Category: Voices

What’s next for students after Trump’s visa reversals?

One of the realities of the Trump administration is that decisions with vast domestic and global consequences can be implemented and reversed at the drop of a hat. This has been the case with international trade. President Trump has imposed steep tariffs on other countries only to relent when the market takes a turn. It’s also been the case with staffing. Trump defended national security adviser Mike Waltz when it was revealed he accidentally added a journalist to an app chat about a military strike in Yemen. Weeks later, Trump removed Waltz and gave him another job.

This is also true for student visas. Trump has upended the academic world with his threats to Harvard and other universities, and the arrests of students for pro-Palestinian protests. Harvard was even forced to hand over information about international students to federal officials.

Trump has also cracked down on student visas. The Trump administration revoked more than 1,800 visas earlier this year, and many students went into hiding after the news broke. Federal officials restored roughly 1,200 visas after significant public pressure.

International students can expect more erratic decisions as the Trump administration moves past its first 100 days. These changes could cause significant stress and anxiety to both intentional students and administrators. I’ve designed a primer for both international students and administrators on what to expect as we move forward and how to prepare for a time when change is the only certainty.

Unpredictability Will Become The Norm: In the past, there was a defined process for becoming an international student. Students’ expectations have been upended in just a few months. This will make life difficult for universities and their staff; many international students, particularly those interested in medicine, may choose not to come to the United States due to these changes. This will have ripple effects across the academic world; research and innovation could stall without an infusion of the best and brightest; American companies could lose a pipeline to strong potential hires, and scientific and medical breakthroughs will decline.

International students can expect more erratic decisions as the Trump administration moves past its first 100 days

Shaun Carver, International House, UC Berkeley

Threats to Higher Education Will Upend Academic Life: Federal funding freezes are now a reality for higher education, particularly at schools with robust diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The administration just froze $1 billion for Cornell and $790 million for Northwestern. These support cuts will make American universities less attractive to global talent.

Preparing to Study in America Will Look Different: Moving to a different country has always been challenging. Students need to navigate a new culture, learn a different language, and handle tasks that are challenging for domestic students, such as finding housing and making social connections.

Students will now need to factor in other challenges, such as potential threats to their visa status, the risk of arrest or deportation for speaking their mind, and also distrust in a culturally divided country. International students should be aware of their legal rights before coming to the United States. Administrators should be prepared to support them and provide them with relevant legal resources.

STEM Could Be Hit Hard: In the past, federal regulators targeted humanities departments, perceiving them as liberal. Science, technology, or medicine were seen as essential to society and global status, and were shielded from scrutiny. The Trump administration had added science and technology disciplines to its target list and reduced grants for critical research.

Roughly 16% of Harvard’s total revenue comes from sponsored support, including grants and federal funding. But 53% of the revenue for the School of Public Health, 35% of the revenue for the School of Medicine, and 37% of the revenue for Engineering and Applied Sciences come from federal grants. Many of the funding cuts are for STEM research programs, including those related to artificial intelligence (AI). The administration is also slashing science-related funding at other schools. In addition to possible brain drain at universities, these changes could affect America’s ability to compete, keep pace with other countries that are embracing AI, maintain its populace’s health, and more.

The Big Picture:

It’s a tenuous time for both university administrators and international students. Despite these difficulties, American universities remain among the best in the world, and many have deep financial resources. Schools are getting creative; Harvard’s staff has agreed to a pay cut to support the university.

The best thing international students and administrators can do is ensure they are prepared, closely monitor changes and developments, and finally encourage those in power to make changes. Transparent and consistent policies, along with stronger protections, are needed now to restore confidence among international students and maintain US leadership in global education.

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May 2, 2025
Three Florida unis harnessing the Hispanic population boom

As the face of education continues to undergo a rapid evolution, some institutions in the United States are pioneering innovative approaches to meet the diverse needs of their learners. What sets these institutions apart is their strong ties to established universities in Latin America and Spain, with international accreditations and faculty from around the world.

