Fiona Morris Consul (Education, Science and Training) Los Angeles Toward a National US Policy on International Education: Objectives, Challenges, and Realities 1
Introduction I'm a huge proponent of exchanges, student exchanges, cultural exchanges, university exchanges. We talk a lot about public diplomacy. It's extremely important that we get our message out, but it's also the case that we should not have a monologue with other people. It has to be a conversation. And you can't do that without exchanges and openness. Secretary Condoleezza Rice Address to State Department Employees January, 2005 2
Overview of US International Education US number one destination for international students 572,509 international students attended U.S. institutions in 2003/2004; approx 30% of global market share International students and families contribute nearly $13 billion to the US economy each year Post 9/11 we witness the first decline in international students in more than 30 years; particularly in graduate schools Over the last twenty years the US has been losing market share to countries such as Britain, Australia, Canada and Europe US at present lacks clear national priorities and comprehensive strategies to combat the declines in international students following 9/11 3
Reasons for Dwindling Numbers? Post 9/11 Terrorism Policy i.e. visa interviews, security checks Visa delays and denials Increased competition for international students by other countries i.e. UK, Australia, Canada and Europe Decline in the US image and prestige, especially among European and Middle East Students Growing domestic capacity in leading source countries of India, South Korea, and China Funding for Department of State s international exchange programs has declined in dollar terms by 37% in the past decade 4
Global Survey of National Policies on International Education UK - Prime Minister s Initiative (PMI) 1999 5-year initiative managed and co-ordinated by the British Council Target to attract an additional 50,000 international students to higher education and an additional 25,000 international students to further education by 2004 / 2005. Development of Education UK brand and Education UK website Visa process streamlined and changes to employment legislation, allowing international students to work with relatively few restrictions. Approximately 11 million (Euro 15 million) was allocated over the whole period. PMI reached the end of its lifespan in March 2005 after successfully reaching targets ahead of time. 5
Global Survey of National Policies on International Education Australia Engaging the World Through Education 2003 Objective of growing and diversifying Australia s international education engagement $AUS113 Million budget package to be implemented over 4-years Development of Study in Australia brand and website Endeavour Program of scholarships and fellowships to attract high performing students from around the world to Australia Visa process streamlined including electronic visa application, and new visa categories such as Professional Development Visa, Student Guardian Visa, and Working Holiday Maker Establishment of international network of AEI representatives overseas; 19 locations in 14 countries 6
Global Survey of National Policies on International Education France Agence EduFrance late 1998 A French government initiative with a target of attracting 500,000 students with an initial budget of 15 million euros. Focus on students from Asia and Latin America Significant scholarship program Overseas network of offices, covering five continents EduFrance website that allows students to search by institution and by course, and on-line processing of applications for enrolment Relaxation of working restrictions for international students and scholars studying in France In 2003, target of making France one of the leading host countries in Europe for foreign students at post-graduate level 7
Mounting Concern at International Student Declines An insidious and significant threat to our innovation and competitiveness has recently become apparent; the loss of talent, temporary and permanent, due to a striking downturn in international students on American campuses David Skorton, President, University of Iowa Wall Street Journal, August 03, 2005 8
Mounting Concern at International Student Declines Everyone has to be willing to put up with more delays and bureaucracy in the post-sept. 11 world. But we still have an obligation to ensure that we are not needlessly alienating scholars from around the world who could help this nation, and that we are not unnecessarily hamstringing or burdening our universities and research centers. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) Chairman of the House Committee on Science Feb. 25, 2004 9
Mounting Concern at International Student Declines "A policy that limits too many smart people coming to the United States is questionable. The visa issue doesn't make sense." Bill Gates, CEO Microsoft Technology Panel at the Library of Congress April 27 th, 2005 10
Turning the Tide? Easing of US Visa restrictions and improved processing, specifically China Changes made to the Visa Mantis Program Proposed Expansion of global network of approximately 450 Department of State-affiliated EducationUSA advising centres Proposed $74 million increase in overall budget for FY 2006, educational and cultural exchange at the Department of State Introduction of new legislation to Congress: - House Concurrent Resolution 100 - American Competitiveness Through International Openness Now (ACTION) Act 11
Objectives of H. Con. Res. 100 Invigorate and promote citizen, professional, and scholarly exchanges Streamline visa and employment policies to promote access to such exchanges Increase participation by U.S. students in study and internships abroad, and expanding the locations, languages, and subjects offered by those programs Improve the U.S. capacity to produce citizens with international expertise Encouraging foreign language learning at a early age Promote partnerships among government, business, educational institutions and organizations to ensure adequate resources for implementing such a policy 12
H. Con. Res. 100 It is the sense of Congress that the United States should establish an international education policy to foster mutual understanding and respect among nations, promote a world free of terrorism, further United States foreign policy and national security, and enhance United States leadership in the world. House Concurrent Resolution 100, March 16 th, 2005 Representative Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) 13
ACTION ACT Attached to the 2006 Foreign Affairs Authorisation Bill; currently being debated in Senate Aims to reversing the decline of foreign students attending the US Universities and colleges Pushes for 4-year multiple entry visas for both international students studying in the US and American students studying abroad Presses for timely and transparent adjudication of student visas Improving inter-agency coordination Reduce the clerical Burden of Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems (SEVIS) 14
ACTION ACT Attracting the world s top scientific scholars helps to keep our economy competitive. Too many of the world s best scientists are opting against studying in the U.S. because of the barriers we have imposed. We need the world s best and brightest to continue to do their research here, and to continue to use their talents to improve American innovation and ultimately create American jobs. Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) Co-Sponsor of the ACTION Act 2005 15
ACTION ACT Our international economic competitors are taking proactive steps to encourage highly talented students and graduates to come to their countries and study in their universities. In contrast, the attitude that the United States seems to be projecting to highly talented foreign scientists and students is one of complacency. This not only damages our image abroad, but also hampers research in the nation s laboratories and universities. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) Co-Sponsor of the ACTION Act 2005 16