It goes without saying that the biggest news in international education this month has been the finalization of the Duration of Status rule. Although the ruling was expected and institutions had spent months creating plans for the proposed changes, the news still hit hard. PDSOs and AROs around the country found themselves reading through a 500+ page document of major changes to the international student regulations. Both NAFSA and the International Student Resource Center have responded with tools to help navigate the complicated changes, including the ISRC’s D/S End Date Tool which provides assistance with determining a student’s end date based on the new rules. The Pie compiled a collection of responses from various industry leaders in this timely article. Below is brief sampling:
“The academic program indicates what is a normal length of study, not only for international students but for every student on the program. For the government to come up with an arbitrary, finite date for completion…makes zero sense…Heads have been spinning for the last two years. You already have a field that’s been overburdened in inordinate ways, and the tsunami just keeps coming” -Fanta Aw, NAFSA CEO
“The rule imposes unnecessary burdens on international students and scholars, campuses, employers and federal agencies alike…Students have choices, and if they aren’t confident they can complete their education here without unnecessary uncertainty and administrative hurdles, they will increasingly choose other countries” -Zuzana Cepla Wootson, Presidents’ Alliance deputy director of federal policy
“Certainly, this will be a difficult and time-consuming transition, but we will adapt and adjust.” -Clare Overmann, AIEA CEO
Due to other immigration policy changes and a lack of welcome in the current political climate, the international student numbers are unsurprisingly falling. Both ESL programs and degree-seeking programs are seeing declines, with 60% of US colleges reporting a decrease in the number of international applicants (thepienews.com) and short term English language programs reporting a 14% decline (thepienews.com). With the finalized D/S ruling, which includes less flexibility in changing programs, progressing through degree levels, extending programs, and even a shortened grace period, it’s expected that these numbers will continue to fall. However, on the flip side, and maybe in spite of these challenges for international students, US students are continuing to study abroad at high numbers (thepienews.com). These numbers may continue to rise as globally-minded students seek more diverse programs and opportunities now being stifled in the US by the various new policies and changes.
These times are heavy, particularly for our beloved international education field. Although Overmann’s quote above may feel impossibly optimistic, she is right: we will adapt and we will adjust. We always do. And as international educators, we will continue to do the important work of welcoming the world to our campuses, our cities, our homes, our programs, and our lives. At ISI, we are committed to continuing to support your students and you, no matter what comes.
From our world to yours, that’s the latest from international education this month.
Category: Announcement, Health & Safety Abroad, International Student Health Insurance, International Student Insurance (ISI), International Students in the USA, Student Insurance, Study Abroad, U.S Healthcare System
Tags: Campuses, D/S End Date Tool, Duration of Status Rule, ESL Programs, Federal Agencies, international educators, International Student Resource Center, International students, ISI, NAFSA, scholars
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