These institutions are not only providing world-class education but also addressing unique market needs through distinctive programs and methodologies. This is happening in a big way in Florida – and it’s time to pay attention.

The Hispanic power in Florida: business, economy, entrepreneurship, and education

According to the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, there are over 604,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in Florida that contribute USD $90 billion to the state’s economy each year. Florida has been ranked the number one US state for entrepreneurship. Combine that with the fact that Florida is the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, and you’ve got yourself a state with a promising entrepreneurial spirit.

Here are the universities that are leading the charge. They’re doing all the right things and it’s time to closely observe

Miami-Dade County alone is home to over 1,200 multinational companies to have set up their Latin American headquarters in the area. Some 30% of all businesses in the county are run by people of Hispanic descent. This is a massive industry that’s growing at a rapid pace and demands highly educated professionals who can keep up with it all. This is a dynamic, entrepreneurial and young Hispanic community.

So, what are Florida’s institutions doing differently? They are agile, forward-thinking, and constantly evolving – meeting the needs of Hispanic students in Florida and beyond who want to study at their own pace and in a way that fits their lives.

Here are the universities that are leading the charge. They’re doing all the right things and it’s time to closely observe.

1. MIU City University: affordable, flexible, and global

MIU City University has been around since 2019. Founded by Grupo ProEduca and UNIR in Spain, MIU City University offers online and hybrid programs that cater to busy professionals.

With programs in cybersecurity, computer science, digital marketing, business intelligence, educational innovation, and others, MIU City University offers affordable certificates and degrees with a proven online model recognised by global rankings. Its global reach with students from over 90 countries makes it the perfect institution for those who want to connect with a worldwide network of professionals.

What sets MIU City University apart is its focus on practicality. Students are learning the exact skills that today’s employers are looking for, whether it’s in business, tech, or marketing. And with remote work on the rise, these programs make it easier than ever to combine work, study, and life.

2. CUC University: flexible programs for remote workers who need to study

CUC University, founded in 2021 by Universidad de la Costa in Colombia, is another institution breaking the mould. They offer online programs designed for students who are working alongside their studies. CUC has designed its courses to be flexible so students can study on their own time with faculty from around the world.

A good example of its offering are programs in international business administration, marketing, mass media communication, media technology, and entrepreneurship. These programs are designed for working professionals who need to level up. With over 53 years of academic excellence, CUC is the perfect mix of legacy and innovation.

Its partnerships with private and public organisations help students connect with the right people who are looking for professionals ready to compete in the global marketplace or start their own venture.

3. Panamerican University: a global business experience

And then there is Panamerican University, founded in 2022 by Panamerican Business School from Guatemala, already flexing its global muscle. With 25 years of experience and partnerships with over 700 companies across 20 countries, 800 faculty from over the world, it’s offering programs designed to today’s economy.

It offers programs in business administration, digital marketing, and international and sustainable business, among others. Its students can obtain global certificates in dynamic and multicultural cities like Dubai, Stockholm, Singapore, Madrid, Tokio, and Miami.

And let’s not forget it’s got over 350,000 alumni who are spread out all over the world, which connects its students with an international network of professionals.

Why these universities are changing the game

These institutions have identified gaps and the needs of the non-traditional Hispanic students in Florida; working professionals who are trying to balance career and family, people who need a degree, professional development, continuous learning, and upskilling to keep up in a rapidly changing world.

They’ve filled those gaps with flexible and practical offers. They’re serving a growing Hispanic student population – both domestic and those from their international biosphere – a segment that is hungry for opportunities to grow. They are partnering with companies, international organisations, governments, providing real-world skills, a worldwide network, and the flexibility to study from anywhere.

I am impressed by these innovative institutions and their rapid pace of growth. I have just shown three examples, but there are more institutions doing great things that have been here for a while. Some of them are opening new campuses and branches, with in-person, online and hybrid models: Ana G. Méndez University- Puerto Rico, Nexus University; Universidad Mayor Chile, Westfield Business School; Prisma Education Group Colombia, Broward International University; San Ignacio University; USIL Peru, Albizu University; Puerto Rico, GAIA University, Guatemala, to name just a few.

