Best Countries for Education

Canada takes up about two-fifths of the North American continent, making it the second-largest country in the world after Russia. The country is sparsely populated, with most of its 35.5 million residents living within 125 miles of the U.S. border. Canada’s expansive wilderness to the north plays a large role in Canadian identity, as does the country’s reputation of welcoming immigrants.

Although the Norse briefly settled in Canada during the 10th century, European exploration accelerated in the 1500s. France and Britain angled for control over the region, with the British cementing their dominance in the year 1763. The country was a collection of British colonies until it became a self-governing dominion in 1867.

Canadians pride themselves in encouraging all of their citizens to honor their own cultures. In 1971, Canada adopted a national policy of multiculturalism, which celebrates the country’s diversity. The list of accomplished Canadian writers and artists is long. Céline Dion, Sarah McLachlan and Joni Mitchell are just a few of the Canadians who have made an impression on modern music. Read more…

Best Countries for Education

US still top draw, but growth rate of Indian students halves: Survey

Though the US is still a much-favoured destination for Indian students, the percentage of increase in fresh enrolments by Indians halved in 2016-2017 to 12.3% from almost 25% the previous year, according to the latest Open Doors survey conducted by the Institute of International Education. The year 2014-15 too had seen robust growth of 29.4%.

In global terms, the US saw a decline in fresh enrolments this year, with nearly 10,000 fewer candidates signing up; the new student count of about 2.9 lakh represents a 3% decrease from the previous year.

For the third year in a row, the largest growth came from India, primarily at the graduate level and in optional practical training (OPT), which is temporary employment linked to a student’s area of study (eligible students can receive up to 12 months of OPT before and/or after completing studies). The Indian student population in the US is now 1.86 lakh. Read more….

US still top draw, but growth rate of Indian students halves: Survey

Foreign Students Remain Eager to Study in US

Many of the U.S. colleges and universities that are most popular among foreign students are reporting an increase in international applicants, despite surveys earlier this year that warned of a drop.

VOA Student Union contacted 20 schools with the largest populations of foreign students. Fourteen institutions reported that international applications from undergraduates increased or remained stable. Six reported drops. Collectively, the schools account for about 20 percent of all foreign students studying at U.S. universities and colleges.

The final tally of foreign students who applied and enrolled in American universities each year is not publicly reported until November. For now, the VOA survey indicates that foreign students’ interest remains high and the number of foreigners choosing to study in America continues to grow after topping one million for the first time in the 2015-16 school year.

A few months ago, a survey of the schools indicated declining interest from foreigners. The Institute for International Education (IIE) conducted a survey in March of 250 schools nationwide, showing a nearly 40 percent decline in applications from foreign students. The survey was conducted shortly after President Donald Trump issued a travel ban on immigrants — including students — from six Muslim-majority countries. Read more…

Foreign Students Remain Eager to Study in US

The thriving business of high school exchanges

High school exchange programs provide many young people with their first experience of living abroad. Widely regarded as providing a valuable cultural experience, exchange organizers do good business. Read More…

The thriving business of high school exchanges

Saudi Arabia cuts funding for students abroad

Thousands of Saudis may be forced to abandon their dream of studying overseas because of the oil price crash.

With its budget under enormous pressure, Saudi Arabia is having to cut back the generous scholarship program that supported 200,000 students abroad in 2015.

The government has been forced to tighten the rules of the $6 billion King Abdullah Scholarship Fund, limiting it to those attending one of the top 100 universities globally, or studying a program rated in the top 50 in its field. Read More…

Saudi Arabia cuts funding for students abroad

Indian students turning away from UK

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his visit to the UK on Thursday and education is expected to be one of the areas where the two countries will be hoping to increase co-operation.

Indian students turning away from UK