Higher Edge: Institutions: Publications: Overseas, Overwhelmed©, Volume 8, Issue 6

Overseas, Overwhelmed^©
A Bulletin for International Education Professionals
Volume 8, Issue 6; February 25, 2009

1) LET’S GO CANADA – Funding crunch may drive Canadian recruiting efforts overseas
2) ABROAD PERSPECTIVE - Australia's enrollment outlook optimistic
3) OVER THE COUNTER - International students capitalize on New Zealand's falling dollar
4) GLOBE TIPPING – Two phones, two SIMs, big savings

1) LET'S GO CANADA – Funding crunch may drive Canadian recruiting efforts overseas

Canadian universities face what Paul Genest, President of the Council of Ontario Universities, calls a “perfect storm.”

Provincial revenues have flatlined, endowment values have plummeted along with their portfolios and, over the past few years, the Federal government has rolled back provincial higher education transfers.

But despite staring down million dollar deficits and stark budget cuts, demand for services remains higher than ever.

Canadian universities may be forced to step up international recruiting efforts in order to bolster revenues and operating budgets. Carleton University in Ottawa has already begun doing so by instituting a strategic initiative to increase their overseas representation by almost 4 percent.

But not every university has the budget to engage in such efforts.

Universities in Alberta are now being buffeted by the province's recent economic downturn. As the province learns to deal with deficits instead of surpluses, money for large scholarships may become scarce.

Because Canadian universities have not been recruiting nearly as long as those from Australia and the United Kingdom, they will be playing catch-up for years to come. They will also be competing for students in a reduced market with choosier clientele.

Source: “Ivory towers in freefall,” Toronto Sun, 20 February 2009.

“Carleton looks abroad for more students, better reputation,” Ottawa Citizen, 2 February 2009.

“Alberta heads into 'sharp' recession,” Globe and Mail, 19 February 2009.

2) ABROAD PERSPECTIVE - Australia's enrollment outlook optimistic

Despite earlier bleak predictions, Australia's enrollment numbers are holding up.

Though growth is at the low end of the rates seen in the past few years, rates of enquiry are holding steady and the outlook for the country's March and July semesters are optimistic.

According to Navitas, Australia's largest university feeder program provider, the only uncertain semester is October. Demand for October enrollment is only up 5 percent.

Navitas’ chief executive Rod Jones stated that the only source country to show a drop in demand was South Korea and that he was yet to see any signs of current international students deferring or discontinuing their studies.

“We are watching it but at the moment we aren't seeing any impact of the global financial crisis,” Jones told The Australian. “We are quietly optimistic that things will continue.”

Source: “International student demand holds up,” The Australian, 2 February 2009.

3) OVER THE COUNTER – International students capitalize on New Zealand's falling dollar

Student visa issuances in New Zealand are on the rise. In the midst of the economic downturn and the cooling in the international student market, the country has already issued 4200 more student visas than last year.

New Zealand's international student enrollment peaked in 2002/03 at 126,919. Enrollment fell to 90,934 in 2007 after a series of high-profile cases of violence against Asian students.

Now, thanks to increased safety measures and a falling New Zealand dollar, enrollment is increasing. Some parents are even paying two years’ tuition up front to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.

Though the number of students who will actually study in New Zealand this year won't be known until next month, many institutions are reporting an increase in applications. Education New Zealand, an organization that promotes education services to overseas families, said some providers were reporting growth of up to 36 percent.

Source: “Weak kiwi attracts more international students,” The National Business Review, 12 February 2009.

“Resurgence picked in International students,” TVNZ, 16 February 2009.

4) GLOBE TIPPING - Two phones, two SIMs, big savings

If you find yourself travelling frequently to the same place, consider buying an inexpensive back-up cell phone and a local SIM card.

Local calls can be made cheaply with the local SIM card, eliminating roaming charges. By keeping your regular cell phone and SIM card active, you will still have the option of making emergency calls to home and having your regular phone number appear on caller ID systems. You can receive international SMS on your regular phone and respond at a cheaper price with your local backup.

Plus, having a second phone means that unexpected circumstances--like having a phone stolen or having it land in the ocean or pool—will cause less anxiety than they would if you only had one means of communication.