America’s “Hidden” Gem: International Students
July 14, 2020
This post was written by Kaitlyn Castro. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Kaitlyn decided to pursue her Master of Arts in Global Affairs, with a concentration in Globalization and Security. She is fond of (1) the complex nature of interconnections between countries, (2) global issues, and (3) human security. She strongly believes that knowledge of global topics opens one’s pathway towards open-mindedness and inspires creative ideas.
On Monday, July 6th, 2020, international students on F-1 and M-1 visas were caught by surprise and disoriented, receiving news that their student visas are at risk of being revoked.
Amid COVID-19, the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) modified its temporary exemptions for non-immigrant international students taking online courses during the Fall 2020 semester. Eligible F-1 students studying at universities will now be required to take a maximum of one online course. On the other hand, F-1 students enrolled in English language training programs and M-1 students pursuing vocational degrees are required to take all their classes onsite. International students who cannot follow the new regulations must return home.
Today, the immigration policy has been reversed. However, we still don’t know if international students are 100% safe. It’s possible for the SEVP policy to be modified in the upcoming weeks. But we don’t know what that will entail.
This past week, I conversed with the interviewees below. It’s important to highlight how an immigration policy similar to the one imposed last week can affect people’s lives.
Victoria Berge from Florida International University (FIU),
Camilo González from FIU as well,
Akanksha Medhi from Northeastern University, and
Mete Ozmen from George Washington University (GWU).
With a French nationality, Victoria has been in the United States for about 7 years. Her learning experience initially started in Miami Dade College, enrolling herself in an English-learning program for two years, and then she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at FIU. She is now a Master of Arts Candidate in Global Affairs.
Camilo, Colombian-born, has been in the United States for about 4.5 years. His learning experience started at the University of Texas at Austin, emerging himself in some external courses, as well as English learning courses. He obtained his Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from FIU and is now a Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations.
Akanksha, born in India, just started her educational journey in the United States in March 2019. She is a Master of Science Candidate in Informatics.
Mete, born in Turkey, and like Akanksha, has also just commenced his educational journey in the United States about a year ago. He is a Master of Science Candidate in Business Administration.
The following statements reflect a first-hand account of the conundrum these individuals were, and may still be, facing.
Question: What was your first reaction when you found out about the SEVP’s directive to revoke student visas if their institution’s classes remained fully online?
I think it was my mom that read about that first, and she called me immediately... It was kind of a shock because it’s the first time in seven years that I have any trouble with immigration. And it’s also not that I have caused trouble, but the regulations have changed... At the end, I don’t know [what’s going to happen]. I am worried, but I also don’t have the decision-making power. — Victoria
I understand this is a political move by the current administration to push universities to open campuses... However, [by doing so], the United States is also giving up its opportunity to attract some of the best students in the world and have the best human capital with different, highly educated perspectives. In my opinion, [the policy] is a lack of vision. It’s a short-term vision, but not a long-term one. Of course, my reaction is going to be one that is concerned with my situation, but I am confident that my university is going to take the necessary steps to protect the interests of international students. — Camilo
That was quite a shocking step taken by the current administration. I was surprised. I immediately contacted the Office of Global Services at my university. — Akanksha
[I found out about this while visiting my home country], but I wasn’t very worried for myself because my institution had already been in the works of implementing classes both on-campus and online. But my brother, who is a student at Northern Virginia Community College, will not be able to come back with me in August to the States. The decision is worrying as the current administration’s agenda to alienate foreign students is only getting stronger. And I can’t stop but wonder what the next step will be regarding our work eligibility and H1B visas [in the future]. — Mete
Question: What is your institution doing so that you are safe from being removed from the United States?
[Because of COVID-19], my entire Master’s program was moved to remote learning, but online and remote learning is considered the same for the federal government. But FIU, because they have rules to follow, aims to have hybrid or in-person classes to satisfy the new regulation. If we follow the rules, I think we’re okay... We are actually more than 4000 international students at FIU. But I think it is also helpful that FIU is located in Miami. We are accustomed to living with people from all around the world versus other institutions that are less open and less inclusive [based on their cultural surrounding, or lack thereof]. I have contacted the Associate Dean of my Master’s program, and I have sent many emails so that they know my case. — Victoria
I’m pretty lucky because FIU is an inclusive institution and its international name has really helped international students. So their offering of in-person or hybrid classes helps me out. I think other students in which their institutions have moved classes fully online will have big problems. — Camilo
My institution sent an email, informing us that all of our classes will not be online, which benefits the international students. Courses that will be taken onsite will consist of a reduced number of students per class and will require students to wear masks... At my institution, international students will be safe. — Akanksha
My institution has implemented a flexible system in which people can take a mixture of online and on-campus classes. Being physically the closest higher education institution to the White House, I would expect our school to [pick up the slack] in time for me to come back to the country. — Mete
Question: Why did you choose to obtain your educational experience here in the United States versus your home country?
