DR. DAVID B. AUSTELL COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY NEW YORK CITY OCTOBER 29 TH, 2015

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1 DR. DAVID B. AUSTELL COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY NEW YORK CITY OCTOBER 29 TH, 2015

2 If you have not traveled, you can have no concept of the wonder, no understanding of the fatigue, the fantasy that undergirds wanderlust like the aqueduct arches of Nimes. While abroad, even time becomes twisted, the stars seem strayed from their common paths; frailty and mortality are your companions even when facing the intense beauty of creation always moving, always changing. -from Triremes, Part IV, The Tin Man 2

3 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION: A DEFINITION International Education is a multi-faceted set of educational activities focusing on global learning, international experience, crosscultural exchange, global research linkages, international academic interaction, and international protocol. 3

4 SENATOR J. WILLIAM FULBRIGHT (D/ARKANSAS) To increase understanding and mutual cooperation between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Fulbright-Hayes Act 444

5 ROOTS IN HOMELAND SECURITY International Education in the United States has its roots planted firmly in views of homeland security stemming from WWII and the Cold War. Fulbright Vision: International students as scholars as future allies. Still embraced in large measure by the US Department of State-USDOS International Education vs. Projection of US Military Strength 9/11 intensified this connection. Formation of the Department of Homeland Security US Immigration and Customs Enforcement: US Citizenship and Immigration Services: US Customs and Border Protection: DHS Perception of International Students, Faculty, and Researchers vs. Academia s Perception USICE USCIS USCBP 5

6 DHS PERCEPTION OF SECURITY THREAT US Immigration and Customs Enforcement-USICE Student and Exchange Visitor Information System SEVIS Columbia University 6

7 VALUES AND BENEFITS To increase understanding and mutual cooperation between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Free and open exchange of knowledge (within the confines of the law) Cultural and academic benefits accruing to American students who interact with students of another nationality either in the United States or abroad. Preparing American students for life and work in a globalized society. Economic Factors: International students injected nearly $3 billion into the economy of the State of New York in last year. International education is a market commodity generating about $25-30 billion annually. Since 9/11, the global competition for international student market share has increased dramatically (EC, Australia, Canada, India). 777

8 INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION HAS BECOME A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET $25-30 billion are injected into the economy of the United States every year. International education is a market commodity. Market Share and the Worldwide Competition for Students In the 21 st Century, the global competition for international student market share has increased dramatically (EC, Australia, India, Canada). The US market share is shrinking, even though actual numbers are rising every year. Competition also includes the projection of a university s reputation and influence abroad. US Higher Education: The Crisis of Cost/Challenges and Opportunities.

9 COLUMBIA AND THE ISSO Columbia University has the 4 th largest international student community in the US: 11,510 8,834 full-time enrolled at Columbia. 264 f/t enrolled in Columbia-ALP. 9,098 total f/t enrolled. 2,412 on post-opt. Columbia has the 5 th largest international faculty and scholar community in the US: 3,038 About 95% of the services provided in ISSO are related to required federal immigration compliance in a homeland security environment which has zero-tolerance for processing errors. ISSO is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the federal SEVIS system 9 (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

10 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND FACULTY/SCHOLARS Totals ,510 International Students and Scholars STUDEN TS , SCHOLARS /11 10

11 ONGOING CONCERNS: THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXPERIENCE Homeland Security Immigration and related issues SEVIS, Visa Mantis, export control, security checks, DHS, ICE, FBI Culture Shock Language/Pedagogy Wellness Physical, Emotional, Spiritual Health Integration Relationships Citizen Diplomacy 11

12 CHALLENGES AHEAD Strongly increasing competition for the student market-share. Increasing visa restrictions on foreign students and scholars. Increasing institutional responsibilities related to immigration monitoring and compliance. Less than positive view of the importing nation as a welcoming environment for foreign students and scholars. Overcoming the tenacious fear that foreign students and scholars are somehow a liability and a security threat. The vulnerability of any open society to terrorist attack, and the subsequent back-lash against foreign student presence. The negative effect of world tensions, especially as this relates to student (and institutional) security and liability. 12

13 ISSO PRESENTATION FOR FINNISH HIGHER EDUCATION EXPERTS Q&A 13

14 ABOUT THE PRESENTER David B. Austell, Ph.D is the Associate Provost and Director of the International Students and Scholars Office at Columbia University in New York City. 14