Western careers advice for international students ‘misdirected’

Universities keep seeking local jobs for their overseas graduates, despite ‘massive’ economic pivot to Asia

Published on
March 30, 2022
Last updated
April 6, 2022
Pedestrian crossing at the intersection in downtown Kuala Lumpur to illustrate Careers advice for international students ‘misdirected’
Source: Getty

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Print headline: Careers advice for international students ‘misdirected’

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Reader's comments (1)

As someone who recruits international students I have observed that many of them are interested in relevant work opportunities in the host country after graduation. So in terms of their aspirations, this isn't just an education story, it's a migration story. This is particularly the case for students from India and Sub Saharan Africa. Sadly, the reality is that many are disappointed as employers in the host country aren't willing to sponsor international students, however well skilled or qualified, into the appropriate graduate or postgraduate level jobs, either because of worries about the visa process or just plain xenophobia. Hence if students are able to stay (based on their personal circumstances) they may end up under-employed. The other issue of concern is that this whole phenomenon effectively represents 'brain drain' from their country of origin. The article seems to suggest that University Careers Services should be able to advise students on home country job opportunities and application processes. This would require resource and expertise that isn't currently there. Plus, it isn't necessarily what the students want anyway. In addition, the personal and religious freedoms enjoyed in host countries may not be available 'back home': take Chinese or HK Christians as an example. A further question is, what are the Universities selling (or mis-selling)? The promise to work in the host country? Skill development to take 'back home'?

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