These institutions offer flexibility, affordability, global exposure, and a focus on practical skills for today’s workforce. They’re not just educating students; they’re connecting them to a global ecosystem of professionals, alumni, and companies that are ready to hire.

It’s time to pay attention to what these universities are doing. They’re a novel example that education can be tailored to the needs of the students and the world they’re entering. The future of higher education is here, and it’s fast, flexible, and ready to break all the rules. And it’s so exciting that this is happening here in the Sunshine State.

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April 17, 2025
What next for int’l education after South Korea’s political crisis?

On April 4, 2025, South Korea’s Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking a historic conclusion to 122 days of political turmoil triggered by his failed declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024.

However, the damage sustained during the transitionary period proved irreversible. Massive public protests, legal battles, sharply divided public opinion, and a temporary presidential suspension culminated in Yoon’s permanent removal from office.

This article examines how the political crisis has disrupted international higher education in South Korea, focusing on five key areas: reputational damage, impact on students from Asia and the Global South, rising xenophobia, heightened student anxiety, and the sidelining of education policy.

A blow to Korea’s brand

Before the political crisis of late 2024, Korea had successfully positioned itself as one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for international students, combining strong government support, cultural appeal through the Korea’s soft power, and a reputation for safety and modernity.

The country’s international student population had surged to over 200,000 by mid-2024, driven by initiatives like the Study Korea 300K strategy and bolstered by perceptions of national stability.

However, Yoon’s abrupt declaration of martial law and the ensuing constitutional crisis shattered this image. International media coverage of soldiers surrounding parliament and global expressions of concern drew unsettling comparisons to authoritarian eras, eroding the confidence that had fuelled South Korea’s internationalisation drive. While little direct harm came to students, the perception of fragility alone risks deterring future enrolments.

Disruptions for the global south

The political crisis affected international students from Asia and the Global South, who make up the vast majority of the country’s foreign enrolment.

With countries like China, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan sending thousands annually, students were drawn by proximity, affordability, and opportunity – but instead found themselves facing uncertainty, confusion, and fear.

The brief but shocking declaration of martial law raised urgent concerns about campus safety, academic continuity, and visa stability, prompting embassies and international offices to issue advisories and support measures.

Although campuses largely remained operational, the prolonged instability created bureaucratic delays, disrupted programs, and heightened anxiety, especially for students from politically sensitive backgrounds. The overall experience tested students’ faith in Korea as a stable destination.

Polarisation and the rise of xenophobia

The political crisis intensified domestic polarisation and spilled over into rising xenophobia, particularly targeting Chinese nationals. Fueled by conspiracy theories and nationalist rhetoric, Yoon’s supporters alleged foreign interference in South Korean politics, echoing fringe narratives prevalent among far-right media.

These claims, amplified by partisan outlets and street rallies, created an atmosphere of suspicion and scapegoating against a narrowly profiled demographic. While many South Koreans rejected these xenophobic narratives, the episode revealed how quickly foreign students can become collateral damage in domestic political conflicts.

Heightened anxiety and mental health concerns

Over the past four months, international students in South Korea have faced heightened anxiety as political turmoil compounded the usual challenges of studying abroad. The situation introduced fears ranging from immediate safety during protests to long-term worries about academic continuity, visa stability, and career prospects.

International students in South Korea have faced heightened anxiety as political turmoil compounded the usual challenges of studying abroad

Many students, especially those unfamiliar with Korea’s political system or fluent only in limited Korean language, struggled to interpret rapidly unfolding events, and some even began contingency planning in case of campus closures or evacuation.

Mental health stressors were exacerbated by long-distance concerns from worried families, unfamiliar political polarisation, and rising xenophobia.

Higher education policy and discourse sidelined

Most importantly, national discourse on higher education was effectively sidelined as government attention and public debate fixated on the impeachment process.

While some initiatives, like the IEQAS certification and the Glocal Project, quietly moved forward, they received minimal coverage or engagement. The leadership vacuum and political paralysis delayed or derailed potential reforms, only resulting in many schools’ collective move to raise tuition fees after a 16-year freeze.

