This blog post has been a work in progress for some time, as more and more has been written on the topic in recent weeks, and I have found myself doing a lot of reading and thinking on the matter. At a time when the job market for new Ph.D.’s is particularly dismal, especially in the United States, there seems to be increasing attention and interest in recruiting and training international scholars, not just graduate students, but top researchers as well.
A recent article discusses the rise in the number of international students admitted to American graduate schools, according to a report recently released by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). Findings of the report are based on the most recent surveys conducted by the CGS. Interestingly, admissions offers made to international students increased by 3% in the past year, while offers to Americans fell 1%. China leads, with a 16% increase in admissions offers. While there was a 9% increase in graduate applications among American students in the survey, the number of offers remained the same at doctoral institutions, and went down 6% at master’s institutions. While the report cautions that these figures are probably not final for American students, due to late admissions, I admit I find these numbers a little disturbing, although not surprising. At Canadian universities, too, the number of international graduate students admitted continues to rise, as the number of domestic graduate students admitted decreases.
This past spring, the Government of Canada announced its first group of Canada Excellence Research Chairs. This program awards each of the chairholders- who are selected among the world’s top researchers, and their research teams, up to $10 million over seven years. The chairs’ research is to focus on the four priority areas outlined in the Government of Canada's science and technology strategy: environmental sciences and technologies; natural resources and energy; health and related life sciences and technologies; and information and communications technologies. Another recent initiative is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program, which aims to attract and retain the world’s best doctoral students. Canadian and international students are eligible to be nominated for a scholarship, which is valued at $50,000 per year for three years.
An article by Amit Chakma, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Western Ontario, discusses some of Canada’s recent initiatives to attract he world’s best researchers, and the benefits of such programs. Chakma cites the obvious benefits of recruiting the best and brightest from abroad, but claims that we should be doing even more. He only briefly acknowledges the need for similar financial incentives that would enable Canadian students to study abroad; he cites a recent study conducted by Queen’s University that found that less than 3% of Canadian undergrads venture overseas. While I suspect that number may be higher for graduate students, this is a concern. Internationalizing the academic experience is a needed change to the insularism that currently prevails. Too many students in North America are either ill-informed or not supported, due in part to issues such as faculty ignorance and cost. More initiatives like the Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program, which provides educational exchange opportunities for graduate students, faculty, professional and independent researchers, are needed.
Memorial University has recently initiated the Professional Skills Development Program for international graduate students.According to the dean of Graduate Studies, this program includes 7 weeks of workshops focusing on topics such as preparing a curriculum vitae, and job interview preparation, as well as community/service learning and networking opportunities. There are now plans to extend the program and its services to other students. Perhaps increased opportunities for Canadian graduate students to study and conduct research abroad will be a part of these services, and similar programs will be implemented at other Canadian universities.
This article emphasizes the importance of understanding different educational systems and how having that international experience can be seen as an asset when applying for academic jobs. Those advising students need to be aware of global opportunities and to share this information. While supporting international students is certainly commendable, and their recruitment is important to achieving and maintaining a sustainable workforce, I feel there is a lot left to be done to support Canadians students at both undergraduate and graduate levels of study; to make international exchange programs a more viable option for those looking to expand their cultural and educational experiences.
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