I think the best for us, international students, is to have a Master’s degree in the United States because when we go back to our countries, we will have better job opportunities. I came to the United States because my parents conduct business here so I immigrated with my entire family. For my little brother, [the timing] was perfect because he had just ended high school in France. However, for me, I was in law school in France. I kind of lost 2-3 years of school because the United States’ institutions did not recognize my credits from France. It was a sacrifice, but I think at the end, it’s worth it. — Victoria
First of all, I wanted to improve my English. I think English is the business language [of the world] and opens a lot of opportunities in the job market. The second reason is the United States’ universities’ international recognition, so I think that is a huge advantage. Thirdly, I have family here in Austin, TX. My brother had a scholarship because he was a soccer player so I wanted to be closer to him. Additionally, there are plenty of programs that are offered here [in the United States], and I have the chance to learn in a diverse atmosphere... Lastly, I’ve been able to increase my network with people from all around the world. — Camilo
The education here and my home country is quite a bit different. Here in the United States we gain both practical and theoretical knowledge, whereas back in my country, it’s more focused on theoretical concepts. Second thing, we have a bit more interactive sessions in United States classrooms. Third thing would be the resources for graduate school here are quite good, including [small things like] being able to rent a laptop at the library. — Akanksha
The prestige definitely plays a huge role. MBA programs in America are consistently ranked at the top of the charts, and graduating from these programs propel most people’s careers. During my corporate experience at Unilever Turkey, I realized that people with graduate school degrees were on a faster track, and top executives were almost exclusively MBA graduates from top universities in America. GWU was ranked #2 in International Business and that aligns with my career [interests]. [To sum it up, I came for] the prestige, rankings, and future [income]. — Mete
Like most international students, if not all, Victoria, Camilo, Akaksha, and Mete have established a life in the United States and have placed their bets on the education experience because they believe their future will be brighter as a result. Victoria, Camilo, Akanksha, and Mete are keeping their options open, career-wise. As Victoria and Mete mentioned, international students can go back to their countries to work, placing them in a better position to compete in the job market. For example, Mete would like to work in Management Consulting in the Middle East. As for Victoria, she hopes to find a sponsor to remain in the U.S. with a work visa. Camilo is keeping his eye on multilateral organizations (IGOs, NGOs, MNCs). Akanksha aims to stay here a while longer after receiving her degree, visa permitting, so she can take on a job in Project Management. All in all, their career goals are dependent on completing their educational degrees here.
Victoria, Camilo, Akanksha, and Mete are just four cases within the United States. There are 1.1 million international students facing uncertainty. In the end, a measure like the one imposed last week will not only hurt international students, but will negatively affect anything and everything directly and indirectly associated with international students. As Mete said in his final thoughts, [International students] are more than just tuition money. Everyday, in class, [he brings] a different [viewpoint], valuable lessons from [his professional experience], and so much more. [International students even] pay taxes on every dollar [they] earn, like domestic students do, yet [international students] have to be 10x better than domestic individuals for the same job.
However, in unison, we can all shine a light. One of Victoria’s last comments, as I was ending the interview, consisted of the importance of support during these challenging times. International students are merely a community within a much larger community. International students are most definitely not alone in this. While some institutions are willing to adapt to new regulations set forth by SEVP to protect their international students, others may go a step further by suing the current administration for its abrupt policy.
Alhambra U.S. Chamber’s International Representation
The Chamber’s founders represent three countries and they have worked in and represented the Chamber and the United States in over 75 countries.
Additionally, this summer, the Chamber’s team represents 20+ countries, and it has been growing since. We, at the Chamber, place a high regard on culture because we recognize the importance of education and human connection combined. We’re always brainstorming ways in which we can expand education abroad, fulfilling ourselves with consistent cultural experiences. In fact, right now, we are hosting a free four-week webinar series, UpSkill Your Life and Career, for young adults to help build important skills for a successful future. The young adults involved in this program represent seven countries.
HOFT Institute
A Chamber client, HOFT Institute, is restructuring its classrooms so that it can support international students’ stay in the United States. HOFT will be offering onsite instruction, and because it has a 11,000+ sq. ft. facility with several large rooms and plenty of private outdoor space, it will be able to conduct classes while keeping everyone's safety and health in mind — following CDC’s guidelines. Classes at HOFT start September 8th, 2020 but they also accept “late” students as they have rolling admissions. HOFT understands that new rules may come into effect so it will be (1) offering a refund for the unused portion of tuition if students need to leave sooner, (2) offering a refund on the difference of online and onsite tuition if the Department of Homeland Security allows international students to go back to online classes, (3) helping with F-1 visas, and (4) accepting transfer students.
As most of us know, international students are America’s “hidden” gem. They shape our culture in many different ways and expose us to different perspectives and ideas we may not otherwise have.
