Boarding school has been getting a lot of buzz in recent years, meaning it’s fairly new territory for parents and students alike. Countless hours are spent filling out applications and writing letters of intent, interviewing with multiple schools, and of course, taking standardized tests. All told, it’s a process that requires a lot of time and effort, all of which essentially boils down to a single question: Is applying to these top boarding schools worth it? 

There isn’t one simple answer, as each student’s experience is different and no one will really know until they arrive in a boarding school environment. As such, in our two-part series, we spoke with two boarding school veterans who give their testimonials and insights into the boarding school journey. 

In the second part of our Boarding School Insights series, Emily Hellqvist shares her experience repeating her Sophomore year (10th grade) with The Hotchkiss School.

Pro: Forces child to become independent

I grew up confident that I could thrive on my own. When I was a student at the International School of Beijing (ISB), I was able to handle all of my academics as well as extracurriculars plus two – and for a while three – instruments. If I could balance so much so well, I was definitely boarding school ready.

However, when I actually got into Hotchkiss and started there in the Fall of 2019, everything came crashing down. I was struggling with intense academics, juggling a social life – especially as a new student making friends – and a storm of extracurriculars and sports, all of which made it difficult to stay afloat. On top of all of that, I had to keep my dorm room clean? You’ve got to be kidding. Long story short, I was drowning. I missed my parents and I missed my cats. What was I doing at Hotchkiss?

You might be wondering why my struggles are listed under the pros section? Bottom line, it forced me to swim with the tides.

Everyone has 24 hours in a day, and there was no way I could handle everything without smart planning. So for the first time, I opened the school-issued planner and began to list out all of the work I had to do for each class, marking down the due dates and breaking projects into manageable sizes. Slowly, with the help of support systems at Hotchkiss, I started to find my footing, my homesickness began to wane, and I felt more comfortable in the boarding school environment. The reason I tell this story is because even though I thought I was independent, boarding school proved me wrong and forced me to really be independent. Boarding school isn’t about adjusting to school, it’s about adjusting and making decisions for your own life. For me, I learned more in less than a year (academically and about life) than three years at my previous school. The atmosphere is just completely different. Yes, that’s daunting, but you gain skills in high school that you would otherwise figure out much later in life.

Con: For parents, you’ll miss your children!

“How are kids growing up so fast?” is a common question that’s asked by countless parents around the world. In Beijing specifically, many kids spend their days under their parents’ hawk-like supervision, so the idea of them being 10,000 kilometers away can sound extremely daunting.

As previously mentioned, kids like me who go to boarding school will miss their parents. But, it can be even tougher on the parents than it is on the students. In the weeks leading up to my first trip to the US as a boarding student, my mother – who’s always hated cooking but makes delicious food – would ask what I wanted to eat and do whatever she could to fulfill my wishes before I left. The point here is to illustrate a parent’s often desperate feeling of wanting to spend more time with their kid or spoil them a bit more before they head off to boarding school (parents with children who’ve gone off to university probably resonate with this feeling as well).

To be sure, this reaction is a completely normal one, especially since parents also know how busy we get once the school year starts. Sometimes we really don’t have time to pick up your phone calls. Especially for a lot of Chinese parents who are used to playing the role of chauffeur, driving their kids around to different classes on the weekends, or regularly cooking their children’s favorite meal, the nest can feel empty.

Personally, I feel that this con is part and parcel of the pro. That is, I know it’s tough to let go, but if your kid is ready and willing to take the plunge, encourage them and let them make their own choices in a safe environment. Hey, it’s better than to let them make mistakes now rather than later in life when the stakes are higher, right?

Conclusion

At the end of the day, everything has its pros and cons, so it’s up to the individual family to decide whether or not boarding school is worth it. For both of us though, it was an incredible opportunity that we could not pass up. Despite the struggles, we have found ourselves loving this arduous journey that has made us better and more ambitious people.

And if you’re struggling with the boarding school scheme of things, it’s never a bad idea to try out in-person summer programs that a lot of these schools offer (post-Covid of course).

Reach out if there are any questions or thoughts you’d like to share with us!

KEEP READING: The Public’s Presumption of Private Schools

Images: Unsplash

How do Chinese students feel about leaving China and stepping into a foreign country? What are they looking forward to? What are they worried about? We spoke with six Chinese students who are about to embark on their university journey stateside to find out all this and more!

