Higher Edge: Institutions: Publications: Not-So-Foreign©, Volume 7, Issue 17

Not-So-Foreign^©
A Bulletin for International Education Professionals
Volume 7, Issue 17; April 30, 2008

The PDF version of this week's issue can be found here.

1) THE PLAYING FIELD – Internationalizing Malaysian campuses
2) ABROAD PERSPECTIVE - Illegal universities in Saudi Arabia
3) OVER THE COUNTER - New work rules for foreign students in Australia
4) GLOBE TIPPING – Bagging the best seat

1) THE PLAYING FIELD – Internationalizing Malaysian campuses

The Malaysian government is seriously working towards internationalizing the country's higher education sector. The top priorities in the National Higher Education Strategic Plan 2007-2010 include attracting foreign students equivalent to 10 per cent of the total student population at all academic levels. In order to achieve this, the government is intensifying its promotional activities abroad and seeking to raise the standard of Malaysian universities.

The establishment of the Malaysian Qualifications Authority last year, overseeing both public and private institutions, would also ensure that quality is maintained. Other goals set by the ministry include having at least two Malaysian universities among the best 200 universities in the world; developing at least 10 centres of excellence which are internationally recognised in terms of research output, and ensuring that at least 75% of lecturers in public universities, and 30% of lecturers in private and community colleges possess PhD degrees.

Source: "Foreign students to make up 10% of college enrolment,"
The Star, April 19, 2008

2) ABROAD PERSPECTIVE - Illegal universities in Saudi Arabia

According to a report published in the Bahrain Tribune, several illegal universities are operating in Saudi Arabia despite the government's attempts to close their operations. These institutions include names such as the American University of London, Al-Shurook University, Belford University, and Al- Ishraq University. Most of their degrees are offered online.

All educational institutions operating in the region need formal approval from the Ministry of Education. According to the report, private universities and colleges that are approved for operations in the Kingdom are: Prince Sultan University, Arab Open University and Al-Faisal University in Riyadh, and Dar Al-Hekma, Effat College, Business Administration College, Soliman Fakih College for Science and Nursing, and Prince Sultan College for Tourism in Jeddah.

Source: "Fake degree dealers thriving in S. Arabia," Bahrain Tribune, February 21, 2008

3) OVER THE COUNTER - New work rules for foreign students in Australia

Foreign students in Australia will automatically be allowed to work part-time under new visa regulations announced by the government. All student visas will be granted with work rights attached, removing the need for people to make an additional application.

According to the Herald Sun, Immigration Minister Chris Evans said all international students would be allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while their course is in session. This indicates that foreign students can apply for part-time jobs in Australia as soon as their courses start. Concise processes for students applying for visas from India, Indonesia and Thailand have also been introduced. A total of 228,592 student visas have been granted to people from 191 countries in the year to June 2007.

Source: "New visa arrangements for foreign students,"
Herald Sun, April 25, 2008

4) GLOBE TIPPING – Bagging the best seat

The information at www.seatguru.com can save you from the next uncomfortable long-haul flight. The website lists most of the world's prominent airlines and has graphics illustrating the seating at each airplane. Travellers can see which seats to ask for at check-in and what to avoid. It will also tell you what facilities are available on board each plane and what to expect in terms of food, entertainment and service.

URL: http://www.seatguru.com