Within universities, students and faculty who might normally advocate for education policy were drawn into the political fray, and civil discourse on educational development disappeared from the national agenda.

International education standpoint

From an international education perspective, the crisis tarnishes South Korea’s branding as a rising study destination.

The martial law incident and subsequent impeachment chaos created precisely the kind of uncertainty that can give students and parents pause. For example, Hong Kong experienced a notable challenge in international student interest after the protest upheavals of 2019/20, as safety and political issues became a concern.

No expert in this field would overlook the fact that one of the most powerful drivers of human migration is the political and social compatibility between home and host countries. This helps explain why Korea and Japan have become two of the most attractive destinations for international students in Asia.

Looking ahead: time for rebuilding

With the Constitutional Court having issued its ruling, the path to restoring its global reputation hinges on reaffirming its commitment to inclusion, transparency, and predictability. The crisis has illuminated how deeply political instability can affect international education and serves as a cautionary example for emerging study destinations: preserving democratic norms and open societies is essential to sustaining trust and long-term progress in the global arena.

Rebuilding Korea’s global education brand will require more than a return to stability; it will necessitate deliberate reassurances of democratic resilience, institutional integrity, and a sustained commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for international students.

On the bright side, the decision, grounded in constitutional procedure, stands as a testament to the resilience and maturity of Korea’s democratic institutions

On the bright side, the decision, grounded in constitutional procedure, stands as a testament to the resilience and maturity of Korea’s democratic institutions. Despite the turbulence, the peaceful and lawful resolution of the crisis reaffirms the country’s enduring commitment to the rule of law, institutional checks and balances, and civic accountability.

For international observers and students alike, this outcome offers a renewed sense of confidence that Korea’s democratic foundations remain robust. As such, it opens the door for a more transparent and inclusive national recovery, one where education, international engagement, and democratic integrity can move forward together.

All in all, on the heels of the impeachment, restoring confidence in the national system and reviving the momentum of internationalisation and higher education reform must become a central national priority.

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April 4, 2025
A turning point for UK international higher education
In 2019, the UK launched its first international education strategy – a landmark effort that set ambitious, cross-government targets for growing our international education footprint. The years since have exposed the fragility of a strategy without a built-in mechanism for review or refresh when buffeted by events. Changing geopolitics, tightening migration strategies and Covid might not individually have been expected, but exposure to global markets will always bring challenges.

The 2019 roadmap lacked clarity on whether those targets were a floor or a ceiling and what we were to do when they were reached. In their absence, policy drifted. Reactive decisions replaced proactive planning. Universities, caught in the crosswinds of shifting geopolitics and domestic migration debates, have too often been left guessing what the government’s long-term vision really is.

That’s why the International Higher Education Commission (IHEC) was formed; to fill this strategic vacuum with a coherent, forward-looking, and inclusive vision. Working across sectors – engaging university leaders, student bodies, recruiters, and policymakers – it’s been working on framework for a new UK international higher education strategy rooted in data, tempered by experience, and open to evolution.

Our personal view is that we need nothing less than a reinvention of how we plan, manage, and grow international higher education; that we must hack a way through the many things we could do, or would like to do, to get to the essential priorities – what we must do – and be brave enough to make difficult decisions.

It is clear that the government wishes the sector well, but is not going to put its hand in its pocket any time soon. Our only way forward in the short term, then, is to ask for modest help, which will provide a short-term, concrete return on investment to trade our way out of the immediate difficulties.

Our personal view is that we need nothing less than a reinvention of how we plan, manage, and grow international higher education

If we steady the ship, we can in parallel put in place a framework, acknowledging the likely ongoing volatility in geopolitics and global markets, that moves us to a more strategic and sustainable approach in the medium and longer term. This may not be elegant policy making, but it is rooted in the pragmatic reality of the changes necessary to stabilise a system so economically, socially and culturally significant.