You’re going overseas for university/college! What are you most excited about?

Cyrus Wang, Emory University: “The thing that excites me the most is the complete control of my life. You are free to arrange your own schedule and time, and decide how to spend your money. This is quite a challenge, but it really makes me excited.”

Siyu Lan, Mount Holyoke College: “I [cannot]wait to live in the beautiful campus and supportive community. Also, I am looking forward to new enlightenment from peers and professors.”

Lucy Liu, University of Washington: “I spent high school in the US, but I am still excited to meet more people, to embrace new cultures, and to have new experiences.”

Mei 许李梅朵, St. John’s College: “Yes, I’m more than excited. St. John’s College is my dream school, I’ve always [looked]forward to [studying]in the college. After one year of gap year, I can’t wait to go back to the campus and absorb more knowledge.”

Is there anything that you are worried about?

Editor’s note: Unlike in China, COVID-19 is still raging in many countries such as the US, and many of the interviewees expressed concerns about how the pandemic may affect their studies and daily lives.

Siyu Lan, Mount Holyoke College: “I am worried about COVID-19 not only because it is a crisis, but since I might struggle a lot when I live in a turbulent environment. If I am infected accidentally, it will be disturbed if I couldn’t keep up with the heavy workload.”

Anna, Mount Holyoke College: “My biggest worry is still the Covid epidemic in the US and other places around the world, while other common worries are like how to adjust to the different lifestyles or culture shock when you beginning your first year abroad. “

Candance Wang, University of Notre Dame: “Notre Dame isn’t very international, nor is Indiana in general, so I would definitely struggle at first to adjust to the local culture, such as the food and communication. The lack of parents would mean I cannot depend on them to solve issues for me, such as passport issues.”

How different do you think your life will be compared to in China and overseas?

Anna, Mount Holyoke College: “Studying overseas will definitely be a little different from my life here in China. There are many new concepts and cultures for me to learn, new friends to meet, and even moving to a place 10,000 kilometers far from my home itself is a big challenge for me. This new lifestyle is likely to be very different compared to what I’m living with right now.”

Cyrus Wang, Emory University: “The way of socializing will be quite different, mainly with the language and cultural differences. At the same time, lifestyles will also be quite different. For example, driving is the main way to go out, and the food delivery industry is not very developed.”

Mei 许李梅朵, St. John’s College: “The significant difference will be living without my family. Although I’ve experienced living alone back in the Netherlands, but I still think that will be a challenge for me. The difference in food will also be another factor [of]concern. Luckily, I learned how to cook Chinese dishes during the quarantine.”

Do you think you will return back to China after graduation?

Editor’s note: One had a definite answer of “yes,” while others indicated a preference for returning to China due to its familiarity, as well as the countries’ opportunities for growth.

Mei 许李梅朵, St. John’s College: “Definitely. China is my home, and I’m sure after six years of study experience in the US, I will come back and help my country.”

Siyu Lan, Mount Holyoke College: “Yeah, I think I will return since [there]will be more opportunities and advantages for me to living in a familiar and vibrant environment. I could achieve some of my goals here in China. However, I’m also interested in living in different countries since life is a journey for me.”

Cyrus Wang, Emory University: “I personally prefer to return to China after getting my graduate degree. I will be more comfortable with the domestic living and working environment, and I will have more friends and relatives in China.”

Candance Wang, University of Notre Dame: “I would like to return to China, but I probably won’t, because I have an American passport, and my brother also lives there.”

Lucy Liu, University of Washington: “That is still in consideration since I haven’t even started university yet. It would mostly depend on which side is better and provides more advantages and opportunities for me. However, currently, I am leaning slightly more towards returning back to China.”

Anna, Mount Holyoke College: “I haven’t made any too specific plans about my future studies like what field I want to focus on, but I believe I will continue to get a master’s degree in the next couple of years. Ideally, I might return back to China after graduation and have an individual workplace or do some actual practice in psychology.”

How would you feel about traveling to a foreign land for an extended stay? Comment below!

