Community leaders often ask me if we should seriously consider limiting the intake of international students.
My immediate response is ‘Yes,’ if it was that simple.
The complex issue raises such questions as who should determine the limit, what criteria should be used and who determines that criteria.
My more considered response is that it is not necessary at this stage, as the multi-million dollar education business’s market driven capability to cope with the overseas student numbers and the necessity of educational institutes to increase their income levels will determine number limitations.
Reflecting over the past two decades, one can discern changes in the types of international students from India. The numbers were smaller, most of them were male and geographically diverse, with a long term commitment to settle down, if there was an opportunity to do so.
Their limited ability to work while pursuing studies (except during holidays) made it imperative for them to be self-sufficient.
Today, there are more students from certain regions in India taking admission in two or three disciplines with high probability of job opportunities, using New Zealand as a corridor to enter other countries like Australia, UK or Canada after obtaining the ‘Black’ (New Zealand) passport.
Focus changed
There appears to be a change in focus. Rather than pursuing higher education, there appears to be a chase for employment to obtain Permanent Residence leading to citizenship. There are also cases of ‘marriage of convenience’ to achieve the objective.
Such a shift has produced tensions within Indian and other communities.
We commonly hear the following complaints: 1. Foreign student from India will take any job, even accepting less the statutory minimum wage, and cash payment to escape PAYE, thereby evading taxes 2. These students deprive New Zealanders of employment opportunity 3. Student suffering exploitation by their employers and agents will not report to the authorities fearing deportation and 4. These students do not attempt to learn about the cultural, business and employment norms of New Zealand.
Not all international students from India subscribe to unhealthy practices, but as Mahatma Gandhi said, “In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place.”
I believe that there is a lack of coordinated approach by the education and other Government sectors to meet the needs of these students, a lack of organised support within the Indian community to students from their motherland and a lack of willingness or ability of these students to mix within their local ethnic communities.
This produces exploitable gaps among the various stakeholders.
Students’ responsibilities
I suggest that students from India should submit themselves to the following exercise before they leave their country: 1. A clear goal and due diligence 2. Realistic assessment of one’s ability to achieve the goal 3. Verification of the unrealistic claims made of local education agents 4. A detailed study of New Zealand, the current economic climate, cost of living, the employment market and the polices of the Government and 5. Obtain a clear idea of the educational institution into which admission has been sought, its expectations from students, customs and practices in New Zealand
I also believe that with scores of Universities and tertiary education institutions providing internationally accepted qualifications, students in India should consider whether it is necessary to go overseas to study. They must also consider their economic background and affordability.
Once they arrive in New Zealand, the students should concentrate on their studies and be prepared to voice their genuine grievances to the concerned officials and not just complain to their friends.
New Zealand has its own culture, educational environment and laws. We are known for our clean image. Students from India should be willing to learn, understand the lifestyle and benefit from their education and experience for a prosperous career and life.
Dr Pushpa Wood is an Education and Research Consultant based in Wellington and President of the Wellington Chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO). The opinions expressed in the above article are her own and do not reflect those of Indian Newslink. Dr Wood hopes that her article (to be followed by a sequel in our next issue) will stimulate a healthy debate rather than an angry reaction, in order that young people from India do not fall a prey to illusions and unscrupulous agents. Please read our Editorial, ‘International Students: Lessons of the Past’ under Viewlink. We welcome your comments to editor@indiannewslink.co.nz