We have shared our personal views in a number of fora over the past two years as IHEC has unfolded and reiterate them here as we anticipate the imminent publication of our final report. It is very timely now, having been delayed initially by the UK general election, in which higher education as a topic failed to appear. Then the focus of almost everyone was on the US election, and that was followed by the significant challenges in the sector that meant that policy suggestions would not have been appropriate.

Now, there is a more proactive, forward-looking context to which we hope we can contribute.
- A living strategy with built-in review and flexibility
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April 3, 2025
How market shifts are impacting Chinese agencies
Since the pandemic, China has experienced a surge in new study abroad companies, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Consultancies such as Bonard and Sunrise have each confirmed a notable increase in new agency incorporation these past several years.

However, the total number of students has not recovered as expected post-Covid. This, coupled with the emergence of international education programs in the market, such as foundation courses and 2+2 programs in the public and private sector, has meant that many established study abroad agents are struggling to survive due to rising management costs.

Consequently, the market looks challenging, increasing the difficulty of student recruitment for foreign institutions that traditionally rely on agencies.

Challenges for established agencies

This rapid market expansion has presented challenges for even well-established agencies. Many are struggling to adapt to the changing dynamics. For instance, a prominent agency reported that many of their counsellors are earning minimal salaries due to declining client numbers and difficulties in securing new business. This highlights the increasing pressure on agencies to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving market.

Fundamentally, the challenges for established agencies arise from cost and revenue pressures. Costs include tax, venue, human resources, and promotions, with human resources and promotion being the most critical.

Agencies need professional personnel to maintain service standards and capacity in the labour-intensive study abroad industry. Promotion methods have changed rapidly in the past five years. Social media platforms and short-form video platforms have gained prominence, often becoming more important than search engines and other traditional methods.

Fundamentally, the challenges for established agencies arise from cost and revenue pressure

Furthermore, these new marketing channels tend to favour personal profiles over organisational accounts. This is largely due to the platforms’ recommendation algorithms. Moreover, many counsellors are not comfortable appearing on camera, despite possessing extensive experience and professional knowledge, they lack the skills and topics to capture audience attention.

On the revenue side, acquiring customers is even more difficult than in the pre-Covid period. Customers are becoming more price-sensitive and are increasingly willing to work with smaller study abroad studios for personalised services.

The impact of enhanced information accessibility

The rise of digital platforms has fundamentally altered the information landscape for prospective students. With readily available information on social media platforms such as WeChat, Redbook, and TikTok, students and parents are now empowered to conduct independent research on universities, read reviews, and even connect with current students.

This increased access to information has lessened the reliance on traditional agency channels. In some cases, agents also find themselves competing with university marketing and recruitment teams who support students directly.

The rise of master agents and aggregators

In response to these market shifts, many established agencies have transitioned to the “master agent” or “aggregator” model. This involves acting as intermediaries between universities and smaller agencies, facilitating student recruitment while generating additional revenue streams. However, this model presents challenges for universities, particularly those with lower rankings.

Mingze Sang clarifies” “I would refer to aggregators as international university resource-holders or platforms.” Aggregators have existed in China for a while. However, the “risen” aggregators are often new agencies with strong connections to some foreign educators, enabling them to offer special programs. Some aggregators take the stance: “Every university is welcome on my platform. It’s up to you whether you can attract students.”

The number of agencies and agents is increasing, while the number of students is not growing at the same rate. Therefore, the market is transforming into a resource-driven one.

Aggregators have existed in China for a while. However, the “risen” aggregators are often new agencies with strong connections to some foreign educators, enabling them to offer special programs

Currently, many parents and students in China are seeking the best outcomes with the least investment. Consequently, those with strong connections to well-ranking universities and who can provide special programs to students are highly sought after. Regarding the traditional aggregators in China, who have been present for at least 15 years, the competition is even more fierce than among agencies. They are struggling with issues such as commission percentages and counselling services, and are focused on survival rather than growth.

Evolving student and parent priorities

The priorities of Chinese students and parents have also undergone significant evolution. While university rankings were once the primary determinant, factors such as career prospects, student experience, and the quality of life in the chosen city are now gaining greater importance. This necessitates a more nuanced and student-centric approach to recruitment.

