Studying all over the world

For students in developing countries, the chance to get a better education is on the horizon. But it isn’t necessarily because of domestic improvements.

Since 2000, the number of students studying outside of their home countries has risen 50 percent, and further expansion is on the way. 

At least part of this is due to a heavy focus on improvement in countries such as China, whose university system was temporarily closed in 1966 during an abortive reform. Though they reopened in later years, China still struggles to find places for its students, and many choose to study overseas.

But the ease of studying in foreign countries doesn’t just benefit those in the developing world. Study abroad is an increasingly popular choice at many American universities. Educators say that spending time overseas produces “citizens of the world” and gives Americans a better understanding of world culture.  
However, the news isn’t all good. Many worry that the ability to study overseas for those in impoverished countries means that they will never want to return. When China sent students to study abroad in 1978, only 25 percent of them ended up returning. That’s called “brain drain,” a condition that occurs when a country loses its most intelligent and able workers to better conditions in a foreign country. Though globalization is often a sign of progress in countries working to modernize, this is one facet of globalization that could in fact retard the intellectual progress of the countries it benefits. But the system is still being worked out.

In Australia, for example, two-thirds of foreign students plan to stay on after they study, according to Australian Education International. That might be good news for Australia, but there are also worries that having these foreign students stay will lessen the seriousness of its academic image, and be taken simply as a means for permanent residence. The countries sending students who may choose never to come back are also, understandably, worried. 

Most experts agree, however, that there’s no point in keeping students penned up in countries where there are no opportunities. The hope for many government officials is that, when their countries modernize, students who left to study abroad and never came home will be lured back.

Educational migration models many of the challenges our world will face for the rest of the century.

The entire world will be forced to address issues such as brain draining from impoverished areas while also providing for individuals to realize their own potential by accessing the best educational opportunities available.