Lori Meadows
The terms foreign student and international student are often used interchangeably to describe students studying in a country that is not their own. However, there is ongoing debate about the appropriateness of these terms. Some people argue that foreign student may be considered outdated, disrespectful, or offensive, and thus, the term international student is seen as a more positive alternative. Others disagree, stating that the term international can whitewash important distinctions and that a person who comes from a different place is not inherently international. As language and definitions vary across countries, it is important to consider the context and local preferences when referring to students who are not international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term | "Foreign students" |
| Alternative Term | "International students" |
| Reasons for Using "International Students" | Less offensive and outdated; foreign can have a negative connotation |
| Reasons for Using "Foreign Students" | More accurate in some contexts |
| Other Terms | "Exchange student", "international scholar" |
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What You'll Learn
'Domestic' or ''national' students
The terms "foreign student" and "international student" are often used interchangeably to describe students studying in a country that is not their own. However, there are some key distinctions and nuances to consider when referring to these students.
Firstly, it is essential to recognize that the definitions of "foreign student" and "international student" can vary across different countries and cultural contexts. For example, in the United States, an international student is typically defined as an individual studying on a non-immigrant, temporary visa, while in Canada, an international student is a non-Canadian without permanent resident status who has obtained authorization to enter the country for educational purposes.
While the term "foreign student" has been commonly used in the past, it is important to note that some individuals now consider it outdated, disrespectful, or offensive. The term can carry negative connotations of strangeness or otherness and may contribute to a sense of alienation or exclusion for students from other countries. As such, many universities and educational institutions have shifted towards using the term "international student" to promote a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
However, it is worth acknowledging that not everyone is comfortable with the term "international student." Some individuals, particularly those with diverse backgrounds or multiple nationalities, may not identify with the label "international." They argue that the term erases their specific cultural identities and experiences and places them in an in-between category that does not accurately represent their sense of belonging to multiple places.
When referring to students who are not international or foreign, the terms "domestic student" or "national student" are commonly used. Domestic students are those who are studying in their home country or country of residence, and they typically do not require special visas or permissions to pursue their education in that country. National students specifically refer to those who hold citizenship or permanent resident status in the country where they are studying.
In summary, while the terms "foreign student" and "international student" are often used interchangeably, there are important considerations regarding language and cultural sensitivity. The shift from "foreign" to "international" was likely an attempt to move towards more inclusive language. However, it is essential to respect the preferences and identities of individuals, and some may prefer to avoid labels that do not align with their personal experiences and backgrounds. Thus, when referring to students who are not international, the terms "domestic students" or "national students" are appropriate and widely understood designations.
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'Local' students
The term "local students" is used to describe students who are studying in their country of residence or citizenship. These students are often distinguished from international or foreign students, who travel from other countries to pursue their education. Local students are an integral part of the educational landscape in any given country, as they represent the domestic population that makes up the majority of the student body in most educational institutions.
In the context of higher education, local students typically refer to those who are pursuing their studies at colleges or universities within their home country. They are usually citizens or permanent residents of the country in which they are studying and may have different opportunities and experiences compared to their international counterparts. Local students often have a stronger support network within their home country and may have an easier time navigating cultural and social norms.
The use of the term "local students" is important to distinguish this group from international students, who bring a diverse range of cultural and educational backgrounds to the classroom. While international students enrich the academic environment with their global perspectives, local students contribute their own unique experiences and perspectives that are shaped by the specific social, cultural, and historical context of their home country. This dynamic exchange between local and international students fosters a more holistic educational environment, benefiting all involved parties.
In terms of enrollment and admissions, local students typically follow the standard procedures and requirements set by the educational institutions in their respective countries. They may have different application processes, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid options compared to international students, who often need to navigate additional visa and immigration processes. Local students are also more likely to have completed their prior education within the same educational system, providing them with a familiarity that international students may lack.
Local students play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of their country. They are the primary beneficiaries of their country's education system and often have a strong understanding of the local curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment practices. Additionally, local students are often actively involved in extracurricular activities, student organizations, and community engagement initiatives, contributing to the overall campus culture and social fabric.
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'Non-international' students
The terms "foreign student" and "international student" are often used interchangeably to describe students studying in a country that is not their own. However, there are some nuances and debates surrounding the use of these terms. Some people argue that the term "foreign student" may be considered outdated, disrespectful, or offensive, and thus, the term "international student" is often seen as a more modern and polite alternative. This shift in language is an attempt to move away from the idea of otherness or strangeness that the term "foreign" can imply.