KEEP READING: “Choosing a College Is Like Dating,” and Other Insights From Graduate Summit 2021

Images: Unsplash

Boarding school has been getting a lot of buzz in recent years, meaning it’s fairly new territory for parents and students alike. Countless hours are spent filling out applications and writing letters of intent, interviewing with multiple schools, and of course, taking standardized tests. All told, it’s a process that requires a lot of time and effort, all of which essentially boils down to a single question: Is applying to these top boarding schools worth it? 

There isn’t one simple answer, as each student’s experience is different and no one will really know until they arrive in a boarding school environment. As such, in our two-part series, we spoke with two boarding school veterans who give their testimonials and insights into the boarding school journey. 

First up, we hear from Cynthia Zhang, age 16, who was boarded at Northfield Mount Hermon School during her Junior (11th grade) level.

Pro: The sky is your limit for trying new things!

With that being said, children are no longer under their parents’ supervision or micro-management several thousand miles away while at boarding school. For the most part, they are liberated from the pressures and expectations of their parents. It’s a chance to start fresh and discover what they might have been subconsciously suppressing at home and potentially uncover their true passions. That’s what I accomplished through the overwhelming support of the endless academic and extracurricular offerings at my boarding school.

I discovered my passion for jazz piano working with the jazz combo at school, I fell in love with history after completing a 20-page research paper on the Rohingyas in Myanmar, and I started to run cross-country – an opportunity I never would have had if I stayed in my previous school. It was through these life-changing experiences that I began to gain tremendous academic and personal growth, as well as developing a better understanding of my identity. With the intellectual curiosity my teachers helped instill in me, I now apply it to searching for untapped realms that I want to explore, like the intersections of music, history, and politics.

If your child has been disengaged with schoolwork and always needs a bit of extra nudging from you, while you feel utter fatigue having to take them to different places for classes five days a week, maybe boarding school will carve a path for their education by extending their learning beyond rigid classroom walls and your scrutiny that harms both your and their mental and physical health.

Con: For students, it’ll be a culture shock

Going to boarding school is different from simply placing yourself in an international school environment in China because you’ll now be experiencing cultural differences unique to the place you’re living. When I first came to the US, I had no clue what small talk was, let alone masterfully engaging in it. My previous international school never taught me how to make small-talk, largely because my friends spoke Chinese and it isn’t a custom in Chinese culture. What is the point of asking someone how their day went if, frankly, you don’t really care and both of you could use the time doing something more worthwhile? But I had to pick it up fast since I didn’t want to be regarded as the odd one who didn’t recognize “proper social cues.” 

Another cultural shock was the dreadfully inefficient delivery service. In China, I was pampered with out-of-province packages that arrived in two to three days, five days at most, and the abnormally fast SF Express. When I ordered my first package in the US, I wasn’t ready to patiently wait a week and a half. What made it more agonizing was that there was also no data available to track where my package was. The only expected arrival date was in five-day increments, compared to the half-day period predicted by Chinese shipping providers. So for my second order on Amazon, I couldn’t stand another painful ten-day wait and got an Amazon Prime subscription. I had heard complaints about the sluggish speed of shipments in America, but trust me, when you’re the consumer waiting for your order, it hits differently. 

And then there was the calling-your-teacher-by-their-first-name that’s entirely unheard of in international schools and even the majority of schools in the US. At my boarding school, students traditionally call their teachers Will, John, Chris, Meredith, and Meg. At first, it made me fairly uncomfortable to address them without the Mr. or Ms. title and last name, but after a few days, I became accustomed to it. For some, the informality might even come across as being disrespectful to authority figures, when in reality, it’s just a uniquely American value. Thus, they refuse to accept the norm and stick to tradition. One of my classmates who used to follow the British curriculum referenced our chemistry teacher as “Miss” the whole semester. He did not bother to change one bit.

These forced assimilations left me disoriented during my first few months in the US and will be excruciating for any non-native with little prior exposure to Western culture. It’s definitely a deterring factor and should be considered in your decision to send your children to boarding school or not. But, with some extra effort, your child will not only learn how to adapt to all kinds of cultural spheres but also cultivate a shrewd eye for perceiving cultural differences while interpreting and embracing all of them.

Watch out for fellow intern Emily‘s boarding school takeaways in our next article in the series!

