We look back on a year when myriad barriers kept those talented students from their ambition—visa restrictions, diplomatic disputes,
international travel difficulties, and of course, a global pandemic.
Throughout 2020, pursuing higher education in the United States became
nearly impossible and even dangerous for many.
More challenges have emerged in 2021. International students have faced many obstacles getting to the U.S., and news coverage of
disturbing events and violence in this country have conveyed a message
of American instability around the world.Unless we, as leaders of U.S.
higher education, are prepared to find solutions to these impediments,
we risk giving up the progress we have made to increase the presence of
international students on our campuses, the benefits of which are
numerous and far-reaching for all.
Students who travel to the United States gain access to a remarkable system of higher education and simultaneously gain insight into U.S.
culture, economy, challenges, opportunities, and outlook. They also add
to the rich diversity of talent and personal perspectives in our
classrooms, labs, studios, and co-curricular activities.Exposure to
international perspectives prepares every student for success in an
increasingly globalized economy.
In addition to these vital outcomes, we must also remember that international students contributed $45 billion to the U.S. economy in
2018, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The impact of their
contribution is magnified at a moment when many sectors of the U.S.
economy are struggling.Recognizing the importance of international
education, many colleges and universities have taken the extra step of
meeting international students where they live. As of summer 2020, the
majority of institutions increased communications to support students
through challenges with visas, health and well-being, housing and more,
according to the Institute of International Education.
At Franklin & Marshall College, we focused on the relationships we have developed with our students and their families and built
solutions from that starting point. These efforts included a hybrid
education model that allows students to take our courses from anywhere
in the world.
We built in-person programs in England and China for students who could not travel to our main campus in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. And we
doubled down on personal outreach through our global network of alumni
and parents.F&M has long recognized the global nature of
contemporary society and how international study, an international
focus, and the presence of international students remain the vital
bedrock of a modern liberal arts education.
All higher education institutions need to stand with—and fight for —our international students. Many of them cannot be here with us in
person right now, but we can and must continue to find ways to be with
them until the time comes when they are all able to return.
The changes now must not only respond to students’ immediate needs but must take the longer view and be proactive and sustaining. The
pandemic has demonstrated the inescapable nature and value of our shared
existence and amplified how the greatest challenges of our times know
no national boundaries.They require collaborative solutions and involve
extended timelines. The development and distribution of a vaccine and
other effective treatments is just the start.
