International NOTES

During critical economic crisis, How could we, leaders in faith-based in HE and church leaders be able to be supportive for those who want to learn and to be equipped for God's ministry? What do we have to consider the primary purpose in this situation? Of course, NOT money first....

From the issue dated January 23, 2009

International Notes

MALAYSIAN BOOM: Malaysia's private colleges expect to profit nicely from the global economic downturn since fewer Malaysians will be able to afford to study abroad, The Star, a local newspaper, reported. The only way for many students to earn a foreign degree will be to enroll in the so-called twinning programs now offered by private universities in Malaysia, or to attend branch campuses recently opened by foreign institutions. Private colleges also hope that the economic woes will make Malaysia more attractive to African and Asian students seeking an affordable education in an English-speaking country.

 

SOUTH KOREAN BUST: Meanwhile, the global economic slump and financial crisis are clobbering South Korean students' hopes of studying in the United States and other high-priced destinations, The New York Times reported, citing the plummeting value of the South Korean won as a key factor. In November the Council of Graduate Schools reported that total enrollments and first-time enrollments from South Korea were down, by 2 percent and 4 percent, respectively. The report ascribed the trend in part to South Korea's efforts to increase graduate enrollments at home. According to the Times, South Korean students are seeking English-language study in cheaper locales, including Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and South Africa.