Looking Positive

Positive policy changes

The US recently revealed policy changes to attract more STEM students. Students in 22 new fields will be able to connect and train with US businesses for up to three years. Dartmouth College also announced they will offer need-blind admissions for international undergraduate students, joining six other US colleges in doing so. This will relieve financial burdens for many students from lower-income countries and families.

There are also some positive trends worldwide. Japan announced a “staggered reopening” in response to the calls of universities and international students. The number of people allowed to enter each day is raised to 5,000. This is up from the previous 3,500 people, though students still worry it’s far from enough.

In Australia, the international student population has increased greatly since borders were opened last December. However, around 147,000 current student visa holders still remain outside Australia and a majority of those students are Chinese. Census data show that eagerness to return to studying abroad may correlate with employment, which can be a finding of interest for universities.

Lasting difficulties

Some challenges have carried over from before.

New Zealand plans to restrict enrollment of international primary students to relieve stress on local students. However, schools and parents have pushed back, citing the many benefits of having a diverse and international student population. For fresh international graduates in Canada who are looking for work permits, many find themselves in a limbo due to pandemic-driven backlogs and complications.

Despite everything, these challenges also show that students are still as eager as ever to study abroad and be part of the international community. Let’s end on a positive note with hope for spring!
 

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