US professionals support national strategy

In order to increase the US’s competitiveness in the global education market, international education specialists in the country have come to the same conclusion, according to a recent study.

Among other strategic goals for international education in the US, the study, which was produced by IDP in cooperation with top education organizations nationwide, emphasized the necessity of changing the nation’s visa laws, promoting diversity, and stepping up its internationalization initiatives.

The only significant study abroad location without a national plan for foreign education is the United States. One of the research’s participating organizations, NAFSA, has been pushing for the US to develop a national policy for a number of years.

The most commonly mentioned priority, based on over 400 replies, was the necessity of updating the procedures for overseas students to work and get residence after graduation. 

The requirement to update J-1 visas for exchange students and F-1 visas for academic students in order to increase access came right after this.

Diversification was a topic on which respondents strongly agreed, indicating support for ideas put up to lower the percentage of visa rejections, offer grants to underrepresented groups, and encourage study abroad options for a larger spectrum of students.

The research said that 88% of respondents said that in an attempt to diversify education overseas, there should be specific scholarships or funds available for Americans to study abroad, particularly for individuals from low-income households, underrepresented groups, or non-traditional backgrounds.

In order to boost access and participation, over half of the respondents stated that it is necessary to “better promote education abroad to underrepresented groups, offer a more diverse list of study destinations, and expand the range and format of study away options.”

The US government should finance a national plan, according to four out of five respondents, but one third agreed that institutions and organizations should also make a contribution.

A “strong consensus” emerged about the US government’s involvement in improving and changing student visa laws and processes to make them “more accessible, transparent, and consistent.”

Notwithstanding, the poll also revealed apprehensions regarding a nationwide approach including all 50 states, Washington, DC, and territories.

Nearly half (47%) expressed worries, citing issues such as uncertainty over reaching an agreement across the nation’s heterogeneous educational environment and the viability of a plan in the face of shifting political landscapes, resource availability, and administrations.