Prejudice in Western Universities

International student programs have over the years encountered a number of criticisms, both from the host countries and from the international students themselves. While some of the criticisms are well-founded, others are based on misperceptions or even racism.

International student programs can be a politically sensitive issue in the host countries. Opponents of the programs fear that international students would take the limited university placements away from local students. Proponents of the programs counter this belief by arguing that the high fees paid by international students enable universities to maintain, or even increase, placements for local students.

It is not unusual for international students to encounter language problems in the host countries. Despite the pre-admission language tests — which might give the students a false sense of mastery over a foreign language — students often find it difficult to understand the coursework, and some might feel that their lecturers are unhelpful in explaining the coursework to them. Academics, under pressure from cash-strapped university authorities to retain international students, sometimes make the courses easier, to the resentment of many local students. It has been speculated that language difficulties may contribute to the problem of plagiarism, particularly in the form of using essay mills.

Finally, many would-be employers, especially those within the host countries, find some former international students have unsatisfactory language abilities, despite having earned university degrees.

A major drawback of International Students Programs is the reluctance of universities, in the host country, to face immigration limitations and expose them clearly to their incoming foreign students.

   * They may have difficulties in obtaining a long term work visa.
   * They may face as a consequence large salary gaps in comparison to their fellow nationals.
   * The tuition fees may be too high with respect to their work prospects.
   * They may be barred from high profile jobs where citizenship is a prerequisite.
   * There is no arrangement of accommodation specially made for third world countries.
   * In many universities, there are dual fees for local and international students
   * Curriculum of courses are disrespectful of different religions specially Islam, Christianity and Judaism
   * There are no loans for international students.
   * Insulting immigration rules and policies are made specially for third world countries. Citizens of countries like Bangladesh, Saudia Arabia, Pakistan and china have been treated with prejudice numerous times on international airports in UK and US airports.
   * Online univerisities like University of Phoenix and Pierce University also charge fees that might be normal for first world countries but are discouraging international students. Specially, University of Phoenix's residency requirement has barred alot of students from participating in its online program. US immigration has helped by deterring students.
   * Ridiculous requirements are imposed by universities to take expensive tests like IELTS, TOEFLs, GRE, GMAT and SAT where a good university should be offering foundation courses for free to help promote the education.
   * Numerous incidents of ill treatment of international students have been reported. In Netherlands, muslim students have been victimized in relation with islamic terrorism. In Germany a muslim stduent has been killed.
   * Employers have been discriminating against students of different races and geographical reigons too. Specially in field of ESL teaching, native english speakers have been given advantage. Truth is that the combining both native and non-native speakers, india is the largest country with english speaking people.