KEEP READING: Rory Gilmore, a Cautionary Tale For “Perfect Students”

Images: Unsplash

Second only to finding the right career path, the hardest decision for parents and students to make is choosing which university to apply to. Even though universities are a dime a dozen, not all of them make the list of the most desirable academic institutions for applicants around the world. Schools like Harvard, Oxford, and Beijing’s own Tsinghua University are highly sought after, but that much harder to get into, and stand to be more expensive in terms of tuition fees for self-funded students.

Moreover, long before the first application is sent out, parents and schools try to provide advantages for prospective college applicants, all of which comes at a cost. Whether it is taking advanced placement (AP) classes to boost the odds in a student’s favor, spending money on tutors or extra classes after school, the financial commitment towards university begins well in advance.

With that in mind, when should families begin to financially prepare for university, and how much should they expect tertiary education to set them back?

To begin with, there is a slate of entrance exams students will need to take if they intend to go to college straight out of high school. For instance, if a student wishes to attend an American university, then they are likely to do one of three recognized exams depending on their international school’s curriculum. The SAT subject tests come with a price tag of RMB 550, plus an additional RMB 153-181 per exam. The ACTs price in at around RMB 1,160, whereas the International Baccalaureate (IB) costs around RMB 829. These prices of course do not include private school tuition, which in Beijing, could run you as much as RMB 125,465 a semester.

Choice of university and the major a student wishes to pursue is as much a factor in the price tag of the university experience as anything else. This holds especially true for public universities in the United States. One of the many reasons why such universities are so popular with applicants all over the globe is their world-class athletic programs. Should a student be active in sports, they are more likely to get a scholarship or some funding towards their education at such institutions. However if the applicants aren’t American, they aren’t entitled to federal funding. Nevertheless, popular choices among Chinese students include UCLA, with an average cost of RMB 299,000, RMB 282,000 for the University of Michigan, and RMB 348,000 for the University of Virginia. And that’s just for the first year.

If public universities aren’t to the taste of the applicant, then they might want to try their luck at gaining admission to a private American university. However, aside from being increasingly competitive, they make no distinction between majors or year level in terms of tuition cost. Top choices for China-based applicants include Harvard, at an average cost of RMB 358,000, New York University at RMB 368,000, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) at RMB 368,000 per year.

An option that’s growing in popularity among university applicants is the Liberal Arts University option. Such universities boast smaller class sizes and an emphasis on foundational knowledge rather than vocational training. Moreover, like private universities, they tend to have flat tuition fees.

Unfortunately though, the cost doesn’t end there. Some of the expenses which parents are likely to forget are ‘incidentals’ and living costs incurred during their child’s university tenure. Room and board alone, whether on or off-campus, is likely to cost over RMB 139,000, with additional costs such as clothes, food, health insurance, spending money, and other miscellaneous expenses bringing the grand total to over RMB 174,000 per year.

Despite what is indeed a hefty bill to attend American universities, there are ways to cut down on the overall price tag. Exceptional grades might allow applicants access to good mid-tier universities. Such universities are more likely to spend money on high achieving students to maintain their performance. However, good grades alone are less likely to land applicants in top-tier universities. Applying to a lesser-known, smaller university might also be a good idea. Smaller universities tend to have more financial aid opportunities for exceptional students. Also, while in school, encouraging students to use rented or second-hand books can be an excellent way to cut down on spending. This is simply because no matter how good the course is, a student is not likely to use the books ever again. There’s also plenty of scholarships for just about every unique situation you can think of, from students who have a twin sibling to a scholarship for fans of zombie apocalypse scenarios.

There are also resources available for families seeking financial relief. Knowing whether your child’s dream school is a Need-Aware or Need-Blind University might also help to secure the financial aid you desire. Need-Blind schools are more desirable as they will not deny aid to a student based on the family’s ability to pay. However, only five such universities exist in the US, and are considered to be some of the most competitive. For American students, there is additional assistance. Students can fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which determines the amount of federal aid a student is eligible for. They should also apply for the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) which determines the amount of institutional aid students stand to get.

Whatever the cost, it is an undisputed fact that a sound university education is worth its weight in gold. Admission to a top university could translate to a yearly salary of RMB 348,515 more than graduates from an average university. In some ways, we might say, when it comes to planning for university education and weighing the cost, what you put in is ultimately what you get out.

