“Monopoly power of universities on knowledge creation and dissemination would be significantly diluted as a diverse set of non-university actors emerge on the horizon. Moreover, the distinction between for-profit and nonprofit entities would get blurred…For most universities, a shift from the collegial to a managerial atmosphere is inevitable.” I found this statement to be extremely powerful. College degrees in the US are becoming less prestigious and looked at as necessary for any entry level job, making the prestige of your undergraduate institution relevant but not extremely important. Everyone has a 4 year degree, so competition for entry level positions are high and you need more than just a degree to distinguish yourself from other candidates. Thats why I believe future generations will care less about the college they go to (for profit, non profit, ivy league, public, etc.) and focus more on obtaining a degree while distinguishing themselves in other ways (internships, study abroad, involvement in college, etc.)
In Pawan Agarwal’s essay he mentions that international education will become a part of undergraduate study – through technology, exchanges and global partnerships, more students will be participating in these international experiences in one way or another and less students will be seeking to travel across boarders for their full education. He says: “The present trend of cross-border mobility of students for full course of study would be replaced by part study abroad through semester exchanges, etc”. While I see where his prediction is coming from, I happen to think the opposite will happen with US universities. I have read many articles discussing how the rising costs of US education is causing students to look oversees for options at full time study to complete their entire undergraduate degrees. With many 4-year public universities (and some private) in financial trouble, with less federal and state funding and no foreseeable solution in the future, I believe high tuition costs and high competition for applicants to public universities, I think more and more US students will see going to other countries as an option for a 4 year degree. In some other countries, funding from the government is substantial enough to support very low (or sometimes free) tuition, even for international students. The Washington Post posted the list in 2014 about 7 college in Europe that US students can study in English for free and this is by no means a comprehensive list. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, German Universities experienced a 33% increase in US students studying in Germany between 2010-2013 and England saw an 8% increase between 2012-2013. Canada is also a popular destination for US students, as they offer similar universities and are very close to home. The benefits of getting a college degree abroad are also increasing, students can learn a new language, finish degrees in less than 4 years, and stand out on their resume. I am curious to see how this plays out over the next 10 years!
Thank you for your post. I thought you brought up several interesting point to think about. Very interesting that you pointed out that the US degrees are losing its value. I don’t really think that is necessarily the case, as there are also a large number of student who are coming to the US to study. What really drives the student to choose international institutions to receive their degrees, is the price of the US education and as you said “way to stand out” among other candidates for the job and to be able to offer something different, even if it’s just a different language or international experience. As we already discussed in class, the employers are looking for those “global citizens”, students with international experience, no matter what job you are applying for, they want candidates to bring something more and different to the table. What I think is even more important for student who chose to study internationally is the fact that they are now opening themselves not only to the domestic job market but also to the international market, which provide more and larger opportunities. In today’s competitive world this seems to be very important and also very valid point to consider not just studying abroad, but also earning your degrees in international institutions.
Natallia
Although I do agree with your post and the fact that undergraduate degrees are not necessarily giving people any tangible knowledge that they may use in the workforce , I still feel like the value of the college experience is not waning except students are required to have higher degrees which mean they will stay in school longer. Also, many students end up getting internships and doing study abroad in their undergraduate experiences so its a slippery slope considering each situation relies on each other. It is awfully sad that colleges are becoming more of a business structure other than helping people get real life skills to pursue their careers.
Very interesting thought about the value of the US degree. I also do not think a US degree will lose its value, but there could be truth about students doing all there undergrad abroad because of cost. However, the cost of traveling and living abroad would need to be factored in the equation. I saw the article about free places to study and I was wondering how that could be? Do you need to establish citizenship or promise to work in the country for years? Why would other countries educate our citizens at no cost?
The concept of US students looking abroad to pursue a lower cost degree is a compelling one. It expands on issues faced by California students in 2011, when higher ed budget cuts resulted in fewer spaces in public institutions despite increased demand. High school students could no longer rely on their local public colleges to continue their studies. Guidance counselors began suggesting that applicants also explore out-of-state options. With decreased state support for public institutions, a local college may no longer be the most affordable option. It makes sense to broaden a search to include free European institutions that accept US students and institutions in countries where the exchange rate is favorable. Some students living near the US/Canadian border may find options within a short distance.
However, we also need to consider the potential work restrictions for international students, the unfavorable Dollar to Euro/Pound exchange rates, and the impracticality for non-traditional students. Still, your idea for traditional students to consider a full program of study abroad is exciting!
Article: Facing New Cuts, California’s Colleges Are Shrinking Their Enrollments
http://remote.baruch.cuny.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=57722381&site=ehost-live
Thank you for your analytical post. I personally agree students will venture out to other countries to pursue 4 year degrees to establish a sense of competitiveness. Studying abroad, like Melissa the guest panelist mentioned, allows a student to learn soft skills essential for all fields, introduces them to a new way of living in which they are expected to adapt to, ability to learn another language, and pushes them to grow and challenge their own values. Earlier in the semester, one of my fellow Girl Scout leaders sent me a link about Germany offering a free education for Americans. If I was a high school student at the moment, I would have seriously considered the opportunity. It is expensive for students to study abroad, but if a country is willing to offer someone a free ride and all you have to worry about is expenses, I do not see anyone turning that down. I am eager to see what transpires within the next ten years as well.
Adia