However, others argue that the term "international student" can whitewash important distinctions between "non-American" and "international." For example, a student from Chile studying in the United States is not "international" in the sense that they come from a specific country and culture, and their identity is not that of someone who inhabits the in-between. Additionally, the term "international student" may not accurately reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students who identify as citizens of the world or have lived in multiple countries.
In official university communications, the term "international student" is often preferred, and it is used to describe students who are temporarily studying in a country on a non-immigrant visa. For example, in the United States, most international students hold an F1 Visa, which allows them to study at the post-secondary level. Similarly, in Canada, international students are defined as "non-Canadian students who do not have 'permanent resident' status and have obtained authorization from the Canadian government to enter the country for educational purposes."
While the term "international student" is widely used, it is important to recognize that it may not always accurately reflect the diverse identities and experiences of students studying abroad. Some alternative terms that have been used to describe students who are not international students include "exchange students" or "domestic students," with the latter being the most common term for students studying in their country of citizenship or permanent residence.
In summary, while there is no universally agreed-upon term to describe students who are not international students, the most common and widely accepted term is "domestic students." This term simply refers to students enrolled in a learning institution within their country of citizenship or permanent residence, as opposed to international students who are temporarily studying abroad.
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'Non-foreign' students
The terms "foreign student" and "international student" are often used interchangeably to describe students studying in a country that is not their own. However, there are some nuances and debates around the use of these terms. Some people argue that the term "foreign student" may be considered outdated, disrespectful, or offensive, and thus, the term "international student" is often seen as a more modern and polite alternative. This shift in language is an attempt to move away from the idea of otherness or strangeness that the term "foreign" can imply.
However, some individuals, especially those with experience living in multiple countries, feel uncomfortable with the term "international." They argue that it erases their complex identities and backgrounds by implying that they exist in an in-between space, neither fully belonging to their home country nor the country they are studying in. Instead, they suggest that a more accurate term for students studying abroad is foreign nationals or simply acknowledging that they come from a different place.
In official university communications, the term "international student" is often preferred, and it is used by many universities and language software as a more inclusive and respectful alternative to "foreign student." This preference for the term "international student" may be driven in part by neo-liberal politics and a desire to avoid potential offensiveness.
While the debate around the most appropriate terminology continues, it is important to recognize that definitions of "foreign student" and "international student" can vary depending on the context and the specific country or institution in question. For example, in the United States, an international student is typically defined as an individual studying on a non-immigrant, temporary visa, while in Canada, an international student is a non-Canadian without permanent resident status who has obtained authorization to enter the country for educational purposes.
In summary, when referring to non-foreign students, the preferred term is typically "domestic students," indicating that they are studying in their home country. This term is more inclusive and avoids the potential negative connotations associated with the term "foreign."
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Students from the country in which the university is based
The term "international student" is often used to refer to individuals who travel to a different country to pursue their education. However, the term "foreign student" has been used historically and may still be considered more accurate or preferable by some.
The use of the term "foreign student" has declined in recent years as it can be seen as outdated, disrespectful, or offensive. The shift towards using "international student" instead of "foreign student" is an attempt to move away from the idea of "othering" and creating a distinction between domestic and international students. This change aims to foster a more inclusive environment and recognise that international students are an integral part of the academic community, rather than separate from it.
However, the term "international student" has also faced criticism. Some argue that it fails to accurately describe students who come from a different country to study. These individuals are not "international" in the sense that they do not inhabit some space between nations or cultures; they have a specific national identity and come from a particular place.
In the context of students studying in a university located in their home country, referring to them as "domestic students" or "local students" would be appropriate. This terminology distinguishes these students from those who have travelled from other countries to pursue their education internationally.
Using the term "domestic students" or "local students" accurately describes the situation of these learners and avoids any potential confusion or generalisation. It is important to recognise that within the group of "domestic students", there may be a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities. By using these terms, universities can foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges and values the unique contributions of all students, regardless of their national or cultural background.
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Frequently asked questions
Definitions of "foreign student" and "international student" vary across countries. In the US, a foreign student is an individual studying on a "non-immigrant, temporary visa", whereas an international student is someone who comes from a different country but does not live in an 'in-between' space.
The term 'foreign student' may be considered outdated, disrespectful, or offensive. The word 'foreign' can have negative connotations, such as 'strange' or 'out of place'.
Some alternatives include exchange student, domestic student, or simply 'student'.
Students who are not international students may face challenges such as a lack of support groups, difficulty making friends, and issues with language barriers.