KEEP READING: What You Need to Know About Beijing Government Scholarships

Source: Figures and information courtesy of Crimson Education, Pixabay

This article appeared in the beijingkids 2020 March – April issue

In Student Correspondent articles, we hear from some of Beijing’s best and brightest students about their takes and perspectives on global and local issues. Here, Kelly Liu is 16 years old Grade 10 student at Keystone Academy talks about experiencing the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia.

Back in February, with excitement and timidity, I flew from Beijing to Bogota, Colombia, and started my three-week-long Roundsquare exchange. Yet at the same time, the COVID-19 situation in China became even more serious, and I quickly felt like I was in a completely different world, when almost every post on Chinese social media was about the virus. With the rapid spread of COVID-19, the conversations among students about prom parties and summer plans took a backseat, and the pandemic became all we could talk about. While the successful construction of a hospital in Wuhan in just 10 days was impressive and encouraging for everyone, no one predicted that two months later, Colombia would be in the same horrifying situation.

My friends in Bogota and I have always contacted and checked on each other and while cultural surprises do exist, but they help us to understand each other’s culture more comprehensively. Without making any absolute comments on either one, this article will analyze how well are students from two diverse cultures facing this pandemic from two perspectives: cultural disposition and social atmosphere.

Cultural dispositions can be defined as voluntary and unconscious attitudes and actions that are being influenced by cultural values. Considering the conversations between my Colombian friends and me, I’ve noticed they seemed less anxious and restrained than me, a Chinese girl. After the first few cases in Colombia were confirmed, my friends told me that they went to a party without wearing masks. I was completely shocked because if I was in that situation, the only thing I would have done is to stay in quarantine in my home. Obviously, this is neither absolutely a bad thing nor absolutely a good thing but it’s intriguing to explore these cultural disposition differences through analyzing real-life events, especially facing this global challenge.

When comparing social atmospheres, on the other hand, things are quite different. I’ve heard from my Colombian friends that there is an increasing amount of homeless and jobless people protesting in their country. One of my friends told me that “the social atmosphere is very harsh because we know that many people are struggling, that gets to you because there are people out there that don’t know if they are going to eat or live.” The emotion overall has been comparatively down and negative. On the other hand, personally I’ve always found that the social atmosphere in China is comparatively positive, which provides me, as a teenager, with enough encouragement to follow rules of social distancing and staying in quarantine.

Narrating what I’ve observed and noticed helps me to analyze these interesting cultural differences, and how they influence our understanding and attitudes towards COVID-19 as teenagers. Encouraging each other during the process has also helped me as a Chinese person to understand how well teenagers from another culture face this global issue. Teenagers should be aware that gaps between cultural perspectives can be diminished by working together towards the same goal: defeating the pandemic by encouraging and backing up each other.

Kelly Liu is 16 years old Grade 10 student at Keystone Academy. Skiing, snowboarding, and dancing are important components of Kelly’s life. At the same time, she enjoys exploring different cultures, as well as different places around the world.

KEEP READING: Online Learning in a Lockdown

Photos: Kelly Liu, WorldNomad

Flights canceled, borders closed, health care strikes, ethnic discrimination, test kit shortages, epidemic or pandemic – there is a crisis and navigating the complexities of the Coronavirus will take caution, patience, and flexibility. The virus had terrible timing to hit during the largest movement of people on the planet and combined with poor oversight, the virus has now spread to 23 countries with 17,000 lab-confirmed cases and over 360 deaths. In comparison to other infections, this virus is still in its infancy. SARS only hit 8,098 people and MERS only about 2,500. The H1N1, otherwise known as Swine Flu, killed 285,000 which is still less than the normal flu which occurs every year. Approximately the flu sends about 700,000 people to the hospital every year according to the CDC.

Now the Coronavirus is getting the attention it deserves in China, and across the rest of the world major precautions are in effect. Having been in the States for the last three weeks on school visits, most schools were operating business as usual. Please know that schools are taking appropriate actions by providing support to current students. Many boarding schools are encouraging students to monitor their health, requesting students to stay healthy and if not feeling well visit the school infirmary or doctor.

With several holidays coming up (Presidents Day and Spring Vacation), schools are also providing solutions for Chinese students who may otherwise have no place to go. Schools will either allow students to stay on campus or provide tours or other opportunities so students have solutions. Obviously, students will not be able to travel home. Please know that schools take your child’s health and welfare seriously.