Sang observes that the priorities of parents and students are employment after graduation. University rankings remain a key factor influencing their employment decisions. With foreign enterprises departing China and private companies facing challenges, parents often favour employers “in the system,” such as state-owned enterprises, hospitals, and universities. University ranking is crucial for standing out in a competitive job market. Furthermore, parents increasingly inquire about graduation requirements and the difficulty level of graduation.

Student motivations

Economic factors are influencing student choices in China. Post-Covid economic challenges have increased demand for international courses offered locally. These programs, offering global qualifications without the necessity of overseas travel, are attractive to many. Transnational education (TNE) programs are becoming more selective, enhancing their reputation and attracting students seeking high-quality international education experiences.

As Sang notes: “Excellent students are seeking top universities with specialised majors. Average students are seeking top universities regardless of majors. Below average students are seeking degrees, prefer to go abroad as late as possible, and desire special, safe, and affordable services.”

How universities can navigate the market

Foreign institutions hoping to maintain a strong presence in China must evolve with the market. The traditional reliance on agencies is no longer sufficient. Instead, universities must:
- Explore new opportunities beyond agency recruitment, diversifying their approach to attract Chinese students through multiple channels.
- Invest in TNE partnerships, including 2+2 programs, foundation courses, and collaborations with Chinese universities, which provide direct access to students without heavy reliance on agencies.
- Develop strong institutional collaborations with international schools in China, positioning themselves as trusted higher education pathways for students already enrolled in globally focused secondary education.
- Leverage digital spaces effectively by producing compelling, authentic content that speaks directly to students and parents.
- Enhance student experiences to attract and retain international talent.
- Embrace innovation through virtual campus tours, interactive Q&A sessions, and personalised communication.
Sang concludes: “For those well-ranking universities, such as the Australian Group of Eight, focus on ranking, maintain reasonable commissions, and be strict on graduation but not overly harsh on enrolment.

“For those lower-ranking universities, spend more time engaging with Chinese colleges and universities; as there are thousands of them in China, be flexible when dealing with universities, and rely on a bit of luck.”
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March 21, 2025
Beech-side views: Here’s looking at EU!

In February 2025, five years after the UK formally left the EU, Sir Keir Starmer became the first UK Prime Minister since Brexit to head to Brussels to join a meeting of EU leaders. The trip was packaged as part of a “reset” in relations between the UK and the EU, albeit caveated with promises that the UK government is not seeking to re-join the EU’s single market or customs union, nor sign up to the principle of freedom of movement.

With President Donald Trump back in the White House and war ongoing in Ukraine, closer cooperation between the UK and EU in areas of security and defence will be vital to maintain pressure on Russia and bring about peace on the continent. Enhancing trade between the UK and EU will also be a key ambition shared by both parties, given the looming threat of American tariffs and the need to secure economic growth.

Youth mobility

The process of resetting the UK-EU relationship by the spring is one to watch for the UK’s higher education sector. This is because, while the EU has the power to ease restrictions on UK businesses to improve British trade prospects, the UK also has something that many in the EU want in return: namely the power to reinstate a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU.

At its most ambitious, such a scheme could allow young people from the UK and Europe the freedom to travel across countries to study and work as was the norm before Brexit. A curtailed version could at least see mobility enacted for shorter, time-limited placements. Either way, UK universities could find themselves becoming an important bargaining chip in any future renegotiations.

Bargaining power

Given the demand for a return of youth mobility is greater in the EU-27 than it is in Britain, UK ministers understandably remain cautious about giving the green light to this idea too soon. The recent gains of the populist Reform UK party in public popularity polls will likely also enhance this nervousness. Moreover, with the policy in clear breach of the UK Government’s own ‘red line’ on freedom of movement, British officials are playing down the prospect of any return to youth mobility between the two powers.

