In the context of major study abroad destinations having changes in policies, social license is something international students need to pay attention to in order to prepare for a smooth admission journey to foreign schools.
Parents and students talk with New Zealand school representatives at an event organized by the country's government in October.
What is social license?
The rapid growth in student numbers, which has put pressure on social infrastructure, is said to be the main reason why some popular study abroad destinations have changed their policies. But the root problem lies in the social license of international education in these countries, a factor that is often overlooked when parents and students consider choosing a study abroad destination.
The social license of international education is a concept that refers to the public recognition of the internationalization of education, that is, the extent to which local people recognize the role of international students as well as accept, welcome, and support them during their studies in the host country. The social license can be severely challenged during times of pandemic, economic hardship, or when facing a housing crisis as in many countries today.
This is an issue that educational institutions must address if they want to welcome international students, as the expectations and recognition of local communities have a key influence on the learner experience in that country. At the national level, strengthening social license plays a huge role in implementing international education strategies.
Rediscovering social license
In Australia, claims that international students are fueling the housing crisis are among the reasons behind changes to the country's student visa policy.
For example, according to data from the Australian Department of Education, in 2023 there were 328,089 international students studying in the country, of which 146,220 were at public universities. However, statistics from the Property Council of Australia show that there are less than 130,000 student dormitory beds. These beds are not only for international students but also for domestic students, meaning that many students have to find rental housing in the private market. The Australian Department of Education estimates that international students account for nearly 7% of the rental market, and higher in inner-city areas.
Meanwhile, the Student Housing Council has taken the opposite stance, releasing a report that suggests international students make up just 6% of the rental market, mostly concentrated in the central business district. Furthermore, the Student Housing Council claims that rents have skyrocketed since 2020, when no international students arrived in Australia. The cap on international students has essentially reduced the rental market share by 1% and reduced average rents in the central business district by about $5 a week.
By rallying public support for new policies to regain social license for international education, Australia is sending the message that the huge contributions of international students to the economy are not valued, despite the fact that international students contribute 48 billion AUD, equivalent to 25% of the GDP of this island nation.
According to experts, many countries are seeking to regain social license for international education, especially in Australia and Canada.
Similarly, in Canada, by the end of 2023, there will be more than 1 million international students, an increase of 29% compared to the previous year. The government has implemented measures to limit the number of new study permits issued since January 2024 and expects to issue only 437,000 new permits in 2025. According to experts, the government's tough stance on capping international enrollment comes from the fact that foreign students are not voters, so they are considered an easy target.
While stricter visa policies may initially discourage many international students, in the long run the international education industry will self-regulate, making great strides in strengthening its social license, demonstrating the benefits of diversity and inclusion, and thereby gaining community support for international students.
The problem is that during this transition period, countries must do everything possible to avoid losing the trust of international students and ensure the best interests of those currently studying.
Why care about social license?
When choosing a study abroad destination, most people only pay attention to the quality of education, costs, work benefits... However, if they also pay attention to the indicators related to the social license of international education of that destination, parents and students can receive important information about the views of local people on international students, thereby considering the suitability of the living and studying environment here.
The UK and New Zealand are the only two countries that currently measure these indicators. A new survey published today shows that 6 in 10 people in the UK see international students as bringing significant benefits to the economy. Around 41% of respondents believe that the benefits of international students outweigh the costs, and around 58% of people want the number of international students in the UK to remain the same (43%) or increase (15%).
Meanwhile, 77% of New Zealanders believe the country should accept the same number of international students (36%) or more (41%). Education New Zealand's 2024 annual survey found that 82% of people agree that international students contribute to cultural diversity, 79% believe international students help local students learn about other cultures and lifestyles, and contribute to local businesses during their studies.
The understanding and support of local people for international students is a factor that ensures a warm welcome from the local community and social interactions and relationships during the study process. When accepted, respected and supported, international students can more easily integrate into the new environment, creating favorable conditions for studying. This is also the premise for policies to promote growth in the number of international students.
The US does not have its own international education strategy.
Considered the most popular study abroad destination today due to changes in study abroad policies of many countries, the US has attracted 1,126,690 international students to study at colleges, universities or participate in optional practical training (OPT) programs in the 2023-2024 school year, according to the recently released Open Doors 2024 report. This is the highest level ever and an increase of 7% compared to the previous school year.
Analysis by the Association of International Educators shows that international students contribute $43.8 billion, supporting 378,175 jobs in the 2023-2024 school year. Thus, every three international students enrolled in the US will help create or support a job here. However, the US is currently the only country without its own international education strategy. However, there is growing public discussion about immigration policy, the disparity in visa approval rates between countries, and how to mobilize talent through international education.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mot-yeu-to-thuong-bi-bo-qua-khi-chon-diem-den-du-hoc-giay-phep-xa-hoi-185241127101324105.htm
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