As many have heard, there has been an increase in racism and bullying usually sparked by fear and anxiety. Schools are taking the necessary precautions to ensure that students feel safe. Diversity is an important part of a school’s culture, and ensuring students’ emotional wellbeing is paramount. All schools do not tolerate any form of racism or bullying. Faculty have been instructed to be alert to any behavior that is not supportive to the overall community, making sure that students feel safe. Students are also encouraged to let trusted faculty know if they feel unsafe in any way, either by word or deeds.

Looking ahead, families currently seeking places in the US for summer school or for placements in the coming school year, it is important to not let emotions and fear deter future plans. Schools will not decrease or close admission to summer programs or to next year’s class for Chinese students. The same can be said of colleges and universities.

Having said that, it is also prudent to have several plans in place. Plan A should be to remain focused on moving forward with the current course of action. Plan B may most likely involve being flexible with summer plans in the event that restrictions remain in place, particularly if a summer program requires a student visa (F1).

As with any crisis, it is important not to fall prey to rumor. Anxiety creates fear, fear creates supposition, supposition creates misinformation, misinformation creates more anxiety. Rely only on trusted sources of information. While schools do not want to be bombarded with phone calls and email, they are posting updated information on their websites. Please be aware that if you have a student at a school currently, they too are feeling anxious. Be supportive and help them focus on what they need to do – be healthy, do well in school. If you are anxious, they will be more so. Please know they are safe and well-taken care of. That is what schools do. You have entrusted your child to their care, they take that responsibility very seriously.

Be safe, stay healthy. Be united in maintaining calm and we, all of us, will get through this together.

Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com

Photos: chinausfocus.com, itv.com, Hamilton Gregg 

China is gearing up towards expanding its pool of international students. In 2015, Vice Premier Liu Yandong stated that the government planned to increase the number of international students in China to 500,000 by the end of 2020. As of 2018, there were 492,185 international students in China so the Vice Premier’s statements seem to be coming to fruition. The massive rise in the popularity of China as a study abroad destination could be attributed to many factors. The principle factors include favorable government policies, economic factors, and the rising prestige of Chinese universities.

Related Government Policies

The ‘Double World Class Project’ was launched in 2015 with the aim of strengthening the reputation and performance of China’s top-ranked universities. In addition, China’s massive “One Belt, One Road” development has been a powerful lever for these academic links. Backed by a USD 50 billion investment fund, the strategy is targeting new projects and partnerships along traditional Silk Road trade routes throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa. Due to the movement to expand student markets, more than half of these students are coming from other counties in Asia.

Economic Factors

According to survey respondents in this article from the Association for Studies in International Education titled “the Emergence of a Regional Education Hub: Rationales of International Students’ Choice of China as the Study Destination”, the main factors are the affordability of Chinese universities along with the availability of scholarships, and the growth of the Chinese economy in recent years. The article states that, “China’s rising economic weight in the world has become an important driving force for pulling international students to study in China.”

Prestige of Chinese Universities

While universities in the United States and the UK still dominate the top 100 list of global university rankings, China is leading Asian universities in the 2019 World University Rankings. Beijing’s own Tsinghua University leads all eastern hemisphere universities as the top institution in Asia by being ranked 22^nd in the world as of 2019. China’s focus in improving the quality of education in their first-tier universities has played a significant role in pulling in a greater number of international students to the country.

Sam Langton from Venture Education, which is a Beijing-based consultancy driving UK excellence in education, entrepreneurship, and employability, as well as one of the members of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, shared his opinions with beijingkids about the growth of China as the next big study abroad destination in Asia:

“China still has a way to go before it can be seen as a truly major international education destination. If you look at the government’s recent data on the top fifteen source countries of international students in China for example, thirteen of the fifteen are in Asia, and nine of these border with China. What’s more, in 2016, 53 percent of students were enrolled in short term, non-degree programs, often Mandarin programs, as opposed to full degree programs. Although the proportion of students on full degree programs has been on the rise, it will be difficult to compete with universities in the UK, USA, and Australia, countries in which English is the primary language of all degree programs.”

Photo: Shutterstock.com