UK universities could find themselves becoming an important bargaining chip in any future renegotiations

Yet, as anybody who has ever been involved in some sort of negotiation knows, the key to a good outcome is not showing your own hand too early in the process. Doing so may significantly weaken your bargaining power and ability to leverage the situation in your own favour. The possibility of the UK offering a youth mobility concession to European leaders to secure more lucrative trading conditions and pump-prime economic growth may not, therefore, be completely off the table.

Risky business

In the past, the UK higher education sector would have been first to welcome the return to Britain of a youth mobility scheme such as Erasmus+. However, the current financial troubles facing the sector are likely to dampen university managers’ enthusiasm for any measures that would see EU students once again regarded as ‘home’ students, thereby capping the fees they pay.

The introduction of youth mobility measures would provide a welcome boost to the diversity of UK student populations by making it easier for those from less privileged backgrounds in Europe to study in Britain. However, with universities now focusing on their bottom line rather than the size and shape of their student intakes, any concessions that could reduce the revenue-generating potential of EU students could destabilise universities’ finances at a time when every penny counts.

Balancing act

The big question facing the higher education sector, then, is whether there is a proposal the UK government could make involving UK-EU student mobility that reconciles universities’ search for greater diversity on campus and enhanced prospects for their students with their need for extra income.

As it stands, the future of UK and EU students rests in the back pocket of the UK Prime Minister. Whether he pulls a student mobility scheme out as a trump card to get a beneficial deal for the British economy depends on the messages UK universities send to ministers and officials over the coming months.

Not enough noise about potential changes to the status of EU students could leave universities exposed without a financial compensation package from Treasury to cover any headline fee changes that a new youth mobility programme would incur. Yet, too much noise would also risk negative headlines around the world that international students are nothing more than lucrative cash flows for hard-up institutions.

The political reset ahead represents a balancing act for UK higher education. The key is whether we can find a solution that opens up UK universities and their students’ prospects further to the outside world while stabilising them financially so they can continue to transform lives for generations to come.

The post Beech-side views: Here’s looking at EU! appeared first on The PIE News.

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February 14, 2025
Aritra Ghosal, OneStep Global – The PIE News

Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.

Perseverant, ambitious, and empathetic.

What do you like most about your job?

The team, the work, and the people I get to interact with on a daily basis.

Best work trip/Worst work trip?

My best work trip was my first visit to Ireland. My worst work trip, on the other hand, was when I had to travel by car from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to another city – it was a terrible experience.

If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?

I want to learn Spanish. Latin America is a place I really want to visit because I am a big football fan! So I want to learn the language.

What makes you get up in the morning?

My daughter makes me get up in the morning.

Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?

There are many icons we can look up to, but perseverance stands out as a key quality – someone who keeps coming back despite multiple defeats. For example, Sourav Ganguly, who, despite being dropped from the Indian cricket team several times, made remarkable comebacks and proved critics wrong.

Best international ed conference and why

I think The PIE conferences are genuinely good, especially The PIE Live Europe. Conferences like the ones by EAIE are a bit too big [in my opinion].

Worst conference food/beverage experience?

Many of these European conferences, not the British ones, have terrible food.

Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?

I think Atomic Habits is one good book that I have read and is useful for the sector. But I also think reading the works of someone like Oscar Wilde will give you a lot of life lessons.

People keep talking about self help books but reading Wilde, Ruskin Bond, etc, is far better. My suggestion is to read some classics.

Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.

I think our plans to open a new office in Vietnam is definitely exciting and we are also looking at doing some transnational education activity in Sri Lanka, wherein we will take some of our partner universities to the country.

What are the major factors behind your decision to open a new office in Vietnam, and how will this enhance its presence in the broader Southeast Asian region?

OneStep Global‘s decision to establish a presence in Vietnam is part of a strategy to strengthen our footprint in Southeast Asia. Alongside Vietnam, we are also planning to open an office in Indonesia.

Similar to our approach in the Middle East, we will establish our own entity with fully operational offices in cities like Hanoi and Jakarta.

Southeast Asia presents a significant opportunity to help universities find sustainable solutions that align with their strategic goals in the region.

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February 14, 2025