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GLOBAL GRADUATES
2345678
O O O O
☐ A
INTERNATIONAL GRADS ON THE RISE
☐ B
☐ C
☐ D
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Over the past two decades, there has been a surge in the numbers of university graduates, as well as in the numbers of students studying internationally. The Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports that among a number of its developed member-nations, graduation rates have increased nearly two-fold since the mid-1990s (Education:
crisis reinforces importance of a good education, 2011). Some countries are actively making an effort to encourage students to study abroad. Saudi Arabia, for example, started the King
Abdullah Scholarship Program in 2005. The program pays for Saudi students to travel overseas to attend university.
As expected. China leads the pack with the largest university system in the world. According to Chinese Education Ministry figures, close to a million students per year graduate from its
2.500+ institutions of higher education. Some experts assert that by 2020, there will be an astounding 35.5 million students enrolled in Chinese colleges and universities, many of them from
nations other than China.
Other countries from France to Oman to South Korea are also expanding their university systems to accommodate this swelling tide. With the global economic crisis resulting in fewer job
opportunities and more competition for existing jobs. "It's clear a college education - and better still, an international one - is becoming more a necessity than a luxury."
GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE CENTERS
Not only are individuals recognizing the value of international education, entire countries are expanding their educational offerings and developing strategies to attract the brightest and the
best, and to sharpen their global competitive edge. In effect, says Philip Altbach, director of the Centre for International Higher Education, at Boston College, these nations are building a new
type of economy, an "economy of knowledge." (Graduates: the new measure of power, BBC.co.uk, March 2011)
Some forward-thinking neighboring nations, like Japan and South Korea have forged agreements that allow students to take courses and transfer credits between universities in both
countries. Another trend across the developed world is the notion of international universities, where courses are taught in English or a language other than the host country's primary
language. As part of its globalization efforts. South Korea now offers programs taught all in English at nearly a quarter of its universities. In addition, an increasing number of top universities
are opening their doors overseas. Some Middle Eastern nations such as Oman and the United Arab Emirates already have branch campuses of several American and European universities.
In its capital Doha, Qatar has an entire "Education City". boasting eight international university campuses - six American, one UK, and one French - all in just one 14 square kilometer area.
Better universities serve to boost a nation's economy by bringing in more international students. However, the aim isn't purely financial. Many nations are also looking to universities as a tool
to help them gain prestige and recognition on the world stage. The hope is that by positioning universities as international magnets for talent, nations will attract top-level students and
researchers and secure their future as innovators in areas such as science, technology, and art.
PATH TO A MORE PEACEFUL TOMORROW?
In addition to the growing numbers of students studying internationally, it is important to note the role of new technology. Contrary to past limitations, today's laptop toting students literally
have the world at their fingertips. They can enter a virtual campus with few or no international or intellectual boundaries. They can enroll in online courses with classmates from various other
countries, download lectures from international universities, and network with students, professors and prospective employers on the other side of the world.
As these global education trends continue to create wonderful opportunities for international networking in the academic arena, we can be hopeful that this spirit of global cooperation will
result in lasting positive effects on foreign relations in the long term.
1) What is NOT TRUE about the trend of international graduates?
A. The King Abdullah Scholarship Program was initiated in 2005 to encourage overseas travel to and from Saudi Arabia.
B. The surge in university graduates worldwide has been observed over the past two decades.
C. Recent positive trends in education highlight the increasing importance of knowledge globally.
D.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported a nearly two-fold increase in graduation rates since the mid-1990s.
2) How would you describe the tone of the author in the passage?
A. Pessimistic and dismissive
B Neutral and factual
