services, fostering global understanding, and creating a welcoming and dynamic campus environment. |
| Legal assistance | Universities can help international students navigate the immigration process and provide legal assistance. |
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What You'll Learn
Offering legal assistance with the immigration process
International students bring a wide range of benefits to universities, enriching campus culture and fostering diversity. However, the process of immigrating to a new country to pursue higher education can be challenging for students. Therefore, universities play a crucial role in offering legal assistance with the immigration process to make the transition smoother for international students.
Universities can provide legal assistance to international students in various ways. Firstly, Designated School Officials (DSOs) or Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) can help students by reviewing and explaining the immigration benefits and relief options available under current regulations. They can also assist with employment authorization, including on-campus work and practical training opportunities. However, it is important to note that DSOs and AROs have specific legal authorities, and more complex cases may require the expertise of an experienced immigration attorney or accredited representative.
In addition to DSOs and AROs, universities often partner with immigration attorneys or legal aid organizations to provide comprehensive legal assistance to international students. These partnerships ensure that students can receive specialized guidance on visa, travel, and other immigration-related matters. For example, the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Yale University offers resources and referrals to immigration attorneys for students facing issues such as denial of re-entry to the United States. Similarly, the Community College Immigration Legal Services program in California provides free immigration legal services to students across multiple college campuses.
Moreover, universities can assist international students by providing accurate and up-to-date information on immigration regulations and procedures. This includes maintaining compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks the courses of study, enrollment, and compliance of foreign students. By staying informed about these regulations, universities can guide students through the complex immigration landscape and help them maintain their legal status.
Overall, offering legal assistance with the immigration process is a critical aspect of supporting international students. By providing resources, referrals, and educational programs, universities can ensure that international students navigate the immigration system successfully and focus on their academic pursuits. This, in turn, contributes to a diverse and vibrant campus community that benefits all students, academically and culturally.
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Creating a diverse campus
International students bring a wide range of benefits to colleges and universities, enriching campus life and helping to create a diverse and vibrant learning environment.
A diverse campus prepares all students for life in the 21st century and for careers in a global economy. It is often the first opportunity for students to live, work, and study with people from different cultural backgrounds and countries. This fosters a more inclusive and engaging campus community, helping students to avoid stereotypes and form more informed opinions.
To create a diverse campus, universities must actively seek out international students and develop strategies to assist them in thriving academically and socially. This includes offering legal assistance with the immigration process, English language courses, and support services such as counselling.
Universities can also create comprehensive international learning communities, offering popular courses and labs for international students, as well as recognizing their English proficiency needs. These initiatives help attract international students and enrich the campus community.
Additionally, universities can foster diversity by obtaining certification through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), allowing them to recruit foreign students and maintain a dynamic and welcoming campus environment.
By embracing diversity and including international students, universities can offer their students a more authentic and globally-minded education, preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
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Providing English language courses
International students bring a range of benefits to universities, from enriching campus culture to boosting revenue. However, universities also have a responsibility to support these students, and one of the most important ways they can do this is by providing English language courses.
English language courses can help international students adjust to college life and overcome language barriers. These courses can take the form of English proficiency classes, as implemented by Farleigh Dickinson University, which mandated attendance for all first-semester students who were non-native speakers. Such courses can be particularly valuable at universities with large international student populations, ensuring that students can thrive academically and socially.
In addition to formal language courses, universities can foster a supportive environment for international students by offering receptions and events where students can meet representatives from various campus departments, such as counselling services and public safety. These events enable students to familiarise themselves with the resources available and encourage them to seek assistance when needed.
Universities can further assist international students by developing strategies that promote global understanding, competence, skills, and mindsets. This can include cross-disciplinary teaching approaches, fostering digital citizenship, and facilitating global communication. By implementing these practices, universities can create an inclusive and engaging academic environment that meets the unique needs of international students.
Furthermore, universities can assist international students by helping them navigate the immigration process and providing legal assistance. This support can be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition for students studying abroad. Overall, by offering English language courses and implementing strategies that foster cultural exchange and understanding, universities can play a pivotal role in helping international students succeed and integrate into their new academic environment.
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Assisting with enrolment and campus culture
Universities can assist international students with enrolment and campus culture in several ways. Firstly, they can provide comprehensive information about the local culture, safety, and cost of living in the university's region. For instance, the University of Kent's Brussels School of International Studies offers rich insights into the city's lifestyle and history. This helps students make informed decisions about their enrolment and better understand their new environment.
Additionally, universities can create virtual campus tours and share video testimonials from current international students. These initiatives provide prospective students with a first-hand account of campus life and help them visualize themselves as part of the university community. Furthermore, universities should offer website content in multiple languages to cater to a global audience and ensure accessibility.
To support international students' academic success, institutions can develop English language support programs and bridging programs to facilitate their adjustment to the new education system. For example, the University of California, Berkeley's International House offers comprehensive language support and cultural integration programs. These initiatives enhance international students' English proficiency while helping them navigate American academic and social norms.
Universities can also assist international students by partnering with employers to promote internships, work-study opportunities, and part-time job placements during their studies. For instance, universities in Japan actively support international students in finding part-time jobs, which aids their integration and enhances their career prospects. By collaborating with employers, universities demonstrate their commitment to providing post-study opportunities and supporting the employability of international students.
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Contributing to the economy
International students bring a range of economic benefits to their host countries. Firstly, they contribute significantly to the higher education sector, which has become a major export sector in some countries, such as the United States. The flow of international students into the U.S. has resulted in a notable increase in tuition revenues, with foreign enrollment in U.S. universities rising from 305,000 in 1980 to over a million in 2017. This influx of students has helped to maintain the financial stability of universities, particularly public universities, which have faced declining appropriations in recent years.
The economic impact of international students extends beyond the education sector. By choosing to study in a particular country, international students inject money into the local economy through their spending on accommodation, transportation, food, and other goods and services. They also contribute to the labour market, as many international students seek part-time or seasonal employment during their studies, filling labour gaps and contributing to the country's productivity.
Furthermore, international students can play a vital role in addressing labour market needs and driving innovation. They bring a diverse range of skills, knowledge, and expertise that can enhance the host country's competitiveness in the global economy. Many countries face skill shortages in key sectors, and international students can help fill these gaps, particularly in high-demand areas such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
In addition, international students can contribute to the long-term economic development of their host countries. Upon graduation, some international students may choose to remain and work in the country, adding to the talent pool and contributing their skills and knowledge to the innovation and growth of local industries. These students become a part of the country's skilled workforce, helping to drive economic growth and competitiveness on a global scale.
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Frequently asked questions
International students bring diversity and enrich campus culture. They also help universities maintain their enrollment numbers and tuition revenue. International students are important to the success of universities.
Universities must obtain certification through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to recruit foreign students. They also create welcoming and dynamic campus environments and foster educational opportunities that translate into success beyond college.
Universities offer legal assistance to international students for immigration. They also offer English language courses and writing labs to help students adjust to college life and overcome language barriers. Universities also provide counseling services and public safety support.
International students bring diverse perspectives and enrich the campus community. They help American students learn to avoid stereotyping and form more informed opinions. International students also contribute to the economy and help universities thrive.
