The impact of regulatory changes on international education

The impact of recent actions by the new U.S. governmental administration is broad and deep, fundamentally changing the ‘American dream’ for many around the world. The aspirations of students, educators and researchers past, present and future are being disrupted for those who participate in international education programs and cultural exchange at schools and universities.

Most recently, the U.S. government’s revocation of Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students and scholars is impacting many students including those who are currently studying in the United States, those who have already been admitted and are planning to arrive later this year, and those who have recently graduated and are planning to engage in practical training. We are carefully monitoring legal challenges to the government’s action as they arise.  

The pace and scope of such regulatory changes are deeply concerning as we consider the uncertainty they cause for students, families and educators around the world, altering their educational pathways. We believe the provision of socially responsible international education includes the right to academic freedom and ensures the protection of the young people in our care.

These changes require strong deliberation by educational institutions, be they schools or universities in any country, that participate in international education exchange, dialogue, research, and development. The systematic dismantling of regulations designed to foster international cooperation and research impacts us all. Its ripple effect is the suspension of essential research projects and the dampened dreams of those who pursue education to drive innovation around the world.

The U.S. Administration’s actions, coming at pace over the past months, are eliciting strong emotion, not to mention real and substantial fear, in students around the world. This is the time to check in with them, to learn their fears, to explain their options, and to help them make new decisions that are within their control. Our fundamental, collective responsibility is to enable the plans and collaboration of students and scholars internationally, many of them conducting research as they put their ideas and practices together to achieve great things for society across the world. Importantly, many educational institutions are already responding to adjust their admissions policies for students and scholars who are negatively impacted by changing regulations. Thank you for your leadership!

Regulatory actions that limit international mobility and education affect us all, restricting our access to funding, data, research and ultimately, the means to make the world a better place. At CIS, we are committed to developing solutions to resolve and remove these restrictions. Together, let’s continue to share new means of collaboration, understanding and innovation.