Dubai - The fear psychosis among the potential students can turn the tide against students moving to the US.
Published: Tue 2 May 2017, 9:30 AM
Updated: Tue 2 May 2017, 11:35 AM
Though it is too early to say that the decrease in the number of international students enrolling at the US universities is a pattern, it wouldn't be wise to ignore the high-profile incidents that took place post-Donald Trump's election as the President. If we look at numbers, there has been a decline, but this might be a temporary phase.
Overseas students contribute around 32 billion dollars to the US economy, and I don't think that the administration there would like to lose this vital source of income.
However, the fear psychosis among the potential students can turn the tide against students moving to the USA.
About 63,000 students from the UAE and KSA enrolled in various universities and colleges in the US in 2015-16, which is a huge number, but the rise in attacks on non-US citizens and the current political rhetoric can impact these numbers. Having said that, there is a growing awareness among the students and their parents on multiple options of internationally bench-marked programmes available to the students outside the US.
Read here: US no longer top higher education option for students from UAE
Brexit is not helping the UK institutions of higher education to attract more foreign students, and the populist wave spreading in Europe is not seen as conducive by many potential students. Under these circumstances, students tend to stay near home and opt for universities that can offer them a rich learning experience.
For these reasons and the improvement in the quality assurance and investment in infrastructure, we are positive about seeing a steady rise in the number of students opting for higher education in the UAE.
At Amity University, we are offering students' state-of-the-art facilities, including industry specified labs, studios and library facilities along with internationally recognised degrees and qualified staff.
Fazal Malik, programme leader, Journalism and Mass Communication, Amity University, Dubai