Kathryn Summers
01/27/11
SOC 202-01
Many students dream of studying abroad. There are hopes that new places hold chances for better opportunities in most of us. Unfortunately, for many international students hoping to go to school in the UK, these dreams will soon be just beyond reach. Governmental officials in the UK have announced plans to “limit UK visas for international students”. If a student wants to come from another country to take a “foundational” course rather than a graduate course, they will soon face difficulty. There will also be a higher standard for the English language that will keep many students out. Education leaders do not support these moves. In fact, leaders’ opinions are quoted seeing this decision as “catastrophic,” and “an absolute travesty”.
Sociologically speaking, an effort to restrict students entering the UK for education can be seen as a sociological problem. This decision affects many people all over the world with an aspiration for schooling in the UK. This cut will also be detrimental to the higher educational system in the UK. By cutting the amount of international students, you are in turn cutting the education budget for all students in the UK. According to Tony Milns, chief executive of the English language teaching association in the UK, international students contribute to the universities’ funding so much that they “keep courses and sometimes whole departments open.” This lack in financial gain could put large numbers of educators out of work, and raise already high tuition costs. In addition to financial losses, the UK would lose new positive contributors to their society. Aaron Porter, president of the national Union of Students, says, “home students would lose out in terms of the cultural and academic environment if…international students were to drop.”
1 comment:
After reading this blog I was left wondering if the United Kingdom would restrict their students from studying aboard as well. I know if the UK restricts other students from coming in to their universities they risk losing the partnerships they hold with other universities around the world; such as, the one with the UNCG. I doubt that if they prevent us from coming to study in their nation that we would continue to be able to support their students coming to study at our university. I definitely agree that to restrict the number of study aboard opportunities in the UK is an awful idea.
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