Not-So-Foreign^©
A Bulletin for International Education Professionals
Volume 7, Issue 35; October 22, 2008

1)  THE PLAYING FIELD – Australia fears recession could affect foreign student numbers
2)  ABROAD PERSPECTIVE –  Graduates who have studied abroad more appealing to global businesses
3)  OVER THE COUNTER - Bill on foreign education providers to see light of day
4)  GLOBE TIPPING – Applying for visas

1) THE PLAYING FIELD – Australia fears recession could affect foreign student numbers

Australian universities are apprehensive that the global slump will influence foreign student numbers next year and beyond. Universities in the country are increasingly reliant on the revenues brought in by foreign students. The latter make up around a quarter of all tertiary enrolments in Australia. According to Professor John Taplin, an academic from the University of Adelaide, a big drop in student numbers would not only affect universities but the Australian economy as well.

2) ABROAD PERSPECTIVE - Graduates who have studied abroad more appealing to global businesses

A new study by Britain's Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) has revealed that U.K. graduates are missing out on top global jobs because fewer of them choose to study abroad as part of their degree. Multinational companies require graduates who have the tools to succeed in an international marketplace – leadership abilities, cultural awareness, foreign language proficiency and an understanding of international business practices. International exchange programs allow students to gain first-hand experience of global management methods and multinationals value this exposure from a recruitment point of view.

Richard Brown, chief executive of the CIHE, said: "The U.K. can be the preferred worldwide location for mobile students and global recruiters. "Businesses consider that the U.K. develops some of the best graduates in the world. But our home-grown ones need to get that wider global perspective."

3) OVER THE COUNTER - Bill on foreign education providers to see light of day

After much procrastination, the Indian government has finally decided to open up the country's higher education sector to foreign institutes. The Bill on foreign education providers seeks to regulate the entry, operation and maintenance of foreign education providers and protect the students from sub-standard quality of education offered by “fly-by-night operators.” According to the Bill, all foreign universities would get the status of Deemed Universities, thereby bringing them under the ambit of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The Bill will be placed before the Parliament this season.

Source: "Bill on foreign education providers to see light of day, The Economic Times, Oct 14, 2008

4) GLOBE TIPPING – Applying for visas

When travelling to multiple countries, make sure that at the earliest possible juncture, the logistics of applying for several visas are suitably mapped out. First, ensure your information is properly verified. Regulatory changes affecting visas can happen abruptly. It is not sufficient to rely on another's even recent experience. Secondly, confirm where visas can be applied for. Some countries may service such applications through local, more convenient consulates and not only through embassies in the capital city. Thirdly, determine whether fast-tracking of applications is possible (additional fees may apply). Fourthly, begin the process with the country or countries that appear to be the most uncertain in terms of timing of the process. It is not unusual, to encounter delays of several days or longer or to receive requests for further information.

Not-So-Foreign^© is a publication of Higher-Edge
Please direct questions and comments to editor@higher-edge.com