Student security in the global education market

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in 2008, 3.3 million students were enrolled in tertiary education outside their country of citizenship for one year or more. From 2000 to 2008 the foreign student population grew at 11 per cent per year (OECD, 2010, P 315). Most of these students crossed national borders for educational purposes - such students are classified as 'international students' - although in some countries the data also included non-citizen permanent residents. More than four international students in ten enter English language countries (OECD, 2010, p 319). The identity of the education provider nation determines the legal and policy regime that governs international student lives. These students do not enjoy the same rights, protections and entitlements as citizens. Their status as temporary migrants with student visas leaves them in a limbo they share with other mobile people such as short-term business and labour entrants, and refugees. The uncertain, vulnerable and de-powered existence of international students, their resulting problems, and what might be done to lift their dignity and position in the world, are the matters discussed here.