The key considerations for students -- from developing countries like India -- seeking to study abroad, for very long has been the quality of education and career op

The key considerations for students -- from developing countries like India -- seeking to study abroad, for very long has been the quality of education and career opportunities in these countries. US, UK, Australia and Canada have been the preferred destinations for Indian students for very long.

In recent years, several changes have taken place in the international higher education landscape, with western countries making significant changes to their student visa policies. Two clear reiterations are the cap which 

 has imposed on international students, Canada’s decision to raise minimum living costs for 

 and the UK’s decision to restrict inflow of international students and prohibit international graduate 

 to bring spouses and dependents. There is no doubt, that international students make significant contributions to the economies of these countries, but there are local pressures which have prompted these changes. The primary factor for governments deciding to put a cap on international students is to keep immigration numbers in check, and also to prevent housing prices from rising. Apart from this countries want to encourage workers with specific skilled sets who do not necessary choose to settle but return after a certain time period.

The above western countries are likely to remain preferred destination, for higher education, due to a variety of reasons, but students have started looking at other destinations in European Union (EU) nations –  and gradually will also begin to consider options such as UAE, Taiwan and South Korea which are also seeking to attract students. Given the changes in the global economy and the increasing emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship in non-western countries, such as UAE, students should look at opportunities there.

It is not just higher education and student visas, but even work-related visas are witnessing a change. While there is a shortage of workers in specific professions in western countries, and workers from other countries are being encouraged, it is being done in a manner that benefits the local economy. Recently, Japan, which has for long followed a conservative approach vis-à-vis 

, too has opened-up long term work visas for certain sectors to make up for a shortage of workers in certain spheres. South Korea too has been following suit.

The other major change which has taken place is the digital nomad-visa, whereby individuals can work virtually for a company firm in a country, while residing in another country for a fixed period. Several countries, including 

 and South Korea have introduced this visa. This category of visas is very important not just in the context of immigration, but also shows the changes in work culture, where physical presence at the work-place is important – but not necessary. Even those who do not get an opportunity to work overseas can get to spend time overseas via the digital nomad visa.

In conclusion, students planning to study overseas should keep a close watch on the changes taking place in the student visa and work visa and be open to new opportunities. It is important to tap the educational and work opportunities which are being provided by countries like UAE, Japan and other non-western countries. In a changing economic landscape, the approach vis-à-vis education and career requires a re-thinking. It is also important to bear in mind that globalization may be facing certain changes, but it is here to stay and no country can afford to remain insular.

The need for an innovative approach vis-à-vis higher education and careers in a changing global economy

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